Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026: Exchange Alumni Advancing Freedom250
Summary
The U.S. Mission to Niger has announced the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, seeking applications for projects that promote freedom of expression and collaboration among exchange alumni. The opportunity offers awards ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, with applications due by April 30, 2026.
What changed
The U.S. Mission to Niger is soliciting applications for the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, focusing on projects that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States through alumni engagement and advancing freedom of expression. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among exchange alumni and generate actionable projects aligned with U.S. policy objectives. The funding opportunity, identified by Assistance Listings 19.022, offers awards between $5,000 and $40,000.
Eligible applicants are non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni of U.S. government-funded programs, with project teams requiring at least two eligible alumni, including at least one based in Niger. U.S. citizen alumni can participate but cannot lead projects. Applications are due by April 30, 2026. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, and no cost sharing or matching is required. Applicants should apply through Grants.gov.
What to do next
- Review eligibility requirements for non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni.
- Form project teams including at least one alumnus/alumna based in Niger.
- Submit application via Grants.gov by April 30, 2026.
Source document (simplified)
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026: Exchange Alumni Advancing Freedom250
Agency: U.S. Mission to Niger
Assistance Listings: 19.022 -- Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants
Last Updated: March 27, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
For Fiscal Year 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey seeks to implement an Alumni Summit under AEIF 2026 that will convene exchange alumni to celebrate and promote Freedom250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The summit will align with U.S. policy objectives, including making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and defending freedom of expression. The initiative will bring together alumni from multiple exchange programs and professional sectors to strengthen collaboration, reinforce shared values, and generate actionable initiatives that extend beyond the event itself.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Eligible applicants are individual U.S. citizen alumni may participate, but at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni must lead the project; non-U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs and alumni associations of U.S. government exchange programs.
Eligibility Requirements:
• The primary applicant and project lead must be a non-U.S. citizen exchange alumnus/alumna of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program (https://j1visa.state.gov).
• Project teams must include at least two (2) eligible exchange alumni.
• Teams may include alumni from different exchange programs and countries but must include at least one alumnus/alumna based in Niger.
• U.S. citizen alumni may not serve as primary applicants or project leads, but may participate as team members.
• Applications may be submitted only by eligible exchange alumni or alumni associations. No other organizations are eligible to apply directly.
• Alumni teams may partner with non-p
Grantor contact information
Description
--
Documents
No documents are currently available.
Link to additional information
Link to Opportunity in MyGrants
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
$40,000
Program Funding
2
Expected awards
$5,000
Award Minimum
$40,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
OFOP0002583
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchanges (ECE)
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
March 27, 2026
Archive date:
--
Named provisions
Related changes
Source
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get Trade & Sanctions alerts
Weekly digest. AI-summarized, no noise.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when Grants.gov Open Opportunities publishes new changes.