Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026

The U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur Public Diplomacy Section seeks proposals that advance American leadership, prosperity, and security interests in Malaysia. This program supports initiatives that promote U.S. technological innovation and economic competitiveness, showcase American excellence in sports and education, strengthen ties with exchange program alumni, and position the United States as Malaysia's most trusted international partner.   Priority areas include: advancing U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies; leveraging major sporting events to demonstrate American excellence; engaging alumni networks to amplify U.S. influence; and promoting American English language education and pathways to U.S. higher education institutions. Programs should demonstrate clear alignment with U.S. national interests, measurable outcomes, and sustainable impact beyond the grant period. Successful proposals will engage influential Malaysian stakeholders, promote American standards, and contribute to making America more prosperous and secure.

The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program , administered by the U.S. Mission to Libya through the Tunis-based U.S. Libya External Office. This Annual Program Statement outlines key strategic priorities and funding opportunities for proposals that advance Libyan-U.S. mutual interests , reinforce regional stability and security , and promote shared prosperity between the United States and Libya.   Proposals should directly support one or more of the following objectives:   o   Promote Economic Opportunity and U.S. Collaboration o   Showcase U.S.-Libyan Partnership and Shared Values o   Support Libya’s Unity, Stability and Security   Projects involving alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs are strongly encouraged. This notice is subject to availability of funding.

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Gaborone announces an open competition for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit project proposals for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF).  This competition seeks projects that position sports as a sustainable driver of economic growth and social inclusion in Botswana. It supports U.S. foreign policy priorities by promoting excellence, investment, and shared prosperity through people-to-people engagement, aligned with the Freedom 250 initiative commemorating 250 years of American independence. The 2026 AEIF call for proposals aims to strengthen the governance, management, and sustainability of Botswana’s sports organizations; develop effective business models and fundraising strategies; enhance marketing, branding, and event management capacity; support athletes in preparing for post-sports careers; and foster international partnerships, especially with U.S. collegiate and professional teams. The intended program targets sports federation and club leaders, coaches, administrators, and young athletes across Botswana who seek to build professional skills and organizational capacity. Eligible applicants are alumni of U.S. government exchange programs with the experience and networks to lead impactful projects. Experience in sports or their administration is an added advantage. 

UPDATE APRIL 14, 2026: Proposals for the FY26 Small Grants Program will be reviewed on a rolling basis based on funding availability. Please follow all instructions in the   Annual Program Statement (see Related Documents tab), which includes instructions on required forms and recommended templates and submit proposals to SofiaGrants@state.gov no later than June 15, 2026 with "FY26 APS" in the subject line of the email. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Sofia Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), announces an open competition for programs that strengthen the U.S.-Bulgaria partnership and advance U.S. administration priorities to make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous. All programs must support U.S. foreign policy objectives and comply with applicable Executive Orders and Department of State guidance.    Proposals must include a clear U.S. element, such as collaboration with American experts, organizations, or institutions, and should promote shared interests by strengthening cooperation in areas that advance security, economic growth, innovation, freedom of speech, countering censorship, and citizen diplomacy (people-to-people) ties. Competitive proposals should support Bulgaria as a sovereign, resilient, and economically strong partner and reinforce the role of the United States as a trusted ally and leader.    U.S. Embassy Sofia invites proposals for projects that engage Bulgarian audiences through educational, cultural, professional, and public outreach programs that highlight American excellence, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and promote practical partnerships that benefit both the United States and Bulgaria. Programs must deliver measurable impact, encourage long-term collaboration, and support cooperation in strategically important sectors.    Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following areas:    Freedom250: Celebrating the American story and advancing future cooperation : Programs that support the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States (Freedom250) by highlighting American history, diplomacy, innovation, and culture, while strengthening public understanding of the U.S.–Bulgarian partnership and its importance in advancing peace, security, and prosperity. Programs should connect the American experience to future cooperation between the United States and Bulgaria and promote informed public understanding of U.S. priorities and shared strategic interests.    American leadership, innovation, and applied solutions in strategic sectors:  Programs that showcase U.S. achievements and best practices in entrepreneurship, science, technology, energy, agriculture, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, space, and other frontier fields, with an emphasis on practical cooperation, locally applicable solutions, and partnerships that support economic growth, technological advancement, and long-term prosperity. This includes programs that highlight cooperation in strategic sectors such as civil nuclear energy, critical infrastructure, and emerging technologies, and that increase public understanding of the benefits of Bulgarian investments in U.S. technologies and continued cooperation in these strategic fields.     Education, exchanges, and workforce development : Programs that expand English language learning, promote study in the United States, strengthen academic and professional exchanges, and build partnerships between U.S. and Bulgarian institutions, especially in fields that support innovation, competitiveness, and economic opportunity. This includes programs for educators, journalists, and young professionals that provide accurate information about the United States and support long-term professional cooperation.   Strong alliances, sovereign partners, and regional resilience:  Programs that increase public understanding regarding the importance of cooperation between the United States, Bulgaria, and other allies and partners, and that demonstrate how strong, sovereign nations working together contribute to stability, security, and economic resilience in Europe and the Black Sea region/NATO’s eastern flank. This includes programs that promote accurate, fact-based understanding of U.S. policies, support freedom of speech and efforts to counter censorship, strengthen professional exchanges with influencers, media and opinion leaders, and increase awareness of the benefits of defense modernization and close cooperation with allies.    Entrepreneurship, investment, and transparent economic growth:  Programs that promote entrepreneurship, financial literacy, intellectual property protection, fair and transparent business practices, and stronger commercial, educational, and technological ties with the United States, helping create an environment that supports innovation, investment, and prosperity. This includes programs that highlight the role of U.S.–Bulgarian cooperation in energy, technology, and strategic investment projects, and that increase understanding of how transparent, rules-based economic partnerships contribute to long-term growth and security.  ELIGIBILITY  The Public Diplomacy Section encourages applications from Bulgarian, European or, U.S.-based organizations and individuals with proven experience of executing programs. Proposals that demonstrate the long-term sustainability of the proposed project will receive priority.   The following organizations are eligible to apply : Registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience Individuals Non-profit or governmental educational institutions Foreign Public Entities (FPE) and Governmental institutions   For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not  eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.   SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Please carefully review and follow all instructions in the   Annual Program Statement and submit proposals to SofiaGrants@state.gov on a rolling basis, but no later than June 15, 2026 .   Note: all submitted/emailed proposals must include “FY26 APS” in the subject line.

