U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)

The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, through the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Department of State, has announced the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). This initiative invites alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs to submit collaborative project proposals that promote sustained engagement between alumni and the U.S. government. The funding opportunity supports projects that address shared priorities in U.S.–Bulgaria relations, and especially those that showcase American values, innovation, and standards in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. AEIF 2026 is designed to amplify the long-term impact of U.S. exchange programs by strengthening alumni networks, fostering regional and global cooperation, and encouraging collaborative partnerships that have practical, locally relevant outcomes. Competitive proposals are expected to align with Embassy Sofia’s priorities and broader U.S. foreign policy goals. This includes enhancing bilateral commercial ties, promoting digital freedom and free speech, encouraging the adoption of U.S. standards and technologies, and supporting strategic sector development in areas like entrepreneurship, energy, artificial intelligence, and cultural diplomacy. Projects should be led by teams of at least two alumni, with at least one team member being a Bulgarian resident. U.S. citizen alumni may participate but are not eligible to lead or submit proposals. Alumni may partner with not-for-profit or academic institutions to implement activities, but only alumni or their affiliated organizations may serve as the primary applicant. The grant can be awarded to an individual alumnus or to their partner organization. Proposals must include clearly defined, measurable objectives, a project timeline not exceeding 12 months, and an anticipated start date no earlier than September 1, 2026. Funding amounts will range from $5,000 to approximately $35,000, and up to two proposals will be selected to compete globally against other AEIF projects. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Pre-award costs, construction, medical assistance, religious activities, and partisan political efforts are explicitly unallowable. In addition to detailed narratives about project goals, audiences, and implementation methods, applicants must submit key forms, including the official AEIF proposal and budget documents, SF-424 forms, personnel resumes or position descriptions, and letters of support from partners (if applicable). Proposals will be evaluated on alignment with embassy priorities, applicant capacity and grant history, quality of project planning, monitoring and evaluation rigor, budget realism, and sustainability plans. Notably, successful proposals should reflect how the initiative contributes to Freedom250 commemorations by promoting the American story and fostering innovation and cooperation. Strong emphasis is placed on measurable outcomes, including increased partnerships with U.S. institutions, the adoption of American best practices, and enhanced awareness of U.S. education and economic opportunities. The application window closes on May 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Sofia time. Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] with "AEIF" in the subject line. Applicants should consult the U.S. Embassy Sofia website for access to required forms and additional instructions. Questions may also be directed to the same email address. Awards are contingent on funding availability and final approval by the Department of State. Although this is an open competition, the opportunity is exclusively for U.S. exchange program alumni, reinforcing the long-term value and community of these international exchanges.

Align proposals with Freedom250 themes, clearly define measurable objectives, include strong monitoring plans, and provide realistic budgets.