Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026: Exchange Alumni Advancing Freedom250
🏛 U.S. Mission to Niger
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. exchange program alumni outside the United States who wish to organize an Alumni Summit in Niger. Applicants must be led by at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni, including at least one based in Niger. U.S. citizen alumni may participate but cannot be the primary project leaders.
Eligible exchange alumni have participated in U.S. government-funded or sponsored programs. All activities must occur outside the U.S. and its territories. Proposals are submitted by the U.S. Embassy in Niamey, not directly by alumni.
The summit must advance AEIF objectives: expand alumni networks, strengthen U.S. Government-alumni partnerships, or support leadership development. Proposals for single-country projects may request up to $40,000.
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Key dates
- Mar 25, 2026 Applications open
- Apr 30, 2026 Application deadline
- Jun 15, 2026 Award announced
- Jul 31, 2026 Project start
Program 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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Official AEIF 2026 proposal template
- Project narrative with structured agenda
- Budget narrative and detailed budget
- Evidence of alumni participants' exchange program background
- Letters of commitment from non-U.S. citizen alumni leaders
- Plans for follow-on activities and sustainability
Program contact
- 👤 Public Diplomacy Section Niamey Niger
- 📧 NiameyPD@state.gov
- 📞 227 20723141
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.022 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$570,002
-
$550,000
-
$500,000
-
$500,000
-
$450,000
-
$425,000
-
$315,177
-
$290,000
-
$269,061
-
$268,500
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.022). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $9,943,397 | |
| 2025 | $9,943,397 | |
| 2026 est. | $9,943,397 |
FAQ
Who can submit AEIF proposals?
The U.S. Embassy Niamey submits on behalf of alumni. Alumni themselves cannot submit directly. Proposals must be led by at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni, including at least one from Niger.
What are the deadline and award amounts?
Proposals are due April 30, 2026. Single-country projects may request up to $40,000. Bilateral or regional initiatives may request up to $100,000.
What activities does AEIF support?
Alumni summits, network-building, and follow-on initiatives like working groups or small grants. Activities must align with U.S. foreign policy priorities and address local challenges in Niger.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. AEIF does not require cost-sharing or matching funds. All eligible activities are fully fundable.
How competitive is this funding?
AEIF is highly selective. Strong proposals include structured agendas, measurable outcomes, and concrete follow-on activities. Clear alignment with State Department priorities increases competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your leadership team includes at least two non-U.S. citizens, with at least one alumnus/alumna based in Niger. This is a hard requirement.
- Develop a detailed agenda with specific, measurable outcomes. Vague goals weaken proposals significantly.
- Plan follow-on activities beyond the summit itself, such as working groups, micro-grants, or sustained alumni collaboration. One-off events are less competitive.
- Emphasize alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives: freedom of expression, safety, strength, and prosperity. Connect your summit to these themes explicitly.
- Work closely with the U.S. Embassy Niamey during proposal development. They provide strategic oversight and must approve submissions before the April 30 deadline.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting proposals directly from alumni instead of through the U.S. Embassy Niamey. Failing to include two non-U.S. citizen alumni leaders as required. Proposing activities that lack clear connection to U.S. foreign policy objectives or measurable outcomes.
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