Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy in Uganda is inviting proposals for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), an initiative that supports alumni of U.S. government-funded and U.S.-government-sponsored exchange programs. This opportunity encourages alumni to develop innovative projects that enhance the impact of U.S. exchange programs while aligning with U.S. foreign policy objectives. It seeks to foster collaboration among alumni and strengthen ties between alumni communities and the U.S. government. The fund is situated under the Educational and Cultural Exchanges (ECE) program and managed by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission to Uganda. The core focus of AEIF 2026 is to promote “Freedom 250,” a campaign celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. All proposed projects must demonstrate how they directly support this theme and further U.S. policy goals, such as promoting freedom of speech or enhancing bilateral cooperation. Projects must be implemented outside the United States and its territories and must involve at least two exchange alumni or an alumni association. Funding will be provided through cooperative agreements, allowing substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy in project execution. AEIF supports a variety of objectives, including celebrating American culture and innovation, promoting regional safety and economic prosperity, fostering international collaboration, and strengthening U.S.-Uganda diplomatic ties. Eligible project activities may involve capacity building, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and cross-border alumni networking. However, projects involving partisan political activities, charitable or direct social services, construction, religious or lobbying efforts, scientific research, or activities duplicating existing programs will not be supported. The application process requires submission of several standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B where applicable), a proposal narrative up to 15 pages, a detailed budget and justification, resumes of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and proof of nonprofit status. A draft Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Monitoring Plan (M&E PMP) is mandatory and must include outputs, outcomes, and a theory of change. Optional templates for the PMP and budget are provided. Applications must be submitted by April 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. East Africa Time (EAT), either via email to [email protected] or through Grants.gov. Proposals will be reviewed by a technical review panel based on criteria such as innovation and feasibility, alignment with U.S. policy, organizational capacity, sustainability, and quality of the budget and monitoring plan. Successful applicants will be notified within 120 days of the deadline. Awards will be issued via cooperative agreements starting no earlier than May 1, 2026, for projects lasting up to 12 months. No cost-sharing is required, though it is encouraged. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov unless exempt. Individuals are not required to register in SAM.gov. Selected applicants must comply with Department of State reporting and branding requirements, including the use of Freedom 250 logos in materials. Direct social services, pre-award costs, and construction are ineligible expenses. This is a one-time opportunity with limited funding totaling $100,000 across three awards, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $35,000.

Align with Freedom 250 theme; include at least two alumni; strong M&E and budget narrative improve success chances.