[U.S. Mission to Germany](https://de.usembassy.gov)

April 29, 2026 (question deadline) | May 17, 2026 (application deadline)

$5,000–$35,000 per AEIF project; up to $40,000 for alumni summits; 12-month project period; estimated total program funding $40,000.

Supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to implement projects in Germany advancing U.S. policy objectives and commemorating the U.S. 250th anniversary.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to design and implement projects in Germany that strengthen the transatlantic relationship, advance U.S. policy priorities, and commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence ("Freedom 250"). The program aims to amplify the impact of exchange experiences by empowering alumni to address community priorities, promote U.S.-German cooperation, and defend democratic values such as freedom of speech. Funding is available for both alumni-led projects and alumni summits, with a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes, U.S. elements, and engagement with German audiences. --- ## Due Dates - **April 29, 2026:** Deadline for submission of questions (by 23:59:59 CET) - **May 17, 2026:** Full application submission deadline (by 23:59:59 CET) No applications will be accepted after the deadline. All dates are firm. --- ## Funding Amount - **AEIF Projects:** $5,000–$35,000 per project - **Alumni Summits:** Up to $40,000 for a single-country summit proposal - **Estimated Total Program Funding:** $40,000 - **Project Duration:** Up to 12 months - **Number of Awards:** Up to 4 (maximum of 3 AEIF projects plus 1 alumni summit) Cost sharing/matching is encouraged but not required. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs (e.g., Fulbright, IVLP, BridgeUSA, Congress-Bundestag, YTILI, GAPP, Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship, and others listed in the full NOFO) - Alumni associations of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs **Project team requirements:** - At least two non-U.S. citizen alumni must be part of the team; U.S. citizen alumni may participate but cannot serve as team lead - All alumni team members must be identified and verified before submission - Projects must primarily benefit German audiences and include strong U.S. elements **Ineligible activities include:** - Partisan political activity, charitable/development activities, construction, religious activities, fundraising, lobbying, scientific research, commercial projects, institutional development, or duplication of existing projects. --- ## Application Process Applicants must submit: - **Mandatory forms:** SF-424 (organizations) or SF-424-I (individuals), SF-424A (budget), SF-424B (assurances for non-construction programs) - **Proposal (max 8 pages):** Project summary, organizational background, problem statement, project design, work plan, expected outcomes, monitoring & evaluation plan, budget, and key personnel information - **Detailed line-item budget and budget justification** (template provided) - **Attachments:** Key personnel résumés or position descriptions, letters of support from partners, proof of non-profit status (for organizations), proof of registration (for organizations), and (if applicable) NICRA for indirect costs **Submission methods:** - Email: [berlinpdnofodl@state.gov](mailto:berlinpdnofodl@state.gov) (include the opportunity title and number in the subject) - Grants.gov: [Grants.gov application portal](https://www.grants.gov) - All application materials must be in English and budgets in U.S. dollars **SAM.gov registration:** - Required for organizations (UEI needed), not required for individuals **Review:** Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and scored based on program idea, organizational capacity, planning, budget, monitoring & evaluation, and sustainability. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must align with U.S. policy priorities and the "Freedom 250" theme. - Strong preference for projects with measurable outcomes and a clear plan for sustainability. - Monitoring & Evaluation is a required component; a draft Performance Monitoring Plan must be included. - Pre-award costs, construction, and direct social services are not allowable. - The U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section may be substantially involved in cooperative agreements. - See the [detailed budget guidelines and allowable cost categories](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Attachement6-AEIF-2026-Budget-Form.xlsx) for more information. --- ## External Links - [Funder Home Page](https://de.usembassy.gov) - [Program Information & Application Materials](https://de.usembassy.gov/pd-grants/) - [Full Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/FY26-Alumni-Engagement-Innovation-Fund.pdf) - [Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361939) - [MyGrants Portal](https://mygrants.servicenowservices.com/mygrants?id=mygrants_form&table=x_g_usd4_o_grant_funding_opportunity&sys_id=8dca20b91b1c0794baa70fe4604bcb91&view=Default) - [Budget Template (XLSX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Attachement6-AEIF-2026-Budget-Form.xlsx) - [Proposal Template (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Attachement-5-Proposal-Template.docx) - [Monitoring & Evaluation Guide (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Attachement7-AEIF-2026-M&E.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Website/More Info | |----------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Grants Navigator | berlinpdnofodl@state.gov | [Program Page](https://de.usembassy.gov/pd-grants/)| | Program Officer | hollsteinr@state.gov | [Program Page](https://de.usembassy.gov/pd-grants/)| | General Inquiries | ACSBerlin@state.gov | [Embassy Contact](https://de.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/contact/)|

FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

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