Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 Project Applications
Summary
The U.S. Mission to Senegal has opened applications for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). This annual competition supports innovative projects led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs, with funding requests between $5,000 and $35,000.
What changed
The U.S. Mission to Senegal, in conjunction with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). This program invites alumni of U.S. government exchange programs to submit project proposals that align with U.S. policy objectives, such as celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary, enhancing U.S. safety and prosperity, or defending freedom of speech. Funding requests can range from $5,000 to $35,000, subject to fund availability. Eligible applicants must be alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, and projects should foster collaboration among alumni, strengthen ties with the U.S. government, or develop alumni leadership capacity. For-profit entities are ineligible, and awards must be made to a single, non-profit, non-governmental entity.
Alumni teams are encouraged to develop creative project ideas that demonstrate the impact of their exchange experiences and contribute to community development. The application process requires specific forms, including a budget form and a proposal form, as well as the SF424 Application for Federal Assistance. Interested parties should consult the provided documentation for detailed instructions and submission requirements. The U.S. Embassy Senegal is the primary point of contact for inquiries regarding this funding opportunity.
What to do next
- Review eligibility criteria for AEIF 2026 funding.
- Develop project proposals focusing on U.S. policy objectives and alumni engagement.
- Submit applications using the provided SF424, budget, and proposal forms.
Source document (simplified)
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026
Agency: U.S. Mission to Senegal
Assistance Listings: 19.022 -- Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants
Last Updated: March 24, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
U.S. Embassy Senegal (also covering Guinea-Bissau) is pleased to invite alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to apply for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), which is centrally managed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This annual competition supports innovative projects led by alumni that advance U.S. policy objectives and strengthen the relationship between the United States and its exchange alumni community.
For 2026, AEIF will fund projects that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America and align with key policy goals, such as making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, or defending freedom of speech. Proposals may request funding between $5,000 and $35,000, pending availability of funds.
We encourage alumni teams to collaborate and submit creative project ideas that demonstrate the impact of exchange experiences, contribute to positive change in your communities, and strengthen ties with the United States.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
This funding opportunity is only open to alumni of USG exchange programs and all AEIF projects must include at least one of the following: • 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 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 using U.S. experts, U.S. technology, or U.S. best practices to maximize impact.For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.
Grantor contact information
Description
PASmallgrant
Grantor
Phone 221338794522
For Inquiries
Documents
Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NOFOTemplate-AEIF2026SenegalandGuinea-Bissau3.18.26.pdf | NOFO Template-AEIF 2026 Senegal and Guinea-Bissau | Mar 24, 2026 12:06 PM UTC |
| AEIF-2026BudgetForm_2.xlsx | AEIF-2026 Budget Form | Mar 24, 2026 12:06 PM UTC |
| SF424ApplicationForFederalAssistance_Organizations.pdf | SF424 Application for Federal Assistance (Organizations) | Mar 24, 2026 12:06 PM UTC |
| AEIF-2026ProposalForm_1.docx | AEIF-2026 Proposal Form | Mar 24, 2026 12:06 PM UTC |
| SF424BAssurancesNon-Construction_Programs.pdf | SF424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs | Mar 24, 2026 12:06 PM UTC |
| SF424ABudgetInformationNon-ConstructionPrograms.pdf | SF424 Budget Information Non-Construction Programs | Mar 24, 2026 12:06 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
--
Closing: April 19, 2026
Deadline for applications is April 19, 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
3
Expected awards
$5,000
Award Minimum
$35,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
PDS-DKR-RSOI-FY26-01
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Public Diplomacy
History
Version:
2
Posted date:
March 24, 2026
Archive date:
May 19, 2026
CFR references
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