2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 supports projects led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. The Fund encourages alumni to use the skills, knowledge, and networks gained through their U.S. Department of State exchange experiences to design and implement projects that promote shared prosperity and strengthen partnerships between the United States and Rwanda. The 2026 cycle is organized in recognition of Freedom 250 – the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence – and seeks initiatives that highlight collaboration and innovation between the two countries. Projects should deliver clear and measurable results and increase the visibility of Freedom 250 goals. Priority will be given to initiatives that support economic growth and expand U.S. engagement in Rwanda through areas such as education, health, technology, or commercial collaboration. Applicants should have a strong local presence in Rwanda and collaborate with partners such as American Spaces, U.S. universities or companies, and networks of U.S. Department of State exchange alumni. Projects are expected to build lasting partnerships and contribute to continued shared U.S.–Rwanda prosperity beyond the life of the project. Project Audience(s): The target audience should serve as multipliers for sustained U.S.-Rwanda partnerships and innovation-driven growth. Some demographics to consider, include: ● Rwandan youth, emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and professionals ● Focus areas: Technology, health, higher education, and/or economic development Project Goal: The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 empowers alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to amplify U.S.-Rwanda partnerships. The program supports initiatives that leverage alumni expertise, with a special focus on commercial, health, educational, and/or technological partnerships. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, AEIF 2026 highlights the positive impact of alumni-led projects which accelerate U.S.-Rwanda economic growth and shared prosperity. Project Objectives: Project objectives for AEIF 2026 should focus on advancing U.S. policy goals, reflecting Freedom 250 themes of shared prosperity and collaboration, and promoting alumni engagement by leveraging the skills and networks of U.S. exchange program alumni to create lasting community impact. Proposals that do...

The following organizations are eligible to apply: ● Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations ● Public and private educational institutions ● Individuals ● Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program ● Project teams must include 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 U.S. government exchange alumni. No other organizations are eligible to apply. 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

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