Through this Disaster NOFO, EDA will award investments in regions experiencing severe economic distress or other economic harm resulting from hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. EDA’s goal under this NOFO is to assist communities recovering from a disaster by realizing opportunities to recover and change the economic trajectory of the community for the better. In other words, EDA funding seeks to help communities recover and set them on a path to exceed their previous pre-disaster baseline. EDA seeks projects that are responsive to community needs post-disaster by engaging all aspects of the community, with special focus on private industry partners. This Disaster NOFO provides funding through three pathways: Readiness Path – Standalone non-construction projects designed to increase a community’s readiness to apply for or implement disaster recovery funding from private and public sources including, but not limited to, future EDA NOFOs and the Implementation or Industry Transformation Paths under this NOFO. Projects will fund strategy development, capacity building, and/or predevelopment costs necessary for future recovery projects. Implementation Path – Standalone construction or non-construction projects designed to address the economic challenges faced by a community recovering from a natural disaster and improve economic trajectories beyond pre-disaster economic conditions. Industry Transformation Path – Led by a coalition of regional stakeholders, a portfolio of large-scale, multicomponent construction and non-construction projects designed to fundamentally transform the economic trajectory of a region through the development or acceleration of an industry.

Priority Region: Sub-Saharan Africa  Africa Regional Services (ARS) Paris, part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, invites U.S. citizen speakers, artists, and athletes/coaches to submit Statements of Interest (SOIs) for inclusion on the ARS U.S. Speaker Program roster. Roster members may be selected for small program specific grants to conduct in-person and virtual outreach across sub-Saharan Africa.  The ARS Speaker Program supports U.S. foreign policy goals in Africa by strengthening security, supporting shared prosperity, and promoting American excellence. In line with the Department’s Freedom 250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Decade of Sport in America programs are encouraged to:  Share the American story and 250 years of American excellence in innovation, technology, and culture; and celebrate American achievement in sports.  Lead the next era of results driven U.S.–Africa partnership.  This Annual Program Statement seeks U.S. citizen individuals with demonstrated expertise who can deliver programs in English  and  either French or Portuguese.   Priority Program Areas include security; economic prosperity, innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship; energy security, and critical minerals; and American arts, sports, and creative industries as engines of economic opportunity.  Selected individuals will be added to the ARS roster following review and interview. Being on the roster does not guarantee funding; individual grants will be made only when a specific U.S. embassy or consulate request matches a roster member’s expertise and availability. SOIs must be submitted using the dedicated form available at  https://forms.office.com/g/NyK95VxSH9 . All supporting documents (credentials/testimonials/endorsements, U.S. passport and a CV or résumé) must be emailed to  arsspeaker@state.gov . Make sure the email subject line says “SOI” with your full name. Incomplete Statements of Interest will be rejected.