B.                FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION 

Announcement posted: April 13 2026.

Closing date for applications: May 4, 2026.

Funding type: Grant or Fixed Amount Award.

Decision date: no later than June 30, 2026.

Project start date: no earlier than September 30, 2026.

Expected size of individual awards: Between $5,000 to $35,000.

Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed by September 30, 2027.

 

C.                ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION  

 

1.    1.  Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

·        Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs) or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs (https://j1visa.state.gov/). 

·        Project teams must include teams of at least two (2) alumni. 

·        Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals, but U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project (not in a lead position). Team must have at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange program alumni.

·        Alumni teams are encouraged to be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries. 

·        Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni (individually or from non-governmental organizations they represent) or alumni associations. For-profit and academic institutions are not eligible to apply in the name of the organization but can serve as partners for implementing project activities.

For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. 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. 

 

2.     Cost Sharing 

Inclusion of cost share is not a requirement of this opportunity, but it is encouraged. Examples include in-kind support (services, labor, supplies/equipment, or volunteers), a business contributing food, an organization offering a venue at a discount or free of charge, an NGO sponsoring an activity, an expert donating time to facilitate a seminar, etc.

 

3.     Grant Program Area:   

The U.S. Embassy Riga recognizes that exchange program alumni represent a vital network of leaders who can strengthen the U.S.-Latvian partnership. However, not all alumni have the resources and support to translate their exchange experience into sustained impact. The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026) addresses this gap by providing seed funding for alumni-led projects that strengthen U.S.-Latvia ties and advance shared democratic values.

In 2026, as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, this program seeks to deepen the U.S.-Latvia partnership by empowering alumni to lead projects that reflect our shared values and demonstrate the enduring benefits of transatlantic cooperation. This NOFO advances U.S. foreign policy by strengthening bilateral relations with a key NATO ally, promoting democratic values, and building resilient people-to-people connections that support regional security and prosperity.

 

We encourage all interested parties to contact Embassy representatives to discuss and consult on their project ideas.

Project Audience(s):

The primary beneficiaries of AEIF 2026 projects are members of the Latvian public, with the following characteristics:

1. Geographic Location: Residents of Latvia, with particular emphasis on reaching communities outside the capital city of Riga to ensure broad geographic impact across urban and rural areas.
2. Age Group: Youth and young professionals (ages 18-35) who represent the next generation of leaders and can benefit from exposure to entrepreneurship, transatlantic cooperation and democratic values.
3. Professional Background: Entrepreneurs, educators, journalists, and other professionals working in sectors aligned with program priorities such as economic development, border security, civic engagement, and other fields.

 

Project Goal:   Strengthen U.S.-Latvia bilateral relations and advance shared democratic values by empowering exchange program alumni to lead projects that reinforce the U.S.-Latvia alliance, promote American values, and build lasting people-to-people partnerships that directly benefit the United States and support regional stability.

 

Project Objectives:

Objective 1: Support at least 2 alumni-led projects that address priority areas including national security, economic growth, democratic governance, or cultural exchange, with each project reaching a minimum of 100 direct beneficiaries and demonstrating measurable audience impact within 12 months of project completion.

Objective 2: Increase public awareness of U.S.-Latvia partnership achievements and America's 250th anniversary (Freedom 250) among at least 1,000 people in Latvia through alumni-led programming.

Note: Substantial involvement of the recipient and the Embassy will be determined on a case-by-cases basis when creating Award provision

 

4.     Other Eligibility Requirements 

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity.

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D.               APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

 

APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible. Proposals that do not address the theme as outlined in the program objectives will be deemed ineligible. All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories. Projects that include activities happening in Latvia will be prioritized.

 

Content of Application

Please ensure:

●      The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

●      All documents are in English

●      All budgets are in U.S. dollars

●      All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various required forms. 

The following documents are required: 

1.  Mandatory application forms

●      SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance --individuals) on Embassy website.

●      SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) on Embassy website.

●      SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) on Embassy website. (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)

 

2.  Proposal (12 pages maximum)

The proposal should contain sufficient information so that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You should use AEIF 2026 Proposal form.

2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal Form (Word document):

·        Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.

·        Proposal: The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

·        Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed program, including program objectives and anticipated impact.

·        Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the U.S. Embassy and/or U.S. government agencies.

·        Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed.

·        Program Goals and Objectives: The “goals” describe what the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.

·        Program Activities: Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

·        Program Methods and Design: A description of how the program is expected to work to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal. Include a logic model as appropriate.

·        Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

·        Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

·        Program Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees.

·        Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: This is an important part of successful grants. Throughout the timeframe of the grant, how will the activities be monitored to ensure they are happening in a timely manner, and how will the program be evaluated to make sure it meets the goals of the grant?

·        Future Funding or Sustainability Applicant’s plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable.

 

3.    Budget Justification Narrative. You should use AEIF 2026 Budget proposal form.

a.     Budget Justification Narrative (Excel document): Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative justification utilizing the template provided. Budget narrative is mandatory. Budget without narratives will not be reviewed. Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars. 

i.     Project management costs should not be more than 30% of the total requested budget amount. Project management costs include fees for speakers, trainers, and consultants.

ii.     Travel expenses, including hotel and per diem should not exceed 15% of the total requested budget and will be reviewed closely for necessity. Travel costs need to consider the most economic means of travel;

iii.     Lodging costs should be for programming activities during the project and not for long term rent for project team members;

iv.     Alumni are encouraged to rent versus purchase if it is more cost-efficient.

Full instructions available:https://lv.usembassy.gov/2/