Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Bujumbura announces the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, an open competition to support U.S. policy objectives and strengthen relationships with exchange alumni. This initiative aims to maximize the long-term impact of U.S. government-funded exchange programs by providing funding for alumni-driven projects in Burundi. Projects must align with U.S. foreign policy priorities, promote Freedom250, and focus on engaging Burundian youth (20-35) in areas like English language capacity and entrepreneurship. Eligible applicants include teams of at least two U.S. government-funded exchange alumni, who can partner with non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. The program anticipates awarding two grants between $5,000 and $35,000. Applications are due by May 7, 2026, and require a detailed proposal, budget, and monitoring and evaluation plan. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration.

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Bujumbura announces the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, an open competition to support U.S. policy objectives and strengthen relationships with exchange alumni. This grant opportunity, ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, targets projects in Burundi that promote Freedom250 and align with U.S. goals of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation, and defending freedom of speech. Eligible applicants include teams of at least two U.S. government-funded exchange alumni, who can partner with non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Projects should focus on youth, specifically those aged 20-35, and aim to enhance English language capacity and promote entrepreneurship and workforce readiness. Applications are due by May 7, 2026, and must include mandatory forms, a detailed proposal, budget justification, and attachments like resumes and letters of support. Key evaluation criteria include the project's quality, feasibility, alumni involvement, budget, communication plan, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability.

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Bujumbura announces the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, an open competition to fund projects by U.S. exchange alumni teams (at least two individuals) in Burundi. The initiative aims to maximize the long-term impact of U.S. government exchange programs and strengthen relationships with alumni. Projects must align with U.S. policy objectives, promote "Freedom250," and address challenges in areas like education, health, and entrepreneurship, specifically targeting Burundian youth (20-35) with goals to enhance English language capacity and promote youth entrepreneurship. The funding ranges from $5,000 to $35,000, with a total of $35,000 available. Applications are due by May 7, 2026, and can be submitted via email or Grants.gov. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, individuals, public international organizations, and governmental institutions. Organizations must have an active SAM.gov registration and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Projects will be evaluated on criteria such as program quality, alumni involvement, budget, communication plan, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Cost-sharing is encouraged but not required, and several funding restrictions apply, including prohibitions on partisan political activity, charitable activities, construction, and specific religious activities.