Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2021
🏛 U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 28, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored international exchange programs who want to lead public service projects. Applicants must work in teams of at least two alumni members. Projects must be located in or benefit communities in the Dominican Republic. Eligible projects address STEAM education, climate change/environmental solutions, or health challenges for youth aged 15-25 or high school students.
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Program description
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce the 2021 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). AEIF 2021 supports teams of alumni of U.S. government-sponsored international exchange programs with funding from US$ 5,000 up to US$ 50,000 to support public service projects.
AEIF projects promote shared values and innovative solutions to global challenges. Since its
inception in 2011, AEIF has funded nearly 500 alumni-led projects around the world through a
competitive global competition.
In 2021, AEIF will support the United States commitment to empower youth and strengthen
STEAM education in the Dominican Republic, through experiential learning projects that foster
the themes mentioned below.
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo will accept proposals for AEIF 2021 that consist of public
service projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two (2) alumni that address one or
more of the below listed priority areas to:
• Engage high school students from underserved communities in science, technology,
engineering, arts, and math (STEM) based programs.
• Engage high school students and/or youth (ages 15-25) on developing solutions to address
climate change, conservation and local environmental issues.
• Engage high school students and/or youth (ages 15-25) on developing solutions to address
current health challenges with innovative and sustainable community focused solutions.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proposal narrative (specific page limit not stated in source)
- Project budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of team members' alumni status from U.S. exchange programs
- Letters of support from community partners or beneficiaries
Program contact
- 👤 US EMBASSY SANTO DOMINGO
- 📧 SantoDomingoDRAlumni@state.gov
- 📞 809-368-7279
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
-
$425,000
-
$315,177
-
$290,000
-
$269,061
-
$268,500
-
$250,000
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 apply for AEIF 2021?
Teams of at least two alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs can apply. Projects must be based in the Dominican Republic.
What is the funding range?
Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000. The total funding pool is $50,000 for 2021.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects must focus on STEAM education, climate change/environmental solutions, or health innovation for youth. All projects must include public service and experiential learning components.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 20, 2021. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Form your team early: you need at least two alumni with clear roles and complementary skills for your project.
- Focus on youth impact: clearly describe how your project directly engages high school students or youth ages 15-25.
- Connect to priorities: explicitly link your project to STEAM education, climate/environment, or health innovation themes.
- Plan for experiential learning: emphasize hands-on, participatory activities rather than lectures or passive engagement.
- Show sustainability: explain how your project will continue or have lasting impact after the grant period ends.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Teams forget to include two or more alumni or fail to prove they attended U.S. government exchange programs. Projects lack clear focus on youth engagement or don't clearly address one of the three priority areas. Applications underestimate the budget needed or provide vague descriptions of how funds will be used.
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