The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 (AEIF 2026), administered by the U.S. Mission to Tanzania, invites past participants of U.S. government-funded exchange programs to submit proposals for projects that promote shared interests and benefit local communities.

Overview

AEIF 2026 is an annual funding opportunity designed to invest in U.S. government-funded exchange participants and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that support U.S. policy objectives. All projects must celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States (Freedom 250) and align with administration policy goals to make the U.S. safer, stronger and more prosperous, and/or defend freedom of speech.

Key objectives for 2026 include strategic alumni engagement, sustainable impact, alignment with policy priorities, and demonstrated leadership and local ownership.

Funding and Benefits

• Total Program Funding: $70,000
• Expected Awards: 2
• Award Minimum: $5,000
• Award Maximum: $35,000
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

Eligibility

• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded exchange program. A list of qualifying programs is available at https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs.
• Project teams must include at least two (2) alumni.
• Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals but can participate as team members.
• Alumni teams may be comprised of members from different exchange programs and countries.
• The grant shall be processed with an individual, not an organization. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
• Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and public or private educational institutions are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant. Such organizations may serve as implementing or program partners supporting project activities.

Research Areas and Activities

The U.S. Mission to Dar Es Salaam will accept public service projects that support Freedom 250 priority themes, including:

• Community Development and Civic Engagement: Projects that strengthen local communities through volunteerism, community service, leadership training, and initiatives that encourage active civic participation.
• Nonprofit and Community-Based Initiatives: Programs led by civil society organizations or community groups that focus on strengthening social cohesion, cultural understanding, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Education and Skills Development: Programs that expand learning opportunities through workshops, mentorship, training, and educational exchanges that promote knowledge-sharing and lifelong learning.
• Youth Leadership and Innovation: Initiatives that support young leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators working to create positive social impact in their communities.
• Creative and Cultural Festivals or Exchanges: Activities that bring communities together through festivals, performances, exhibitions, or cultural showcases that highlight shared values and creativity.
• Sports and Youth Engagement: Programs that use sports and recreational activities to promote teamwork, leadership development, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among young people.
• Arts, Culture, and Music: Initiatives that celebrate cultural expression through music, dance, visual arts, film, or creative storytelling, highlighting cultural exchange and collaboration between communities.

Application Process

Proposals must be submitted to drs_alumni@state.gov. Applicants should use the official proposal and budget forms available for download. Additional supporting documents include a monitoring and evaluation resource guide and the Notice of Funding Eligibility.

• Funding Opportunity Number: AF-DARFY26-01
• Assistance Listing: 19.022 -- Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants
• Grantor Contact: Charles C Blake, Phone: 2026027009, Email: Dar Alumni Inbox, drs_alumni@state.gov

Deadline and Timeline

• Closing Date: May 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM
• Posted Date: April 29, 2026
• Archive Date: June 29, 2026
• Last Updated: May 13, 2026