[U.S. Mission to Italy](https://it.usembassy.gov)

May 3, 2026

$5,000–$35,000 per award; no cost sharing required

Supports projects that engage U.S. government exchange alumni to advance U.S.–Italy ties, leadership, and Freedom 250 themes.

--- ## Description This grant supports innovative projects that engage alumni of U.S. government exchange programs in Italy to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence ("Freedom 250"). The initiative seeks to highlight American leadership, innovation, and freedom of expression, while strengthening bilateral partnerships, expanding commercial relations, and building citizen diplomacy between the United States and Italy. Funded projects must visibly integrate Freedom 250 themes—American independence, leadership, and individual excellence—and include at least one of the following: - Convening alumni from different U.S. government exchange programs to build or expand networks for regional and global collaboration (each proposal must involve at least two exchange alumni or a recognized alumni association). - Creating structured opportunities for alumni and the U.S. government to collaborate on activities advancing shared strategic goals and addressing common challenges. - Supporting alumni in developing leadership capacity and implementing community-based projects with measurable impact aligned with Freedom 250 objectives. Examples of successful past projects include digital social reading programs, scholarly colloquia on U.S.–Italy literary exchange, and hackathons supporting start-ups. --- ## Due Dates - May 3, 2026: Full application / closing date for applications --- ## Funding Amount - Award size ranges from $5,000 to $35,000 per project. - No cost sharing or matching is required. - The number of awards is not specified. --- ## Eligibility - Open to NGOs and individuals. - Each proposal must include at least two alumni of U.S. government exchange programs or involve a recognized alumni association. - Projects must take place in Italy or directly benefit the U.S.–Italy relationship. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361751). - Carefully review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on Grants.gov for detailed instructions and required documents. - All proposals must clearly demonstrate alignment with Freedom 250 themes and include at least one of the required components (see Description). - For technical issues or questions about the application, contact the grantor (see Contact Information below). --- ## Additional Information - The program is administered by the U.S. Mission to Italy, Department of State. - Projects should demonstrate measurable outcomes and sustainability. - No cost sharing is required. - The opportunity supports educational and cultural exchange activities. --- ## External Links - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361751) - [U.S. Mission to Italy](https://it.usembassy.gov) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------| | Raissa Brighi | [romeculturaloffice@state.gov](mailto:romeculturaloffice@state.gov) | +39 3480027102 | For general mission inquiries: [uscitizensrome@state.gov](mailto:uscitizensrome@state.gov) Phone: (039)-064-6741

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

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