Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 - Lebanon

Background
The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut announces an open competition for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). This annual funding opportunity is designed to invest in U.S. government-funded exchange participants and programs, enabling alumni to develop and implement projects that promote shared interests, policy objectives, and benefit local communities. Since its inception in 2011, AEIF has funded nearly 500 alumni-led projects worldwide through a competitive global competition.

Grant Details
PDS invites past participants (Alumni) of U.S. government-funded and sponsored exchange programs to submit concept notes for possible funding through AEIF 2026. Proposals must be from teams of at least two alumni who meet all program eligibility requirements. Projects should support U.S. administration priorities including:

1) Celebration of American excellence and promotion of Freedom 250;
2) Making the United States safer;
3) Making the United States stronger;
4) Making the United States more prosperous; or defending freedom of speech.

Projects must take place outside of the United States and its territories, and must address one of the following priority themes: celebration of American excellence in various fields, promotion of American culture, support for freedom of speech, anti-corruption efforts, promotion of U.S. exports to Lebanon, and economic partnerships with the United States.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program. Project teams must include at least two alumni from different exchange programs or countries. Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or a recognized U.S. government exchange alumni association; not-for-profit organizations cannot apply but can partner on project activities. U.S. citizen alumni may not submit proposals but can participate as team members. Alumni in the diaspora can apply for funding from their country of residence for proposals implemented in Lebanon.

Period of Performance
The performance period for projects is up to 18 months, with anticipated project start dates no earlier than September 1, 2026, and no later than September 30, 2026.

Grant Value
The total available funding for AEIF 2026 is $35,000, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $35,000.

Place of Performance
All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories.