Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026: Exchange Alumni Advancing Freedom250
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Mission to Niger is seeking a cooperative agreement under AEIF 2026 to support an Alumni Summit that advances Freedom250 and broader U.S. policy objectives. The project will bring together exchange alumni from multiple programs and professional sectors to strengthen collaboration, reinforce shared values, and produce actionable initiatives that continue beyond the event. Eligible teams must be led by a non-U.S. citizen exchange alumnus or alumna, include at least two eligible exchange alumni, and include at least one alumnus or alumna based in Niger. Applications are due April 30, 2026, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 for up to two awards, and questions may be sent to NiameyPD@state.gov.
Eligible Applicants
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