AEIF 2026 Ethiopia Grant Program for Exchange Alumni
Summary
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs announced the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 grant program for Ethiopia, offering $5,000 to $35,000 per award. Eligible applicants are alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, with teams requiring at least two alumni and at least two Ethiopian citizen alumni. Applications close May 15, 2026.
What changed
The AEIF 2026 grant program invites proposals from U.S. exchange alumni to implement projects in Ethiopia that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities and complement Freedom 250 programming celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The program funds projects in three focus areas: strengthening alumni network capacity, deepening alumni-U.S. government cooperation, and developing alumni leadership in their communities. Awards range from $5,000 to $35,000.
Eligible applicants must submit proposals by May 15, 2026 via grants.gov. Teams must include at least two exchange alumni, with at least two being Ethiopian citizens. U.S. citizen alumni may participate but cannot serve as team leads. Exchange alumni may partner with nonprofits or NGOs. Applicants should contact pasaddisgrants@state.gov for questions.
What to do next
- Review eligibility requirements to confirm team composition meets the minimum two alumni requirement including at least two Ethiopian citizens
- Prepare and submit proposal via grants.gov by the May 15, 2026 deadline
- Contact pasaddisgrants@state.gov with eligibility or application questions
Source document (simplified)
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026- Ethiopia
Agency: U.S. Mission to Ethiopia
Assistance Listings: 19.022 -- Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants
Last Updated: April 1, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
AEIF is an annual grant program administered by the U.S. Department of State to support alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in designing and implementing projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities and strengthen lasting ties with the United States. Through AEIF grants, alumni build a robust and interconnected network to amplify the impact of U.S. exchange programs and celebrate America’s role in the world.In line with the U.S. Embassy’s yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday, all AEIF 2026 projects in Ethiopia must complement and support Freedom 250 programming. Through AEIF 2026 projects, the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia seeks to support alumni to expand their influence as community leaders, sharing the knowledge, values, and experiences they gained during their time in the United States. Previous projects funded by the embassy have addressed critical issues, including economic empowerment for survivors of violence against women and girls (2021), arts-based initiatives to promote regional security and counter violent extremism (2022), and alumni network strengthening for sustained collaboration (2023). These projects demonstrate how creative engagement, broad participation, and network-building are effective strategies.Targeted funding will support alumni-led projects that celebrate Freedom 250 and advance U.S. foreign policy objectives. Through this investment, the program aims to:• Strengthen the capacity of alumni networks to collaborate regionally and globally on shared interests.Deepen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government, fostering ongoing cooperation on mutual objectives.• Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities for maximum impact.Through these efforts, AEIF 2026 will help make the United States and its partners safer, stronger, and more prosperous while defending fundamental freedoms and American values.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
The following organizations are eligible to apply:• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program. U.S. exchange alumni include Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA)-funded exchanges, BridgeUSA participants, and other U.S. government-funded or -sponsored programs that have met the criteria for exchange programs.• Projects teams must include at least two (2) alumni.• Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals but may participate as team members in a project; however, the team must include at least two exchange alumni who are Ethiopian citizens. U.S. citizen alumni cannot be team leads on project proposals.• Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and/or different countries.• Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations. No other organizations are eligible to apply. Exchange alumni can partner with not-for-profit or non-governmental org.
Grantor contact information
Description
For Inquiries
Documents
No documents are currently available.
Link to additional information
Link to Opportunity in MyGrants
Closing: May 15, 2026
Application process
This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. View on Grants.gov
Award
$35,000
Program Funding
2
Expected awards
$5,000
Award Minimum
$35,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
OFOP0002599
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Education
Category Explanation:
--
History
Version:
4
Posted date:
April 1, 2026
Archive date:
--
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