[U.S. Mission to Nigeria](https://ng.usembassy.gov)

May 11, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications due by 11:59pm WAT)

Total program funding: $105,000 | Award range: $5,000–$35,000 | ~3 awards; project duration: up to 12 months

Supports alumni of U.S. government exchange programs in Nigeria to implement innovative projects celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and advancing U.S. values and leadership.

--- ## Description The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), administered by the U.S. Mission to Nigeria, provides competitive grants for alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs. The 2026 cycle emphasizes projects that commemorate America's 250th anniversary ("Freedom 250"), highlight American values and achievements, and foster global understanding of U.S. founding principles. Projects may address themes such as American innovation, global leadership, economic partnership, and alumni summits that strengthen alumni networks and advance collaborative impact in Nigeria. --- ## Due Dates - **May 11, 2026:** Full application submission deadline (by 11:59pm WAT) --- ## Funding Amount - **Total program funding:** $105,000 (pending availability of funds) - **Award size:** $5,000 (minimum) to $35,000 (maximum) per project - **Expected number of awards:** 3 - **Project duration:** 6 to 12 months (projects should be completed within 12 months) - **Cost sharing:** Not required, but encouraged --- ## Eligibility - Applicants **must be alumni** of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program ([see list](https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs) or [J-1 programs](https://j1visa.state.gov/)). - Each proposal must involve **at least two alumni** from different exchange programs, with a non-U.S. citizen Exchange Alumni as team lead. - **All project activities must take place outside the United States and its territories**, preferably in Nigeria. - Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov (not required for individuals). - Individuals do **not** need a UEI or SAM.gov registration. --- ## Application Process - **Application forms:** Download required forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B/SF-424I) from [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361456) or the program page. - **Proposal:** Maximum 6 pages, addressing project summary, goals, objectives, methods, timeline, key personnel, partners, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. - **Budget:** Complete the [AEIF 2026 Budget Form](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/AEIF-2026-Budget-Form.xlsx) and provide a detailed budget justification. - **Attachments:** Include CVs of key personnel, letters of support, and any required permissions. - **Submission:** Email all materials to [USGNigeriaAlumni@state.gov](mailto:USGNigeriaAlumni@state.gov) with the subject line format: `AEIF2026 Proposal_Project title_Project location`. - **Deadline:** Applications must be received by May 11, 2026, 11:59pm WAT. --- ## Additional Information - **Eligible project themes:** - American innovation, global leadership, and economic partnership (excluding large-scale summits) - Alumni summits celebrating America’s 250th anniversary - **Allowable costs:** In-country travel, venue rental, essential meals, virtual programming support, reasonable speaker/training fees, equipment, and materials. - **Non-allowable costs:** Airfare to/from the U.S. (except for U.S. citizen alumni integral to project), staff salaries, office space, large durable equipment, alcohol, academic research, direct social services, scholarships, fundraising, political or religious activities, and certain other restrictions. - **Review criteria:** Relevance to U.S. foreign policy, project quality and feasibility, alumni capacity, planning, budget, monitoring and evaluation, outreach, local partner support, and sustainability. - **Reporting:** Grantees must submit programmatic and financial reports as specified in the award document. --- ## External Links - [U.S. Mission to Nigeria – Funder homepage](https://ng.usembassy.gov) - [Official Grants.gov listing and application portal](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361456) - [List of eligible U.S. government exchange programs](https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs) - [J-1 Exchange Visitor Program information](https://j1visa.state.gov/) - [AEIF 2026 Budget Form (XLSX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/AEIF-2026-Budget-Form.xlsx) - [AEIF 2026 Proposal Form (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/AEIF-2026-Proposal-Form.docx) - [Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Notice-of-Funding-Opportunity_AEIF-Nigeria.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Notes | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Mission Nigeria Alumni Team | [USGNigeriaAlumni@state.gov](mailto:USGNigeriaAlumni@state.gov) | For application and program queries | | U.S. Mission to Nigeria | [Contact Page](https://ng.usembassy.gov/contact/) | General embassy contact information |

Mission Nigeria's Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

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