U.S. Embassy Rangoon AEIF 2026 Grants Competition

Project Background, Goals, and Objectives AEIF 2026 projects must clearly advance America First foreign policy principles by demonstrating how alumni-led engagement makes the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while celebrating Freedom250 and American excellence. Priority will be given to projects that deliver tangible benefits to U.S. interests, elevate U.S. leadership, reinforce the United States as Burma’s partner of choice, and focus on one of the priority areas outlined below. Priority Areas: • Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation, and Workforce Competitiveness: Projects that strengthen job-relevant skills, productivity, and workforce readiness through responsible, applied use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, while explicitly highlighting U.S. leadership and models in AI innovation, STEM education, ethical technology development, and private-sector-driven digital growth. Projects should emphasize practical applications of AI that enhance economic competitiveness, efficiency, and innovation, and reinforce the United States’ position as the global leader in advanced technologies. • Security and Protection from Transnational Threats: Projects that counter online scams, cyber fraud, illicit finance, and related transnational threats through prevention-focused education and public awareness, demonstrating U.S. leadership in technology and cybersecurity. • Applied Education and Human Capital for National Development: Projects that improve practical education, skills training, or research collaboration in key sectors that support economic growth and stability, while highlighting U.S. leadership in innovation and research. • Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Market-Based Growth: Projects that promote innovation and small business development by helping individuals build practical business and innovation skills, reflecting the strength and competitiveness of the U.S. economy. Additionally, projects must clearly articulate how activities and messaging: • Promote positive perceptions of the United States and American excellence. • Advance U.S. economic, security, or strategic interests. • Contribute to long-term partnerships that benefit the United States. Project Audience: Primary beneficiaries of AEIF 2026 projects may include, but are not limited to: • Emerging leaders across Burma seeking to expand...

● Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program (https://j1visa.state.gov/ ). ● Projects teams must include teams of at least two (2) alumni. ● Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals, but U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project. ● Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries. ● Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations of USG exchange alumni. Exchange alumni can partner with not-for-profit or non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions to implement project activities. The grant can be issued to the individual alumni or the partner organization. For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required for this funding opportunity.3. Other Eligibility Requirements All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity. 4. This opportunity will not support: ● Projects relating to partisan political activity; ● Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support ● Construction projects; ● Projects that support specific religious activities; ● Fund-raising campaigns; ● Lobbying for specific legislation or programs ● Scientific research or surveys; ● Commercial projects; ● Projects intended...

Criteria for selecting proposals vary by awards supporting individual activities and are outlined in the solicitations for individual activities.