Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026, Estonia

Background
The U.S. Mission in Estonia’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) announces the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), an annual funding opportunity aimed at investing in U.S. government-funded exchange participants and programs.

The goal of the AEIF is to help alumni develop and implement projects that promote shared interests, policy objectives, and benefit local communities, particularly in celebration of Freedom250—the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Grant Details
Proposals must address one or more of the following objectives:
1) Build or expand alumni networks;
2) Deepen alumni-U.S. government partnerships;
3) Develop alumni leadership and community impact.

Projects must be completed within 12 months and should include activities such as intra-regional transportation, venue rentals, PPE for project activities, meals integral to the project, reasonable costs for virtual programming, trainer honoraria, and communication materials. The budget must not include staff salaries, large durable equipment, alcohol, or any expenses related to activities outside Estonia.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include Estonian citizen alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs who are part of a team with at least two alumni. Not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions can apply if they are led by eligible alumni. U.S. citizen alumni may participate but cannot lead projects. All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov.

Period of Performance
The performance period for funded projects is expected to be 12 months starting from October 1, 2026.

Grant Value
Individual grant awards range from $5,000 to $35,000 with total available funding yet to be determined.

Place of Performance
All proposed activities must take place within Estonia.