Mission Nigerias Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria, through its Public Diplomacy Section, has announced the Mission Nigeria’s Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) as a funding opportunity under the broader framework of the U.S. Department of State’s efforts to promote international cultural and educational exchange. The AEIF program is specifically tailored for alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. Established in 2011, the AEIF has funded nearly 500 projects led by alumni around the world. The 2026 iteration of this grant is launched in honor of America’s 250th anniversary (Freedom 250), seeking to amplify U.S. leadership, values, and global contributions while fostering stronger people-to-people ties. The purpose of the grant is to support projects that celebrate the United States’ milestone anniversary while aligning with themes of American innovation, global leadership, economic partnership, and alumni engagement. Two thematic pathways are available: one supporting initiatives that emphasize American achievements in science, technology, AI, cybersecurity, and education, and another focused on alumni summits that celebrate U.S. independence and foster alumni networking. Applicants must ensure their projects visibly commemorate the 250th anniversary by incorporating elements that honor U.S. history and future aspirations. AEIF 2026 funding is competitive and discretionary, with an estimated total program budget of $105,000. Each award will range between $5,000 and $35,000. A total of three awards are anticipated. Projects must be completed within a performance period of 6 to 12 months, starting around September 2026. Funding may support a wide range of items including domestic travel within Nigeria, venue rental, virtual programming infrastructure, training fees, and necessary equipment. However, expenses such as airfare to/from the U.S., salaries, overhead, construction, prizes, or charitable services are disallowed. A maximum of 15% of the budget may be allocated to travel-related costs, and consultant or training fees may not exceed 30% of the total budget. Only alumni of U.S. exchange programs are eligible to apply. Proposals must involve at least two alumni from different programs and be led by a non-U.S. citizen alumnus. Projects must be conducted outside the U.S., preferably in Nigeria. Individuals do not need to register in SAM.gov, but organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration. The application deadline is May 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM WAT. All application materials must be submitted via email to [email protected], and should follow specific formatting and file labeling instructions detailed in the NOFO. The application package must include the required federal forms (SF-424 series), a detailed project proposal (max 6 pages), budget justification, CVs of key personnel, letters of support, and any necessary permissions or NICRA documents. Proposals are evaluated across several criteria including relevance to U.S. foreign policy, feasibility, alumni capacity, planning and sustainability, budget rationale, and community engagement. There is also a requirement to ensure the U.S. Embassy receives appropriate visibility and branding throughout the funded project. Grant award notifications are expected by August 2026. Projects must begin no earlier than the anticipated start date of September 2026. While cost sharing is encouraged to strengthen applications, it is not required. The grant also outlines specific federal compliance requirements, including prohibitions on drone equipment from foreign adversaries, human trafficking policies, and anti-discrimination assurances. Branding and marking policies require use of the Freedom 250 logos alongside standard Department of State branding. Progress and financial reports are required post-award, and continued funding beyond the initial period is possible based on performance and fund availability.

Include specific links to Freedom 250 themes; use monitoring/evaluation plans; avoid disallowed costs like salaries or large equipment; demonstrate alumni collaboration and community support