Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 - Lebanon

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut's Public Diplomacy Section is soliciting proposals for public service projects designed to promote U.S. policy objectives and benefit local communities through the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). Eligible applicants must be teams of at least two alumni from U.S. government-funded or government-sponsored exchange programs, and projects must support one of four administration priorities: celebrating American excellence and promoting Freedom 250, enhancing U.S. safety and strength, increasing U.S. prosperity, or defending freedom of speech. Projects must address one of six priority themes including American excellence in science and technology, American culture promotion, freedom of speech support, anti-corruption initiatives, U.S. export promotion, or economic partnerships with the United States. Evaluation will be conducted using six criteria worth a combined 100 points: relevance to application theme (25 points), purpose and implementation plan (25 points), degree of alumni involvement (10 points), local partner participation (10 points), evaluation and impact plan (10 points), and communication and budget justification (10 points). The application deadline is May 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Beirut time, with submission via email to PDBeirutGrants@state.gov.

Awards under this opportunity range from $5,000 to $35,000, with up to two awards anticipated from a total available funding pool of $35,000, pending fund availability. Projects must be completed within an 18-month performance period, with a start date between September 1 and September 30, 2026. All project activities must take place outside the United States and its territories, with primary focus on activities benefiting the Lebanon community. Applicants must submit the required proposal form, itemized budget in U.S. dollars, key personnel resumes, letters of support from local partners, and organizational documentation via email.