Full Announcement - 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026).zip

This is a federal grant opportunity announcement for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026), administered by the United States Embassy in Bahrain under the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program solicits proposals from teams of at least two alumni of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to lead projects that advance U.S. foreign policy objectives, strengthen people-to-people ties, and amplify the long-term impact of exchange programs. All projects must demonstrate how alumni apply skills and networks gained during their exchange experiences to address shared challenges in their communities, celebrate America's 250th anniversary, and align with policy goals of making the United States and its partners safer, stronger, and more prosperous. The funding falls under CFDA 19.022 (Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants), which supports educational and cultural exchange activities designed to promote mutual understanding between the United States and designated countries.

Applicants must submit completed applications and all required materials to ManamaPAO@state.gov by 5:00 PM Thursday, April 30, 2026. Based on historical awards under this program, AEIF 2026 awards typically range from $5,000 to $35,000, with some larger initiatives reaching up to $100,000, and anticipated performance periods of 6 to 18 months. All project activities must take place outside U.S. territories and primarily benefit foreign national communities. Recipients must maintain financial records, supporting documents, and statistical records for three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report, in accordance with the U.S. Department of State's Standard Terms and Conditions for awards.