The U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Embassy Kolonia announces an open competition to implement a program through the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). The 2026 AEIF is designed to increase the impact of the U.S. government’s investment in exchange participants and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that support U.S. policy objectives and promote shared interests. All AEIF projects must celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America (America250) and align with administration policy goals to make the U.S. safer, stronger and more prosperous, or defend freedom of speech. Additionally, all AEIF projects must include at least one of the following:
- Convene alumni from different U.S. exchange programs to build or expand an alumni network capable of working together on common interests and increasing regional and global collaboration of alumni.
- Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government to work together on activities that address mutual goals and challenges.
- Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities.
AEIF is designed to amplify the U.S. government’s return on investment in exchange programs, advance policy goals, and strengthen the U.S. government’s relationship with exchange alumni. Applicants must clearly state how their proposal supports Freedom 250 (freedom250.org) and how it makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and must describe how they will project American excellence through their project activities.
Priority will be given to projects that deliver tangible benefits to U.S. interests, elevate U.S. leadership, reinforce the United States as the Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM) partner of choice, and focus on one of the priority areas outlined below.
Priority Areas:
- Professional Development and Capacity Building: Project proposals under this priority area should focus on enhancing the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities of Micronesians to address critical challenges in their communities and professions. Eligible activities include workshops, training seminars, mentorship programs, and collaborative learning initiatives that build expertise in areas such as management, technical skills, or sector-specific competencies. These investments make America safer by building partnerships with capable allies, stronger through expanded networks of skilled professionals, and more prosperous by creating conditions for mutual economic growth and collaboration.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Project proposals under this priority area should support Micronesians in developing entrepreneurial ventures, fostering innovation, and creating economic opportunities in their communities. Eligible activities include start-up incubators, business plan competitions, innovation challenges, networking events with investors and industry leaders, and training in business development and financial literacy. These investments make America safer by promoting economic stability and reducing drivers of migration and extremism, stronger through expanded commercial partnerships and innovation networks, and more prosperous by creating mutually beneficial trade opportunities and fostering global economic growth.
- Educational Outreach: Project proposals under this priority area should focus on expanding access to quality education and promoting educational excellence in FSM communities. Eligible activities include youth mentoring programs, English language instruction, STEM education promotion, teacher training workshops, and educational resource development. These investments make America safer by countering misinformation and extremism through education, stronger by cultivating future leaders who share democratic values and understand American culture, and more prosperous by developing skilled workforces that can participate in the global economy and collaborate with American institutions and businesses.
- Civic Engagement and Good Governance: Project proposals under this priority area should strengthen democratic institutions, promote transparency, and encourage active citizen participation in governance processes. Eligible activities include voter education campaigns, anti-corruption initiatives, community dialogue forums, civic leadership training, advocacy workshops, and projects that enhance government accountability and responsiveness. These investments make America safer by promoting stability and countering malign influences in partner countries, stronger by building alliances with nations that share democratic values and governance principles, and more prosperous by creating transparent business environments that attract investment and facilitate trade partnerships.
- Cultural and Sports Engagement: Project proposals under this priority area should promote cross-cultural understanding, celebrate diverse traditions, and use sports as a tool for community building and youth development. Eligible activities include cultural festivals, artistic collaborations, sports clinics and tournaments, coaching programs, digital storytelling projects, and initiatives that bring people together through shared cultural or athletic experiences. These investments make America safer by building trust and understanding that counters extremism and misinformation, stronger by expanding networks of friends and partners worldwide, and more prosperous by promoting cultural industries, tourism, and the universal values of teamwork and fair play that underpin successful societies.