Simpler Grants.gov #DOS-BER-PD-NOFO-FY26-002-AEIF

Funding for Alumni-Led Projects and Summits in Germany (FY26 AEIF)

The U.S. Mission to Germany, under the U.S. Department of State, is seeking proposals for the FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) to support alumni-led projects and summits in Germany. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Mission to Germany, U.S. Embassy Berlin, Public Diplomacy Section - Eligible Applicants: - Alumni and alumni associations of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs (e.g., Fulbright, BridgeUSA, Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, International Visitor Leadership Program, YTILI) - Products/Services Requested: - Funding for alumni-led projects (AEIF Projects) that convene alumni networks, strengthen engagement with the U.S. government, or support leadership and community-based initiatives - Funding for alumni summits to engage alumni in advancing U.S. policy priorities and Freedom 250 themes - Funding Details: - $5,000 to $35,000 per alumni-led project (up to three awards anticipated) - Up to $40,000 per alumni summit (up to one award anticipated) - Notable Requirements: - Projects must promote U.S. policy objectives, Freedom 250 (the 250th anniversary of U.S. founding), and transatlantic relations - All projects must include strong U.S. elements, target German audiences, and deliver measurable outcomes - Teams must include at least two alumni; activities must be public-facing and benefit the German public - Eligible project areas include sports diplomacy, science/technology/space cooperation, alumni engagement, and countering anti-Semitism - Period of Performance: - Projects must be completed within 12 months or less; continuation grants may be considered based on progress and funding availability - Place of Performance: - U.S. Embassy Berlin and throughout Germany as relevant to project activities

Description

The U.S. Mission to Germany announces two funding opportunities for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to strengthen the transatlantic relationship as the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding (Freedom 250). The 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) supports alumni-led projects that advance U.S. policy objectives and amplify the impact of U.S. exchange programs. AEIF provides funding for alumni to apply skills gained during their exchanges to address community priorities. Projects must promote Freedom 250 and align with priorities such as making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, or defending freedom of speech. Under Goal 1 (AEIF Projects), the program will support alumni-led projects (teams of at least two alumni) that increase the impact of U.S. exchange programs by advancing U.S. policy objectives and promoting shared U.S.-German interests. Proposals from $5,000 to $35,000 must convene alumni networks, strengthen alumni engagement with the U.S. government, or support alumni leadership and community-based initiatives. Under Goal 2 (Alumni Summits), the program will support U.S. government-funded initiatives of up to $40,000 for single-country projects designed to engage alumni in advancing U.S. policy priorities and Freedom 250 themes. Proposals should demonstrate strong alumni engagement in Germany, include plans for follow-on activities. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects in areas such as sports diplomacy, science, technology and space cooperation, alumni engagement, and countering anti-Semitism. All projects must include strong U.S. elements, clearly defined German audiences, and measurable outcomes.

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