AEIF is an annual grant program administered by the U.S. Department of State to support alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in designing and implementing projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities and strengthen lasting ties with the United States. Through AEIF grants, alumni build a robust and interconnected network to amplify the impact of U.S. exchange programs and celebrate America’s role in the world.In line with the U.S. Embassy’s yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday, all AEIF 2026 projects in Ethiopia must complement and support Freedom 250 programming. Through AEIF 2026 projects, the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia seeks to support alumni to expand their influence as community leaders, sharing the knowledge, values, and experiences they gained during their time in the United States. Previous projects funded by the embassy have addressed critical issues, including economic empowerment for survivors of violence against women and girls (2021), arts-based initiatives to promote regional security and counter violent extremism (2022), and alumni network strengthening for sustained collaboration (2023). These projects demonstrate how creative engagement, broad participation, and network-building are effective strategies.Targeted funding will support alumni-led projects that celebrate Freedom 250 and advance U.S. foreign policy objectives. Through this investment, the program aims to:• Strengthen the capacity of alumni networks to collaborate regionally and globally on shared interests.Deepen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government, fostering ongoing cooperation on mutual objectives.• Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities for maximum impact.Through these efforts, AEIF 2026 will help make the United States and its partners safer, stronger, and more prosperous while defending fundamental freedoms and American values.
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026- Ethiopia
U.S. Mission to Ethiopia · Opportunity number OFOP0002599
Details summarized from the official notice as of May 16, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.
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Key facts
| Opportunity number | OFOP0002599 |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Mission to Ethiopia Department of State |
| Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA) | 19.022 |
| Posted | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Deadline | May 15, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $35,000 |
| Award floor | $5,000 |
| Expected number of awards | 2 |
| Estimated total program funding | $35,000 |
| Cost sharing or matching required | No |
| Funding type | Grant |
| Category | Education |
| Last updated here | May 16, 2026 |
Summary from the notice
Who can apply
The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:
- Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)
Not listed as eligible
- Small businesses
- Nonprofits
- Colleges and universities
- State governments
- Local governments
- Tribal governments and organizations
- Larger for-profit companies
- Individuals
Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.
Eligibility details from the notice
The following organizations are eligible to apply:• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program. U.S. exchange alumni include Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA)-funded exchanges, BridgeUSA participants, and other U.S. government-funded or -sponsored programs that have met the criteria for exchange programs.• Projects teams must include at least two (2) alumni.• Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals but may participate as team members in a project; however, the team must include at least two exchange alumni who are Ethiopian citizens. U.S. citizen alumni cannot be team leads on project proposals.• Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and/or different countries.• Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations. No other organizations are eligible to apply. Exchange alumni can partner with not-for-profit or non-governmental org.
Registrations you will likely need
Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.
- SAM.gov registration for your organization, which also gives you a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Registration is free.
- A Login.gov account, which Grants.gov uses for sign-in.
- A Grants.gov applicant registration linked to your organization's UEI.
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