Opportunity
Simpler Grants.gov #PDS-SAU-FY26-01
U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia: 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Grant Opportunity
Posted
April 19, 2026
Respond By
May 07, 2026
Identifier
PDS-SAU-FY26-01
NAICS
928120
The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia, under the U.S. Department of State, is seeking proposals from Saudi alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) grant opportunity. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia, Public Diplomacy Section - Eligible Applicants: - Saudi alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs - Project teams must include at least two alumni, with at least one Saudi citizen or resident as team leader - Funding Details: - Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000 - Up to three awards anticipated - Project Focus Areas: - Strengthening U.S.-Saudi ties through public diplomacy, cultural heritage, leadership development, sports, education, media literacy, creative economy, AI and technology transformation, and sustainable energy - Projects must align with U.S. foreign policy objectives and the 250th U.S. anniversary themes - Performance Requirements: - Projects must be completed within 12 months of award - Most activities must take place in Saudi Arabia - Notable Restrictions: - No procurement of specific products or OEMs; this is a grant for project proposals - Prohibition on certain activities (e.g., construction, direct social services, scientific research) - Restrictions on use of funds for specific items, including unmanned aircraft systems from prohibited entities - Not-for-profit organizations, NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions may participate as partners but cannot apply as lead applicants
Description
The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia invites Saudi exchange alumni to submit project proposals for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) grant cycle. The fund aims to strengthen historic ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia by supporting alumni-led projects that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives and promote shared interests. Proposals should be between $5,000 and $35,000, with projects primarily taking place in Saudi Arabia. Eligible applicants must be alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs, with project teams including at least two alumni and at least one team leader being a Saudi citizen or resident.