Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026

The U.S. Embassy Budapest, operating under the Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is soliciting proposals for alumni-led projects that promote shared U.S.-Hungary interests, celebrate America's 250th anniversary (Freedom 250), and benefit local communities. Eligible applicants must be alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs, with project teams including at least two non-U.S. citizen alumni and one designated team lead; U.S. citizen alumni may participate but cannot serve as leads. All projects must address at least one core objective: convening cross-program alumni networks, strengthening alumni-government relationships, or developing alumni leadership capacity. Applications are evaluated on nine criteria totaling 100 points: relevance to program objectives (15 points), project design and outputs (25 points), sustainability (10 points), local partner support (10 points), monitoring and evaluation (10 points), communications and outreach (15 points), and cost-effectiveness (15 points). The application deadline is May 5, 2026, at 23:59 CET, with submissions required via email to budapestgrants@state.gov using specified forms and templates.

Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $35,000 per project, with a maximum of two awards anticipated under this solicitation. All projects must be completed within 12 months or less, with project start dates within 45 days of funding approval. Eligible budget items include in-country transportation, venue rental, meals integral to project activities, speaker honoraria capped at $250 per day, equipment, and communications materials, while prohibited expenses include staff salaries, alcohol, U.S. airfare, scholarships, and religious activities. Performance will take place in Hungary, with all project activities required to occur outside U.S. territories and primarily benefit foreign national communities. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by August 22, 2026.