Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 U.S. Embassy Luanda Angola and Sao Tome e Principe, Department of State

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Angola and Sao Tome and Principe is a federal grant program designed to support alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. The initiative is part of the broader Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs appropriation and reflects the Department of State’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relationships and advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities through public diplomacy. The program operates as an annual competition and seeks to leverage the expertise, leadership, and networks of exchange alumni to address development challenges and promote shared interests between the United States and partner countries. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support alumni-led projects that contribute to economic growth, youth empowerment, institutional capacity building, and increased collaboration between Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, and the United States. The program emphasizes innovative approaches that expand access to English language learning, promote entrepreneurship and job creation, and strengthen organizational and governance capacity. Projects are expected to align with U.S. Mission priorities, including enhancing economic ties, promoting American excellence, and advancing initiatives such as Freedom 250. Activities should demonstrate measurable impact and the ability to reach broad audiences despite infrastructural or connectivity barriers. Funding is provided through grants ranging from 5,000 to 35,000 dollars, with up to two awards anticipated. Projects must be completed within a period of 12 months or less, and recipients are expected to begin implementation within approximately 45 days of award notification. While cost sharing is encouraged, it is not required. Allowable costs include personnel, travel, supplies, contractual services, and monitoring and evaluation activities, while restrictions prohibit funding for construction, direct social services, political activities, religious programming, fundraising campaigns, and scientific research. Pre-award costs are not allowable, and all expenses must be justified in a detailed budget and narrative. Eligibility is limited to teams that include at least two verified alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, with one designated as the team lead. Teams may include additional members, including non-alumni, but must meet specific composition requirements, including restrictions on U.S. citizen alumni serving as team leads. Nonprofit organizations represented by alumni, including civil society organizations and think tanks, are eligible to apply, while for-profit entities are not. Organizations must maintain proper registration, including a Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov registration, unless exempted. Only one application per organization is permitted. The application process requires submission of multiple standardized forms and supporting documents. These include the AEIF proposal form, budget form, SF-424 series forms, and a detailed project proposal not exceeding ten pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, project design, timeline, personnel details, partner descriptions, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Applicants must also provide a Theory of Change and a performance monitoring plan outlining expected outputs and outcomes. Additional required attachments include resumes of key personnel, letters of support, proof of nonprofit status, and registration documentation. Applications may be submitted either through Grants.gov or via email to the designated embassy inbox. The submission deadline is May 11, 2026, and applications must be received by the specified time to be considered eligible. The review process includes an initial eligibility screening followed by evaluation based on criteria such as program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation planning, and sustainability. Applicants are typically notified of funding decisions within 120 days after the deadline. Following award selection, recipients must comply with federal regulations, reporting requirements, and branding guidelines. Quarterly progress and financial reports are generally required, along with a final report at the conclusion of the project period. The Department of State reserves the right to modify funding levels, impose special conditions, or reject proposals. As an annual program, the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund is expected to recur, providing ongoing opportunities for alumni to contribute to development and diplomacy objectives in future cycles.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. Mission priorities and clearly defined measurable objectives. Provide a detailed and realistic budget with justification and include a robust monitoring and evaluation plan with clear indicators and theory of change.