Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, administered by the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, is a funding opportunity that supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Designed to foster enduring relationships between the United States and exchange alumni, the AEIF initiative addresses a critical gap in post-program engagement by providing funding for collaborative projects that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives. Through this initiative, the U.S. government seeks to amplify the return on investment in international exchange programs and encourage alumni to be agents of change within their communities. The primary goal of AEIF 2026 is to support innovative, alumni-led projects that promote strategic objectives including enhancing English language capacity, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and celebrating America’s 250th anniversary (Freedom250). The initiative will prioritize projects that align with U.S. policy goals such as freedom of expression, economic self-reliance, and educational access, especially in regions like Burundi where youth engagement is critical. The program emphasizes building leadership, local capacity, and sustainable partnerships among exchange alumni and their communities. Youth aged 20–35, especially graduates and young professionals, are a primary target audience given Burundi’s demographic profile. Funding for AEIF 2026 ranges between $5,000 and $35,000, depending on the availability of funds, with a total of up to $35,000 expected to be distributed across two projects. Eligible applicants include alumni teams of at least two individuals from any U.S. government-funded exchange programs. While U.S. citizen alumni may participate in projects, they are not allowed to serve as primary applicants. Alumni can submit proposals as individuals or on behalf of alumni associations, and they may collaborate with NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions. U.S.-based applicants must demonstrate nonprofit status, while organizations outside the U.S. must meet equivalent national registration requirements. Applicants must submit a complete application package including the SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B forms (as applicable), a project proposal (10 pages max), a monitoring and evaluation plan, resumes of key personnel, a budget justification narrative, and documentation of nonprofit status or registration. Optional components may include letters of support from partner organizations and an audit report if available. Applications must be submitted electronically either to [email protected] or via Grants.gov by May 7, 2026, 11:59 PM GMT+2. Applications will be evaluated using several weighted criteria: quality and feasibility of the idea (30 points), planning and ability to execute (20 points), alumni involvement (15 points), budget realism and accuracy (10 points), communication and outreach (10 points), monitoring and evaluation rigor (10 points), and sustainability (5 points). Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy, effective engagement strategies for alumni and youth, and a credible plan for impact measurement and ongoing sustainability. Projects are expected to begin in October 2026 and be completed within 12 months. Pre-award costs are not permitted. Funding cannot be used for medical services, construction, political or religious activities, or charitable fundraising. While cost sharing or matching funds are not required, they are encouraged. This opportunity does not recur on a fixed cycle, so applicants must plan submissions in accordance with the May 2026 deadline. All applicants must adhere to Department of State standard terms and conditions, including compliance with anti-discrimination and anti-trafficking laws.

Align proposal goals with U.S. policy priorities; clearly define alumni roles; submit a realistic and detailed budget.