2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)

The 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a funding initiative administered by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, under the U.S. Department of State. AEIF 2026 is part of the broader U.S. Department of State’s Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs (Assistance Listing Number 19.022) and is designed to support community-impact projects led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. With a total funding pool of approximately $105,000, this competitive opportunity provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 to selected projects that meet its strategic criteria. The purpose of AEIF 2026 is to empower alumni to use their acquired skills, networks, and experiences to contribute meaningfully to shared U.S.–Morocco priorities, while also promoting the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. All projects must take place outside of the United States and its territories and be led by at least two non-U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. exchange programs. While U.S. citizen alumni may participate in project teams, they are not eligible to lead projects. The initiative prioritizes projects that demonstrate the ability to mobilize cross-sector alumni collaboration, forge partnerships with U.S. government entities, and implement sustainable leadership and community-based initiatives that produce measurable results. The application process is structured and thorough. Proposals must be submitted by exchange alumni, not by organizations on their own behalf. However, nonprofit organizations may serve as implementing partners. Each application must include completed versions of mandatory federal assistance forms (e.g., SF-424, SF-424A), a detailed proposal of no more than ten pages, a comprehensive budget with a narrative justification, and supporting documentation such as résumés of key personnel, letters of support from partners, and proof of nonprofit status. Applications must clearly describe the target audience, objectives, timeline, and intended outcomes, and they must align with both the goals of the AEIF program and U.S. foreign policy priorities. Projects should explicitly show how they contribute to America's semiquincentennial and address shared policy or societal challenges. AEIF 2026 does not require any cost sharing or matching funds. However, there are strict restrictions on how funds may be used. Prohibited costs include staff salaries for general operations, construction, travel to or from the United States (except for implementation by U.S. citizen alumni), entertainment, charitable donations, religious activities, and partisan political endeavors, among others. Funded projects must also avoid duplicating existing programs and must not support institutional development or for-profit activities. Applications are due by Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM local time, and should be submitted via email to [email protected] with the required forms and subject line identifying the funding opportunity title and number. The performance period for selected projects is up to 12 months, with an anticipated start date of September 2026. Evaluation criteria will include the quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, planning, budget accuracy, monitoring and evaluation framework, and sustainability. Applicants will typically be notified of selection results within 120 days of the submission deadline. For any questions, applicants are directed to contact [email protected]. Detailed guidance, including required application forms and templates for proposal and budget documents, are available at https://ma.usembassy.gov/education/funding-opportunities/. Awards will be issued either as grants, fixed-amount awards, or cooperative agreements, depending on the outcome of pre-award negotiations. This opportunity is designed to enhance the lasting impact of U.S. exchange programs by supporting alumni-led efforts to make their communities more resilient, inclusive, and innovative.

Ensure proposals align with America250 and policy priorities; include strong monitoring plan; only eligible alumni may apply.