U.S. Embassy Rangoon AEIF 2026 Grants Competition

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Grants Competition, administered by the U.S. Embassy Rangoon under the U.S. Department of State, invites applications from alumni of U.S. government-funded or -sponsored exchange programs. This initiative is part of the Department's efforts to build on existing investments in public diplomacy by supporting impactful, alumni-led projects that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives. With a focus on Burma, AEIF 2026 is designed to promote American values, strengthen U.S. ties in the region, and support development goals that contribute to national and regional stability. The competition seeks proposals that demonstrate how alumni can make the United States safer and more prosperous while celebrating American excellence and promoting mutual understanding. This funding opportunity offers up to $35,000 per project, with total available funding capped at $70,000, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Projects must be implemented within 12 months and are anticipated to begin by September 1, 2026. Two awards are expected. The fund prioritizes projects that yield tangible benefits for U.S. interests and reinforce U.S. leadership, particularly in areas such as digital innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, applied education, entrepreneurship, and market-driven economic growth. Allowable spending includes project activities, supplies, travel, and certain contractual services, but excludes construction, fundraising, U.S.-based activities, academic research, and direct social services. Eligible applicants must be teams of at least two alumni from any U.S. government exchange program, including participants currently living outside Burma, provided the project directly benefits communities inside Burma or displaced Burmese populations outside the United States. U.S. citizen alumni may not lead proposals but can participate as team members. Individuals may apply directly or partner with nonprofit or academic organizations, but for-profit organizations are ineligible to apply. Projects involving sub-contracting must clearly define the roles of each partner, and sub-recipients must be registered appropriately per federal guidelines. Applications are due by May 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. GMT+6:30. Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal packet, including the official AEIF 2026 Proposal Form, Budget Form, SF-424 (individuals or organizations), SF-424A, and potentially SF-424B depending on registration status. Required narrative components include a project summary, goals and objectives, timeline, beneficiary estimates, communication strategy, monitoring and evaluation plan, and detailed budget justification. Additional attachments may include key personnel resumes, letters of support, proof of non-profit status, and registration documentation. Proposals will be evaluated based on relevance to competition themes, clarity of purpose and methodology, alumni involvement, local partner support, impact and sustainability, communication plans, and budget justification. Proposals must clearly address one or more of the stated project objectives—network-building among alumni, strengthening ties with the U.S. government, or developing alumni leadership and project management capacity. Projects must also explicitly promote U.S. values and strategic interests, with a strong preference for initiatives showcasing American leadership in innovation, education, and economic competitiveness. Interested applicants must email their submissions to [email protected] with the appropriate subject line referencing the opportunity title and number. All forms must be submitted in English and budgets in U.S. dollars. No pre-application steps such as letters of intent are required, and cost-sharing is encouraged but not mandatory. The review process will conclude within 120 days of the deadline, and awards will be issued upon successful selection and compliance checks. This grant opportunity is not recurring and will not support requests for pre-award costs or construction activities.

Proposals should clearly demonstrate alignment with U.S. policy objectives and include strong alumni and community partnerships with SMART objectives.