2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Embassy in Manama, through the U.S. Mission to Bahrain, is offering the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund to support alumni-led grant projects that advance U.S. foreign policy objectives and strengthen people-to-people ties. The program is open to teams of at least two alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs, and proposals must describe a project led by alumni that uses their exchange experience to address community challenges. Applications should include the required federal forms, a project narrative, budget and justification, timeline, and monitoring and evaluation plan, with emphasis on program quality, organizational capacity, planning, sustainability, and alignment with America’s 250th anniversary and policy goals. Awards range from $5,000 to $35,000, with an estimated total of $70,000 available for about two awards, and completed applications must be emailed to ManamaPAO@state.gov by April 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. AST.
Eligible Applicants
AEIF supports projects proposed and implemented by alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. Eligible applicants include teams composed of at least two alumni of U.S. exchange programs. Applicants may apply as individuals or through one of the below types of registered organizations: • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations • Public and private educational institutions• Individuals• Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions Alumni teams may collaborate with organizations or institutions, including civil society organizations, educational institutions, or private sector entities, to implement project activities. However, exchange alumni must lead the project and retain primary responsibility for its design and implementation.Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.