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.