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Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026

ID: AF-HAR-FY26-01 • Type: Posted
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Description

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy Harare announces an open competition for past participants ( exchange alumni ) of U.S. government-funded exchange programs to submit applications to the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is an annual funding opportunity designed to invest in U.S. government-funded exchange participants and programs by helping exchange alumni develop and implement projects that promote shared interests and policy objectives and benefit local communities. We invite you to submit proposals for projects that meet the requirements of the program (discussed in Section C below). Please read this notice carefully before preparing and submitting a funding proposal. The range of funding is $5,000 to $35,000 USD for AEIF projects.

This solicitation does not constitute an award commitment by the U.S. government. A final award cannot be made until the proposal has been reviewed and approved, and an award agreement is drawn up and signed by a grants officer. The U.S. Mission reserves the right not to issue an award after receipt of any proposal. The U.S. Mission also reserves the right to reduce, revise, and/or increase a proposal budget in accordance with the needs of the program and availability of funds. Please follow all instructions below.

-----------Please do not apply for this funding opportunity if you're not an alumni of a U.S. government-funded exchange program.-----------

Background
The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Harare announces an open competition for past participants of U.S. government-funded exchange programs to submit applications to the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). The AEIF is designed to invest in U.S. government-funded exchange participants and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that promote shared interests and policy objectives, benefiting local communities.

This funding opportunity aims to support innovative, alumni-led projects that leverage the expertise, leadership, and networks of U.S. government exchange alumni to address local and national challenges aligned with U.S. foreign policy priorities.

Grant Details
Eligible projects must involve at least two U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni, with one designated as the team lead. Projects should align with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence (Freedom250) by advancing digital freedom, innovation, peace, and prosperity.

Proposals must demonstrate how they contribute to making the United States more prosperous while showcasing American excellence and leadership across sectors. The project should strengthen cross-program alumni collaboration and deepen partnerships between alumni and the U.S. government, delivering measurable benefits to local communities.

The award will be implemented as a cooperative agreement, with substantial involvement from the U.S. Embassy Harare throughout the process.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include alumni who participated in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program, alumni associations from countries with current U.S. representation (with a specified team lead), and teams of three or more alumni that may include U.S. citizen alumni but must have at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange program alumni as leads.

Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov and be registered in SAM.gov; individuals do not require these registrations.

Period of Performance
The performance period for projects is expected to be within 12 months from the anticipated project start date, which is within 45 days of notification of funding approval.

Grant Value
The total available funding for this opportunity is $70,000, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $35,000.

Place of Performance
Projects must take place in Zimbabwe.
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Overview

Agency
Department of State (DOS)
Category of Funding
Education
Funding Instruments
Grant
Grant Program (CFDA)
19.022 - Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants
Grant Category
Discretionary
Cost Sharing / Matching Requirement
False
Source
Grants.gov
On 4/14/26 the Department of State posted grant opportunity AF-HAR-FY26-01 for Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 with funding of $70,000. The grant will be issued under grant program 19.022 Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants. It is expected that 2 total grants will be made worth between $5,000 and $35,000.

Timing

Posted Date
April 14, 2026, 12:00 a.m. EDT
Closing Date
May 15, 2026, 12:00 a.m. EDT Past Due
Last Updated
April 27, 2026, 4:40 a.m. EDT
Version
2
Archive Date
June 14, 2026

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional Info
The following are eligible to apply: · Alumni who participated in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program. · Project involves at least two U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni, and one is a specified team lead.• Alumni associations from countries with current U.S. representation, but such applications must specify an alumni team lead.• If three or more alumni are applying together, U.S. citizen alumni may be included on alumni teams, but the team must have at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange program alumni. U.S. citizen alumni cannot be team leads on project proposals.

Award Sizing

Ceiling
$35,000
Floor
$5,000
Estimated Program Funding
$70,000
Estimated Number of Grants
2

Contacts

Contact
Reginah Mawere Grantor
Contact Email
publicdiplomacygrants-zim@state.gov
Email Description
For Inqiries
Contact Phone
02428677011000

Documents

Posted documents for AF-HAR-FY26-01

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