ROK: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Embassy Seoul is offering the ROK: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026) to support alumni-led projects in the Republic of Korea that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and strengthen U.S.-ROK ties. The program funds small-scale projects that promote American history, values, democratic principles, civic engagement, public diplomacy, and cross-cultural collaboration through community events, educational or cultural programming, digital outreach, and partnership-building activities. Proposals should be designed for a 6- to 12-month period beginning in October 2026, include a monitoring and evaluation plan, and be led by teams with at least two alumni; the U.S. Embassy Seoul will remain substantially involved in implementation. Applications are due by May 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9), with total funding of $70,000 and awards ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, and organizational applicants must have a UEI and active SAM.gov registration and submit materials by email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov.
Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply: • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations • Public and private educational institutions• Individuals• Public International Organizations and Governmental institutionsMandatory Additional Eligibility Requirements: In addition to the eligibility categories listed above, all applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for funding: o Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program.o Project teams must include teams of at least two alumni.Additional Consideration (Non-Mandatory): o Proposals demonstrating regional or global collaboration among alumni will be viewed favorably.