Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 - Mexico Grant
Summary
The U.S. Mission to Mexico announces the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit project proposals. Grants of $5,000 to $35,000 are available for innovative solutions addressing global challenges, with applications closing April 30, 2026.
What changed
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have opened competition for the AEIF 2026 program, offering funding between $5,000 and $35,000 to teams of at least two alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs. Projects must align with Freedom250 objectives and address at least one of five themes: Celebrate American Excellence, Promote Regional Safety and Security, Shared Prosperity and Economic Growth, American Ingenuity and Innovation, or Global Partnerships and Collaboration.
Eligible alumni should submit applications by April 30, 2026, to MissionMexicoAlumni@state.gov. Teams must include at least two exchange alumni or involve an alumni association. Applications are submitted through Grants.gov. No penalties are specified for non-compliance with application procedures.
What to do next
- Verify eligibility - must be alumni of U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs
- Form a team of at least two alumni or involve an alumni association
- Submit application through Grants.gov by April 30, 2026
Source document (simplified)
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 - Mexico
Agency: U.S. Mission to Mexico
Assistance Listings: 19.022 -- Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants
Last Updated: March 31, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico announce an open competition for past participants (“alumni”) of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 – Mexico. We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni who meet all program eligibility requirements outlined below.
AEIF provides alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs with funding to expand on the skills gained during their exchange experiences and design and implement innovative solutions to address global challenges within their communities.
... All AEIF projects must celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America (Freedom250) by highlighting American excellence, ingenuity, and shared values. Proposals must clearly demonstrate how the project supports Freedom250 and alignment with current U.S. administration policy goals such as making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, defending freedom of expression, and/or highlighting U.S. innovation, excellence, and positive impact to global culture.
AEIF proposals must address at least one of the themes listed below. Proposals that do not address the themes as outlined in the program objectives will not be eligible.
Convene alumni from different exchange programs to build or expand an alumni network capable of working together on common interests and increasing regional and global collaboration of alumni. Every project proposal should include at least two exchange alumni or the involvement of an alumni association.
Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government to work together on activities that address shared goals and challenges.
Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities for maximum impact.
Projects must address at least one of the following themes:
- Celebrate American Excellence (culture, arts, sports, English language learning, STEAM education, or civic engagement)
- Promote Regional Safety and Security (youth violence prevention, human trafficking awareness, community resilience, cybersecurity, or rule of law)
- Shared Prosperity and Economic Growth (capacity building, entrepreneurship, digital skills, regional economic development, or supply chains)
- American Ingenuity and Innovation (emerging technologies, AI, space science, innovation communities, or university-industry partnerships)
- Global Partnerships and Collaboration (binational exchanges, international networks, cross-border initiatives, public-private partnerships, or youth leadership)
Show full description
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Individuals
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
Mission Mexico Alumni
For Inquiries
Documents
Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AEIF2026NOFO.pdf | AEIF 2026 NOFO | Mar 31, 2026 07:00 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
--
Closing: April 30, 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
--
Expected awards
$5,000
Award Minimum
$35,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
PD-AEIF-FY26-01
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Public Diplomacy
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
April 1, 2026
Archive date:
May 30, 2026
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