Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026

Background
The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Bujumbura announces an open competition for the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, aimed at supporting U.S. policy objectives and promoting shared interests. This program is designed to enhance the U.S. government's return on investment in exchange programs and strengthen relationships with alumni. Projects must align with policy goals such as enhancing safety, prosperity, and freedom of speech while celebrating Freedom250.

Grant Details
The AEIF 2026 aims to maximize the impact of U.S. government-funded exchange programs by providing funding for alumni-driven projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities. Key project goals include:

1) Strengthening Burundian systems for health and education;
2) Creating a stronger Burundian economy through youth entrepreneurship and workforce readiness initiatives;
3) Enhancing English language capacity among Burundian youth, teachers, and journalists;
4) Promoting democratic values through media literacy and fact-based reporting.

Projects should be completed within a year or less, with a focus on collaborative design, monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs, not-for-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, individuals, and public international organizations. Teams must consist of at least two alumni; however, U.S. citizen alumni cannot submit proposals but may participate as team members. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov.

Period of Performance
The performance period is twelve months, with projects anticipated to start in October 2026.

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

Place of Performance
The geographic location for the grant performance is Burundi.