The FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026), administered by the U.S. Mission to Nepal, supports alumni of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in developing high-impact projects that advance U.S.–Nepal collaboration. The programme is designed to amplify the long-term impact of U.S. exchange programs by mobilizing alumni as strategic partners, strengthening alumni networks, promoting cross-sector and cross-border collaboration, and deepening sustained engagement between alumni and the U.S. government.

Overview

AEIF 2026 seeks alumni-driven proposals that directly advance U.S. administration priorities, including expanding U.S.–Nepal commercial ties, promoting free speech, showcasing American excellence and best practices, and delivering practical, locally grounded solutions in strategically important sectors. All proposals must align with the spirit of Freedom 250, reflecting the United States’ 250-year legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship, and global economic leadership. Competitive proposals will demonstrate how alumni are positioned as catalysts for innovation, drivers of economic growth, and key partners in strengthening U.S.–Nepal commercial and institutional partnerships.

Research Areas and Activities

Proposals must address one or more of the following three pillars:

• Pillar 1: Innovate — Advancing U.S.-Driven Solutions and Expertise. Leverage the expertise of U.S. Government exchange alumni to apply skills, professional standards, and market-oriented approaches learned in the United States to develop locally driven solutions in Nepal. Projects should demonstrate how American innovation, business practices, technology, and regulatory approaches contribute to commercial diplomacy, private-sector growth, trade facilitation, and economic resilience.
• Pillar 2: Inspire — Showcasing American Leadership and Values. Highlight U.S. leadership in innovation, entrepreneurship, education, technology, and workforce development by integrating American models, tools, and best practices into alumni-led initiatives. Projects should inspire broader adoption of U.S. approaches by demonstrating their competitiveness, transparency, and long-term value.
• Pillar 3: Ignite — Strengthening U.S.–Nepal Commercial and Institutional Partnerships. Promote collaboration between Nepali alumni, U.S. companies, entrepreneurs, universities, and industry experts to expand mentorship, technology transfer, workforce development, and market access. Projects should aim to ignite sustainable partnerships that strengthen bilateral trade and investment.

Additionally, all AEIF projects must include at least one of the following:

• Convene alumni from different exchange programs to build or expand an alumni network capable of working together on common interests and increasing regional and global collaboration. Every project proposal should include at least two exchange alumni or involvement of an alumni association.
• Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government to work together on activities that address shared goals and challenges.
• Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities for maximum impact.

Eligibility

Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored exchange program. Project teams must include at least two alumni. Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals but may participate as team members in a project. Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries, but at least one team member must be a Nepali residing in Nepal. Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni. No other organizations are eligible to apply, but they can serve as partners for implementing project activities. Exchange alumni may partner with not-for-profit or non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions to implement project activities. The grant can be issued to individual alumni or the partner organization.

Funding and Benefits

• Program Funding: $35,000
• Expected Awards: 2
• Award Minimum: $5,000
• Award Maximum: $35,000
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Opportunity Category: Discretionary
• Category of Funding Activity: Business and Commerce
• Assistance Listing: 19.022 — Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants

Deadline and Timeline

• Closing Date: May 14, 2026
• Posted Date: April 15, 2026
• Archive Date: June 13, 2026
• Funding Opportunity Number: PAS-KTM-NOFO-2026-01

Contact Information

Grantor: Rekha Giri, Emerging Voices Exchange and Alumni Coordinator
Email: girirk@state.gov

Additional Information: https://np.usembassy.gov/notice-of-funding-opportunity-nofo-5/

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Visit Grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.