Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF): Sierra Leone

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF): Sierra Leone is a forecasted grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of State through its Embassy in Freetown. This program is part of a global initiative by the State Department to build on the long-term impact of its exchange programs. It is specifically designed to empower alumni of U.S. government-funded exchanges to design and implement impactful, community-oriented projects aligned with U.S. policy objectives and mutual interests. For the 2026 cycle, the AEIF initiative will focus on celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States under the #Freedom250 banner, emphasizing historical and contemporary examples of American excellence. The AEIF seeks to fund alumni-driven initiatives that demonstrate strong and sustainable engagement both with and among exchange program alumni. Eligible projects may be individual in nature, organizationally based, or involve single-country alumni summits. Regardless of the project type, proposals must clearly articulate a plan for long-term alumni collaboration and community impact. The program encourages the involvement of target populations that are strategically important to U.S. foreign policy and seeks to promote democratic values, education, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. Eligible applicants must include at least two alumni from U.S. government-funded exchange programs, or an established alumni association. Teams must be led by at least two non-U.S. citizen alumni, although U.S. citizen alumni may be included. In terms of organizational eligibility, not-for-profit organizations, civil society groups, NGOs, educational institutions (both public and private), and government entities may apply. For-profit organizations are explicitly excluded. Projects may include sub-contracting arrangements, but the primary recipient must be a non-profit or non-governmental organization, with all roles clearly delineated in the application. Funding for the AEIF Sierra Leone competition is estimated at $40,000 in total. Individual project awards may range between $5,000 and $35,000, while alumni summit projects can receive up to the full $40,000, contingent upon the availability of funds. The grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Applications are anticipated to open on March 24, 2026, with a projected due date of May 1, 2026. Selected grantees are expected to begin their projects on or after October 1, 2026. Approximately 50 awards are expected to be granted during this funding cycle. The submission process is expected to follow the typical grants.gov portal procedures. The application must include a clear description of project goals, methods of implementation, stakeholder engagement, budget breakdown, and a sustainability plan. Proposals will be evaluated based on their strategic alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals, the degree of alumni involvement, and the anticipated long-term community impact. Applicants with inquiries can contact the U.S. Mission to Sierra Leone’s Public Affairs Section at [email protected] or via phone at +23299905081. As this is a forecasted opportunity, all information including deadlines and funding availability is subject to change. Interested applicants are advised to monitor the official grants.gov page for updates as the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) becomes available.