2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 grant opportunity in Equatorial Guinea, administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy Section at Embassy Malabo, invites U.S. Government exchange alumni to submit proposals aimed at fostering community impact through innovative programming. This initiative is part of the U.S. Government’s broader commitment to promoting skills development, entrepreneurship, and leadership among young professionals, in alignment with the "Freedom 250" commemoration and U.S. foreign policy goals. AEIF 2026 is designed to address critical human capital development needs in Equatorial Guinea by encouraging practical, alumni-led solutions that respond to local economic and workforce challenges. The program supports projects that aim to build technical capacity among youth and early-career professionals aged 22 to 35 in Malabo, Bata, and surrounding areas. Eligible projects will focus on leadership training, applied STEM education, entrepreneurship development, technical English, digital literacy, and workplace readiness. These efforts should prepare participants to engage with global best practices, participate in internships or apprenticeships, and contribute meaningfully to local economic diversification, especially in industries where U.S. companies operate. The fund encourages practical, hands-on programming that leads to tangible outcomes such as viable business concepts, technical prototypes, or structured mentorship arrangements. This grant opportunity is open to not-for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, and individuals who are alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Each application must include a team of at least two eligible alumni, though U.S. citizen alumni may only participate as team members and not as lead applicants. Applications must be submitted by an eligible alum or alumni association and may include partnerships with organizations for implementation. Cost sharing is not required but encouraged, as it may demonstrate local buy-in and strengthen proposals during evaluation. Suggested cost-sharing contributions may include donated services, facilities, volunteer time, and logistical or technical support from local partners. The total funding available under this opportunity is $35,000, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. Only one award is anticipated. The project performance period is 6 to 12 months, and awards are expected to begin by September 1, 2026. The funding instrument will be either a cooperative agreement or a fixed amount award (FAA) with substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy. Embassy responsibilities may include approving workplans, participating in oversight events, and reviewing deliverables. Recipients will be responsible for all program implementation, participant selection, reporting, and compliance with U.S. government grant requirements. Applicants must submit a full proposal by May 4, 2026, at 23:59 ET. Required documents include the SF-424 series forms, a detailed proposal (up to 12 pages), a project budget with justification, monitoring and evaluation materials (Performance Monitoring Plan), résumés or position descriptions for key personnel, letters of support from partners, and documentation such as proof of nonprofit status or registration. Submission is via email to [email protected] with the funding opportunity number in the subject line. Evaluation of applications will be based on the quality and feasibility of the program idea (30 points), organizational capacity (20 points), project planning and objectives (20 points), budget clarity (15 points), monitoring and evaluation plan (10 points), and sustainability approach (5 points). Applicants will be notified of results within approximately 120 days of the deadline. While the program is non-renewable in principle, continuation may be considered depending on fund availability and project performance. Final award decisions rest solely with the U.S. Department of State.

Clearly align program goals with U.S. foreign policy; provide strong M&E and sustainability plans.