2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026) - Thailand

The 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) - Thailand is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Thailand. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Public Diplomacy Section to empower alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to develop innovative, community-driven projects that align with U.S. foreign policy goals. Since its establishment in 2011, AEIF has funded nearly 500 alumni-led initiatives worldwide, underscoring the program’s emphasis on measurable outcomes and long-term impact. The 2026 cycle notably calls for all proposals to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States—Freedom250—through programs that elevate American values and priorities. The fund supports a variety of themes, including safety and security, business and entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, and alumni engagement. Projects are expected to showcase strong connections to American values and practices, incorporating U.S. expertise, technology, and institutional partnerships wherever possible. Eligible activities include training workshops, mentorship programs, networking events, case studies, technology demonstrations, and policy-oriented discussions. These initiatives are expected to enhance bilateral ties between the U.S. and Thailand, while also contributing to regional and global goals, such as promoting cybersecurity, fair trade, responsible technology use, and collaborative governance. Applicants must be alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs based in Thailand, either as individuals or as part of alumni associations. Project teams must include at least two non-U.S. citizen alumni from Thailand; U.S. citizen alumni may participate but not serve as team leaders. Organizations such as NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions may not apply independently but may partner with eligible alumni groups. National and regional alumni conferences or summits are also eligible for specific funding tiers. Individual proposals may request between $5,000 and $35,000, while national conferences may receive up to $40,000, and regional summits up to $100,000, with a total of four awards anticipated and an overall funding pool of $205,000. Although cost sharing is not a formal requirement, it is encouraged and may include in-kind contributions or support from local businesses and institutions. All application materials must be submitted via email to [email protected] by February 15, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. Bangkok Time. Required documents include the appropriate AEIF proposal form (depending on the project type), a detailed budget, key personnel resumes, letters of support, and standard federal forms (SF-424 series). Alumni associations applying must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov, while individual applicants are not required to register. Applications will be reviewed by both the Public Diplomacy Section and a selection committee in Washington, D.C. Proposals will be evaluated on alignment with U.S. government priorities, feasibility, planning and ability to meet objectives, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and budget and sustainability planning. Notification of award decisions is expected by August 31, 2026. Funded projects may begin as early as August 2026 and must be completed by June 2027. The grant strictly prohibits the use of funds for staff salaries, scholarships, charitable donations, scientific research, lobbying, or activities taking place in or traveling to the United States. Successful applicants will be expected to comply with various federal regulations and reporting requirements. This funding opportunity represents a unique platform for alumni in Thailand to lead meaningful initiatives that foster innovation, reinforce U.S.-Thai relations, and contribute to broader regional development goals.

Align projects clearly with U.S. priorities and Freedom250 themes; ensure measurable outcomes and U.S. collaboration elements.