Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026- Ethiopia

AEIF is an annual grant program administered by the U.S. Department of State to support alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in designing and implementing projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities and strengthen lasting ties with the United States. Through AEIF grants, alumni build a robust and interconnected network to amplify the impact of U.S. exchange programs and celebrate America’s role in the world.In line with the U.S. Embassy’s yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday, all AEIF 2026 projects in Ethiopia must complement and support Freedom 250 programming. Through AEIF 2026 projects, the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia seeks to support alumni to expand their influence as community leaders, sharing the knowledge, values, and experiences they gained during their time in the United States. Previous projects funded by the embassy have addressed critical issues, including economic empowerment for survivors of violence against women and girls (2021), arts-based initiatives to promote regional security and counter violent extremism (2022), and alumni network strengthening for sustained collaboration (2023). These projects demonstrate how creative engagement, broad participation, and network-building are effective strategies.Targeted funding will support alumni-led projects that celebrate Freedom 250 and advance U.S. foreign policy objectives. Through this investment, the program aims to:• Strengthen the capacity of alumni networks to collaborate regionally and globally on shared interests.Deepen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government, fostering ongoing cooperation on mutual objectives.• Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities for maximum impact.Through these efforts, AEIF 2026 will help make the United States and its partners safer, stronger, and more prosperous while defending fundamental freedoms and American values.

AEIF is an annual grant program administered by the U.S. Department of State to support alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in designing and implementing projects that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities and strengthen lasting ties with the United States. Through AEIF grants, alumni build a robust and interconnected network to amplify the impact of U.S. exchange programs and celebrate America’s role in the world.In line with the U.S. Embassy’s yearlong celebration of America’s 250th birthday, all AEIF 2026 projects in Ethiopia must complement and support Freedom 250 programming. Through AEIF 2026 projects, the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia seeks to support alumni to expand their influence as community leaders, sharing the knowledge, values, and experiences they gained during their time in the United States. Previous projects funded by the embassy have addressed critical issues, including economic empowerment for survivors of violence against women and girls (2021), arts-based initiatives to promote regional security and counter violent extremism (2022), and alumni network strengthening for sustained collaboration (2023). These projects demonstrate how creative engagement, broad participation, and network-building are effective strategies.Targeted funding will support alumni-led projects that celebrate Freedom 250 and advance U.S. foreign policy objectives. Through this investment, the program aims to:• Strengthen the capacity of alumni networks to collaborate regionally and globally on shared interests.Deepen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government, fostering ongoing cooperation on mutual objectives.• Support alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities for maximum impact.Through these efforts, AEIF 2026 will help make the United States and its partners safer, stronger, and more prosperous while defending fundamental freedoms and American values.

The following organizations are eligible to apply:• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program. U.S. exchange alumni include Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA)-funded exchanges, BridgeUSA participants, and other U.S. government-funded or -sponsored programs that have met the criteria for exchange programs.• Projects teams must include at least two (2) alumni.• Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals but may participate as team members in a project; however, the team must include at least two exchange alumni who are Ethiopian citizens. U.S. citizen alumni cannot be team leads on project proposals.• Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and/or different countries.• Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations. No other organizations are eligible to apply. Exchange alumni can partner with not-for-profit or non-governmental org.