Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026: Exchange Alumni Advancing Freedom250

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a global initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) that supports alumni of U.S. government-funded and sponsored exchange programs in advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities while addressing local challenges. Since its launch in 2011, AEIF has supported nearly 500 alumni-led projects worldwide, strengthening alumni networks and reinforcing the long-term return on investment of U.S. exchange programs.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey seeks to implement an Alumni Summit under AEIF 2026 that will convene exchange alumni to celebrate and promote Freedom250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The summit will align with U.S. policy objectives, including making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and defending freedom of expression. The initiative will bring together alumni from multiple exchange programs and professional sectors to strengthen collaboration, reinforce shared values, and generate actionable initiatives that extend beyond the event itself.

Consistent with AEIF requirements, the summit will be led by at least two (2) eligible non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni, including at least one alumnus or alumna based in Niger. U.S. citizen alumni may participate; however, project leadership must include at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni. All activities will take place outside the United States and its territories. Proposals must be submitted by posts using the official AEIF 2026 templates; submissions directly from alumni will not be considered.

The summit will advance at least one core AEIF objective by convening alumni from different exchange programs to expand networks capable of sustained collaboration, strengthening engagement between alumni and the U.S. Government to address shared challenges, and supporting alumni leadership development and community-level implementation of follow-on initiatives. Strong proposals will include a structured agenda, measurable outcomes, and plans for follow-on activities such as small grants, working groups, or continued alumni collaboration to ensure sustained impact.

Under AEIF 2026 guidelines, Alumni Summit proposals may request up to $100,000 for bilateral, regional, or sub-regional initiatives, and up to $40,000 for single-country projects. Regional engagement involving alumni from two or more countries is encouraged but not required. While alumni may contribute ideas and serve in leadership roles, the U.S. Embassy Niamey will provide strategic oversight to ensure alignment with Department of State policy and AEIF guidance.

Complete proposal packages must be submitted via email by April 30, 2026.