FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

Key Facts

Status: Forecasted

Posted date: April 17, 2026

Close date: July 1, 2026

Opportunity ID: 361939

Opportunity number: OFOP0002683

Opportunity category: Discretionary

Agency name: U.S. Mission to Germany

Agency code: DOS-DEU

Award floor: $5,000

Award ceiling: $35,000

Cost sharing required: No

Funding Instrument Types
  • Cooperative Agreement
Category of Funding Activity
  • Other
Eligible Applicants
  • Others
Tools
Categories (use these for quoted searches)
  • agency_code:dos_deu
  • category_of_funding_activity:other
  • cost_sharing_or_matching_requirement:false
  • eligible_applicants:others
  • funding_instrument_type:cooperative_agreement
  • opportunity_category:discretionary
  • status:forecasted
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. Please find the full funding opportunity at de.usembassy.gov/pd-grants.

FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund
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. Please find the full funding opportunity at de.usembassy.gov/pd-grants.
[Forecasted] FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund
Forecasted
U.S. Mission to Germany
Other
Cooperative Agreement
Others
2026-04-17