Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso, provides a unique opportunity for alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs to collaboratively implement public service-oriented initiatives that align with U.S. foreign policy and local mission objectives. The 2026 cycle of the AEIF aims to enhance the impact of U.S. investments in exchange programs by enabling alumni to lead projects that address pressing community needs and foster mutual understanding and partnership with the United States. The initiative is managed through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), with oversight and collaboration from the Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso. This funding opportunity is specifically designed for alumni teams composed of at least two non-U.S. citizen alumni, although U.S. citizens may be included as long as they are not team leads. Eligible applicants include individual alumni and alumni associations, with all teams required to designate a team leader. The program underscores the importance of alumni collaboration and sustained engagement, especially in projects that build networks across exchange programs and support leadership development. All projects must celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States through "Freedom250"-themed engagements and align with Mission priorities. AEIF 2026 offers a total of $70,000 in funding, with individual award amounts ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. Two awards are anticipated under this program. While cost sharing is not a requirement, it is strongly encouraged to demonstrate community investment and sustainability. Projects may be funded through a fixed amount award (FAA), grant, or cooperative agreement, the latter two potentially involving substantial embassy or bureau participation. Proposed projects should begin on October 1, 2026, and be completed within 12 months, by the end of September 2027. Applications must be submitted by April 20, 2026, at 17:00 UT. All application materials, including mandatory forms such as SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B (as applicable), a proposal not exceeding five pages, a detailed budget, CVs for key personnel, letters of support, and other attachments, must be submitted via email to [email protected]. The full application package and required forms are available at https://bf.usembassy.gov/. Applicants must also ensure compliance with federal registration requirements through SAM.gov, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Submissions will be evaluated based on relevance to U.S. government priorities and Freedom250 promotion, clarity and effectiveness of the implementation plan, depth of alumni involvement, community support, monitoring and evaluation strategies, sustainability, and budget feasibility. Each proposal should clearly articulate a problem statement, goals and objectives, project design and activities, key personnel roles, partner involvement, and expected impact. A logic model and sustainability plan are also recommended. Award notifications will be issued by November 30, 2026. Funding disbursements will be based on approved requests using Form SF-270, and recipients are required to provide justification for each payment request. Reporting obligations include both financial and programmatic updates in compliance with the terms of the award. Branding guidelines must be followed, and any use of Freedom250 logos is mandatory in program materials. The opportunity does not support activities involving drones manufactured by entities covered under the American Security Drone Act or funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Include a strong monitoring and evaluation plan and explain how the project aligns with U.S. foreign policy and Freedom250 goals.