The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, administered by the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia, supports projects designed and implemented by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs. The programme enables alumni to apply knowledge and skills gained during their exchange experiences to develop innovative solutions addressing global challenges in their communities. Since its launch in 2011, AEIF has funded more than 500 alumni-led projects worldwide through a competitive global competition.

Funding and Benefits

• Total Program Funding: $70,000
• Expected Number of Awards: 2
• Award Minimum: $5,000
• Award Maximum: $35,000
• Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement, grant, or other
• Cost Sharing or Matching: Not mandatory. If proposed, the specified amount must be contributed and will be incorporated into the approved agreement.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program, as listed on the official exchange programs directory or the J-1 visa program website.
• Project teams must include at least two (2) alumni.
• Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals but may participate as team members.
• Teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries.
• Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations of U.S. government exchange alumni. No other organizations are eligible to apply.
• Exchange alumni may partner with not-for-profit or non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions to implement project activities. The grant may be issued to the individual alumni or the partner organization.
• All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov and a valid SAM.gov registration. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

Program Priorities

Proposals must address one of the following priorities:

• Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and global connections through arts, sports, and culture
• Advancing free speech and expression through arts, media, and technology
• Fostering economic prosperity through English language, innovation, and partnerships
• Strengthening alumni networks and partnerships in support of a safer and stronger America

Application Process

Interested exchange alumni must apply via the online application form, which includes space to upload the required proposal and budget documents. The following materials are required:

• 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Application Form
• 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal Form
• 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Budget Form

Optional attachments may include a one-page curriculum vitae or resume of key personnel, letters of support from program partners, a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) if applicable, and official permission letters if required for program activities.

All documents must be in English, all budgets in U.S. dollars, all pages numbered, and documents formatted to fit 8½ x 11 paper. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with stated requirements will be ineligible.

If the award is issued as a cooperative agreement, the U.S. Embassy will have substantial involvement, which may include participating in participant selection, coordinating activities, reviewing messaging and outreach materials, facilitating Embassy participation in events, and supporting administrative and cultural program components.

Deadline and Timeline

• Application Deadline: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 23:59 Tunisian local time
• Posted Date: March 13, 2026
• Archive Date: June 8, 2026

Contact Information

• Grantor: Intidhar Andolsi
• Phone: 0021671107280
• Email: tunisalumni@state.gov