Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026

The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, Department of State, announced the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) (Opportunity number: PAS-ZAF-FY26-01). This annual funding opportunity, with an application deadline of February 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. SAST, aims to empower U.S. government exchange alumni to develop and implement projects promoting shared interests and benefiting local communities in South Africa. The program anticipates awarding up to three grants or fixed-amount awards, ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, for projects with a 12-month performance period. Eligible applicants are U.S. government exchange alumni, with project teams requiring at least two alumni. Projects must celebrate America250, align with U.S. policy goals, and include activities that convene alumni, strengthen alumni-U.S. government relationships, or support alumni leadership development. Proposals must be submitted via a Google form and emailed, using specific Microsoft Word and Excel forms for the proposal and budget respectively. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration. The funding is subject to availability and various restrictions apply, including prohibitions on funding activities that encourage mass migration or support specific religious or political activities.

The 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal Form is a comprehensive application for exchange alumni teams or U.S. Embassy/Consulate to secure funding for projects. It mandates detailed information on project scope, including name, requested budget, primary and additional locations, and country. The form requires a minimum of two exchange alumni team members, with specific fields for their roles, time commitment, and exchange program details. Projects can be proposed by alumni associations. The proposal necessitates a project summary (250 words), clear goals, SMART objectives, a detailed design and methods section (500 words), and a timeline. Applicants must estimate direct and indirect beneficiaries, list local project partners (250 words), and outline a communication and outreach plan (250 words), including social media presence. A crucial component is the Monitoring and Evaluation Template, requiring applicants to define activities, outputs, indicators, desired outcomes, data collection methods, timing, and responsible parties for each objective. Guidance is provided to ensure all sections are completed for eligibility.

The FY 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) Budget Form and Guidelines outline the financial requirements for projects seeking AEIF funding. The document details cost categories including contractual, supplies, travel/lodging/per diem, equipment, and other direct costs, providing specific guidance and allowable expenses for each. Mandatory budget justifications are required for all requested funds, emphasizing itemized costs and adherence to budget guidelines. The document also explicitly lists costs not supported by AEIF, such as staff salaries, large equipment, alcohol, and activities in the U.S. or its territories. Key guidance includes limitations on speaker/trainer/consultant fees (not to exceed 30% of the total budget), travel expenses (not to exceed 15%), and specific rates for speakers, trainers, and accountants. The guidelines stress the importance of economical choices for travel and justification for equipment use after project conclusion, ensuring responsible use of funds for eligible projects.

The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, Public Diplomacy Section, announced the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) with opportunity number PAS-ZAF-FY26-01. This initiative seeks proposals from U.S. government-funded exchange alumni to develop projects that align with U.S. policy objectives, promote shared interests, and benefit local communities in South Africa. Projects must celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. (Freedom 250) and address U.S. policy goals. Eligibility requires involvement of at least two U.S. government-sponsored exchange alumni, with one as a team lead, or an alumni association. Organizations need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration. The funding range is $5,000 to $35,000, with an application deadline of May 8, 2026. Prohibited activities include partisan political activity, charitable work, construction, and direct social services. Proposals must be submitted via a Google Form and email, adhering to strict formatting and content guidelines, including detailed budgets and narratives. Review criteria prioritize relevance to U.S. policy, alumni involvement, local partner support, and robust monitoring and evaluation plans.

The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), is offering the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, an open competition for U.S. government-funded exchange alumni. This program seeks proposals for projects that align with U.S. policy objectives, promote shared interests, and benefit local communities, specifically celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and supporting Freedom 250 initiatives. Projects must involve at least two U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni, with one designated as a team lead. Eligible applicants include alumni associations and teams of alumni. The funding range is $5,000 to $35,000, with an anticipated project completion within 12 months. Applications are due by May 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. SAST. Proposals must be submitted via a Google form and email, utilizing specific forms for the proposal and budget. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration, though individuals are exempt. The NOFO outlines strict eligibility requirements, including activities that will not be supported, such as partisan political activity, charitable work, construction, and direct social services. Evaluation criteria include relevance to U.S. policy priorities, degree of alumni involvement, local partner support, monitoring and evaluation plans, communication strategies, and budget reasonableness. Special attention will be given to indirect costs as a tie-breaking mechanism. Awardees will be subject to administrative and national policy requirements, including reporting and branding guidelines.

The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, through its Public Diplomacy Section, is inviting proposals for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). This annual funding opportunity, with an application deadline of May 8, 2026, seeks to support projects developed and implemented by U.S. government-funded exchange alumni. Projects must align with U.S. policy objectives, promote shared interests, benefit local communities, and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. (Freedom 250). Eligible applicants include alumni teams (at least two U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni) and alumni associations, with specific rules regarding U.S. citizen alumni involvement. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration. Funding requests should range from $5,000 to $35,000, with a performance period of 12 months. The NOFO details application contents, submission requirements, ineligible activities (e.g., partisan political activity, charitable services, construction), review criteria, and post-award requirements, including financial and programmatic reporting and branding guidelines.

The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, through its Public Diplomacy Section, announced the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) for U.S. government-funded exchange program alumni. This grant opportunity, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, aims to fund projects that promote shared interests, support U.S. policy objectives (including the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding), and benefit local communities. Eligible applicants must be U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni (teams of at least two, with specific rules for U.S. citizens), or alumni associations, and must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration (individuals are exempt). Projects related to partisan political activity, charitable work, construction, religious activities, fundraising, lobbying, scientific research, commercial endeavors, or direct social services are not supported. Applications must be submitted by May 8, 2026, using specific forms and via both a Google Form and email. Funds are subject to availability, and successful applicants will undergo a risk review and be subject to various federal regulations and reporting requirements.