The FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is a grant opportunity for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. It aims to support projects that strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Germany, in celebration of the U.S.'s 250th anniversary. The fund supports projects that promote U.S. policy goals and enhance the impact of exchange programs, with a focus on community priorities, leadership, and engagement.
Who it's for: This grant is for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs who want to lead projects that align with U.S. policy objectives and promote U.S.-German interests. Projects should involve teams of at least two alumni and focus on areas like sports diplomacy, science, technology, space cooperation, and countering anti-Semitism.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being an alumnus of a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program
- Proposing a project without a strong U.S. element
- Projects that do not include clearly defined German audiences
- Lack of measurable outcomes in the proposal
- Requesting funding outside the $5,000 to $35,000 range
What You May Need
- Proof of alumni status from a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan within the $5,000 to $35,000 range
- Plan for alumni engagement and follow-on activities
- Measurable outcomes for the project
Cautions
- Projects must align with U.S. policy objectives and Freedom 250 themes