Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026: Exchange Alumni Advancing Freedom250
Agency: U.S. Mission to Niger
Assistance Listings: 19.022 -- Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants
Description
The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a global initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) that supports alumni of U.S. government-funded and sponsored exchange programs in advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities while addressing local challenges. Since its launch in 2011, AEIF has supported nearly 500 alumni-led projects worldwide, strengthening alumni networks and reinforcing the long-term return on investment of U.S. exchange programs.
For Fiscal Year 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey seeks to implement an Alumni Summit under AEIF 2026 that will convene exchange alumni to celebrate and promote Freedom250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The summit will align with U.S. policy objectives, including making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and defending freedom of expression. The initiative will bring together alumni from multiple exchange programs and professional sectors to strengthen collaboration, reinforce shared values, and generate actionable initiatives that extend beyond the event itself.
...Consistent with AEIF requirements, the summit will be led by at least two (2) eligible non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni, including at least one alumnus or alumna based in Niger. U.S. citizen alumni may participate; however, project leadership must include at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni. All activities will take place outside the United States and its territories. Proposals must be submitted by posts using the official AEIF 2026 templates; submissions directly from alumni will not be considered.
The summit will advance at least one core AEIF objective by convening alumni from different exchange programs to expand networks capable of sustained collaboration, strengthening engagement between alumni and the U.S. Government to address shared challenges, and supporting alumni leadership development and community-level implementation of follow-on initiatives. Strong proposals will include a structured agenda, measurable outcomes, and plans for follow-on activities such as small grants, working groups, or continued alumni collaboration to ensure sustained impact.
Under AEIF 2026 guidelines, Alumni Summit proposals may request up to $100,000 for bilateral, regional, or sub-regional initiatives, and up to $40,000 for single-country projects. Regional engagement involving alumni from two or more countries is encouraged but not required. While alumni may contribute ideas and serve in leadership roles, the U.S. Embassy Niamey will provide strategic oversight to ensure alignment with Department of State policy and AEIF guidance.
Complete proposal packages must be submitted via email by April 30, 2026.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
"For Inquiries"
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| 20260304_-_Notice_of_Funding_Opportunity_-_AEIF.docx | Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026: Exchange Alumni Advancing Freedom250 | Mar 25, 2026 10:40 AM UTC |
Link to additional information
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Forecasted
Estimated Post Date:
March 25, 2026
Estimated Application Due Date:
April 30, 2026
Estimated Due Date Description:
Not available
Estimated Award Date:
June 15, 2026
Estimated Project Start Date:
July 31, 2026
Fiscal Year:
2026
Award
$40,000
Program Funding
5
Expected awards
$5,000
Award Minimum
$40,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
PDS-NER-AEIF-26-001
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Cooperative agreement
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Fulbright-Hays
History
Version:
1
Forecast posted date:
March 25, 2026
Archive date:
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