FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, U.S. Germany, $5k-$40k
Summary
The U.S. Mission to Germany announces the FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) with two funding opportunities for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Goal 1 (AEIF Projects) will fund alumni-led projects of $5,000 to $35,000. Goal 2 (Alumni Summits) will fund single-country projects up to $40,000. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2026.
What changed
The U.S. Mission to Germany has posted the FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, offering two distinct funding opportunities. Goal 1 will support alumni-led projects (teams of at least two alumni) ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, with approximately 4 expected awards. Goal 2 will fund alumni summits up to $40,000. Both opportunities aim to advance U.S. policy objectives, strengthen the transatlantic relationship, and promote Freedom 250 themes.
Eligible applicants include alumni who participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs such as Fulbright, IVLP, Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative, and Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, as well as USG-sponsored exchange program alumni associations. All projects must include strong U.S. elements, clearly defined German audiences, and measurable outcomes.
Archived snapshot
Apr 17, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund
Agency: U.S. Mission to Germany
Assistance Listings: 19.022 -- Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants
Last Updated: April 17, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
The U.S. Mission to Germany announces two funding opportunities for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to strengthen the transatlantic relationship as the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding (Freedom 250).
The 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) supports alumni-led projects that advance U.S. policy objectives and amplify the impact of U.S. exchange programs. AEIF provides funding for alumni to apply skills gained during their exchanges to address community priorities. Projects must promote Freedom 250 and align with priorities such as making... the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, or defending freedom of speech.
Under Goal 1 (AEIF Projects), the program will support alumni-led projects (teams of at least two alumni) that increase the impact of U.S. exchange programs by advancing U.S. policy objectives and promoting shared U.S.-German interests. Proposals from $5,000 to $35,000 must convene alumni networks, strengthen alumni engagement with the U.S. government, or support alumni leadership and community-based initiatives.
Under Goal 2 (Alumni Summits), the program will support U.S. government-funded initiatives of up to $40,000 for single-country projects designed to engage alumni in advancing U.S. policy priorities and Freedom 250 themes. Proposals should demonstrate strong alumni engagement in Germany, include plans for follow-on activities.
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects in areas such as sports diplomacy, science, technology and space cooperation, alumni engagement, and countering anti-Semitism. All projects must include strong U.S. elements, clearly defined German audiences, and measurable outcomes.
Please find the full funding opportunity at de.usembassy.gov/pd-grants. Show full description
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Alumni who participated in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program, such as Beyond Washington, BridgeUSA (J-1 visa holders), Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (Parlamentarisches Patenschafts-Programm), Fulbright, International Visitor Leadership Program, Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI), "USA For You," "Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange," "Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship," and the German-American Partnership Program (GAPP).
USG-sponsored exchange program alumni associations.
Grantor contact information
Description
de.usembassy.gov/pd-grants
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Documents
Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DOS-BER-PD-NOFO-FY26-002-AEIFFinal1_1.docx | AEIF NOFO | Apr 17, 2026 01:51 PM UTC |
| Attachement1-SF424Institutions__Instr..pdf | Attachement #1 - SF424 Institutions + Instr..pdf | Apr 17, 2026 01:51 PM UTC |
| Attachement2-SF424-IIndividual__Instr..pdf | Attachement #2 - SF424-I Individual + Instr..pdf | Apr 17, 2026 01:52 PM UTC |
| Attachement3-SF424A_Instr..pdf | Attachement #3 - SF424A + Instr..pdf | Apr 17, 2026 01:52 PM UTC |
| Attachement4-SF424BInstitutions__Instr..pdf | Attachement #4 - SF424B Institutions + Instr..pdf | Apr 17, 2026 01:52 PM UTC |
| Attachement5-ProposalTemplate.docx | Attachement #5 - Proposal Template.docx | Apr 17, 2026 01:53 PM UTC |
| Attachement6-AEIF2026Budget_Form.xlsx | Attachement#6 - AEIF 2026 Budget Form.xlsx | Apr 17, 2026 01:53 PM UTC |
| Attachement7-AEIF2026ME.pdf | Attachement#7 - AEIF 2026 M&E.pdf | Apr 17, 2026 01:53 PM UTC |
| Attachement8-ApplicantOrganization_Info.pdf | Attachement 8# - Applicant Organization Info.pdf | Apr 17, 2026 01:53 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
Link to Opportunity in MyGrants
Closing: July 1, 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
$40,000
Program Funding
4
Expected awards
$5,000
Award Minimum
$35,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
OFOP0002683
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Promote Freedom 250 and align with U.S. policy priorities, defending freedom of speech, Convene alumni from multiple exchange programs and/or sectors
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
April 17, 2026
Archive date:
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