Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile is pleased to announce an open call for the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026. This call is exclusively for alumni of U.S. government-funded and sponsored exchange programs. We are seeking proposals from teams of at least two alumni from different exchange programs to carry out projects that apply the skills and knowledge gained during their exchange experiences to directly support U.S. foreign policy objectives.
All AEIF 2026 projects must celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America (America250), a nationwide commemoration marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and honoring 250 years of American history, innovation, and leadership. Proposed projects must also align with the Administration’s policy goals to make the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while strengthening people-to-people ties and advancing shared priorities between the United States and Chile.
Timeline for Applications
AEIF competition Opens:
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Deadline:
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 (23:59pm Chilean time).
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Eligible proposals reviewed by the Embassy:
February – March 2026
The finalist proposal notified:
May 2026
Proposal Budgets
AEIF 2026 will consider:
For individual projects, between $5,000 and $35,000 USD;
For Alumni Conference or Summits, $40,000 USD for single country programs;
For Alumni Conference or Summits, $100,000 USD for bi-lateral, regional or sub-regional programs.
Application and Submission Information
The following information is required:
Proposal: The proposal should contain enough information so that anyone not familiar with the themes will understand exactly what the project intends to achieve. Proposals must include the following:
Project Team Information: At least two exchange alumni team members are required for a project to be considered for funding. Applications need to provide the name and contact information, describe the role of each team member in the project, as well as their experience, qualifications, and ability to carry out that role. Applicants need to indicate what proportion of the team member’s time will be used in support of the project.
Proposal Summary: A short, three to four sentence narrative which outlines the proposed project, including challenge/s to be addressed, project objectives, and anticipated impact.
Project Goals and Objectives: The goal/s of the proposed project must describe what the project is intended to achieve and include the objectives supporting the goal/s. Objectives should be specific, measurable, and realistically achievable in a set time frame.
Project Methods, Design, and Timeline: A description of how the project is expected to solve the stated problem and achieve the goal/s. This should include a description of the project’s direct and indirect beneficiaries as well as a plan for how to continue the program beyond the grant period, or the availability of other resources, if applicable. The proposed timeline of activities should include the dates, times, and locations of the planned activities and events. Applicants may also submit information on proposed workshops and/or training agendas and materials.
Local Project Partners: A list of partners who will support the proposed project, if applicable.
Communication Plan: The plan should include a communication and outreach strategy for promoting the proposed project. This may include social media, websites, print news, or other forms of media intended to use to share information about the project to beneficiaries and the public. Communications should include AEIF 2025, Exchange Alumni, and U.S. Embassy branding.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: The Monitoring and Evaluation component of the proposal should outline in detail how the proposal’s activities will advance the program’s goals and objectives. This should include any outcomes showing a change in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes; improved quality of services; increased capacity at a school, group; etc. Proposals should also include how the grantee will measure the impact of planned activities.
Budget Justification Narrative: Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative justification utilizing the template provided. Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.
Program Description
The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) provides small grants to teams of alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs to carry out public service projects that utilize skills and knowledge they gained during their exchange experiences. All AEIF 2026 projects must celebrate and promote America250.
Program Objectives
The U.S. Embassy in Santiago welcomes proposals for creative and engaging projects that address one or more of the Mission Initiatives. Projects must align with U.S. policy goals of making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Projects that address the following themes will be prioritized:
Economic Prosperity
Security
Entrepreneurship
Innovation and AI
In addition, AEIF projects must address the following:
Increase regional and global alumni collaboration by bringing alumni together to build or expand alumni networks.
Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. Embassy to work together on activities addressing mutual objectives and challenges.
Support alumni as they develop leadership skills and implement projects in their communities.
Please be aware that projects must include a U.S. component, which could be:
A connection or partnership between Chile and U.S. organizations or institutions.
Participation of a U.S. expert either virtually or in-country.
Presence of shared values and interests between Chile and the United States.
Incorporation of a U.S. approach or method to address an issue or challenge faced by your community, institution, or profession.
Eligibility Information
The following are eligible to apply:
Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded exchange program.
Teams must be composed of alumni from different exchange programs.
Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni.
All project activities must take place outside the United States and its territories.
Budget
Proposals may request funds from $5,000 to $35,000 USD for individual projects, 40,000 USD for Alumni Conference for single country programs and $100,000 USD for Alumni Conference or Summits for bi-lateral, regional or sub-regional programs.
The budget form includes sections for the budget justification narrative and a second tab providing instructions on what to include in various budget categories. The budget must be in U.S. dollars and submitted using the designated AEIF 2026 budget form.
Cost-sharing: examples include in-kind support (services, labor, supplies/equipment, or volunteers), a company contributing food, an organization offering a venue at a discount or for free, an NGO sponsoring an activity, or an expert donating time to facilitate a seminar. We encourage all proposals to include some type of cost-sharing.
Project management costs should not exceed 30 percent of the total requested budget. Project management costs include fees for speakers, trainers, and consultants. Lodging costs must be for program activities during the project and not for long-term rental for team members. Travel costs should consider the most economical means of travel.
Supported Activities and Costs
AEIF 2026 can support the following budget items:
Intra-regional or domestic travel
Venue rentals for project activities
PPE and disinfection equipment
Meals/snacks integral to the project (e.g., working lunch for a meeting)
Reasonable costs to support virtual programming (e.g., Zoom, WebEx subscriptions, cameras/microphones for virtual meetings, mailing services)
Trainer or speaker fees (e.g., maximum $250 per day, travel, lodging, per diem)
Reasonable equipment and materials
Communication and advertising materials, such as manuals or project announcements
AEIF 2025 does not support the following activities or costs, and applications involving any of these will be considered ineligible:
Any air travel to/from the United States and its territories
Activities in the United States and its territories
Salaries for staff, office space, and overhead/operational expenses
Large durable equipment or construction programs
Alcohol, excess meals, beverages, or entertainment
Academic or scientific research and/or publications
Charitable or development activities
Direct provision of social services to a population
Individual scholarships
Social travel/visits
Gifts or awards
Duplication of existing programs
Institutional development of an organization
Venture capital, profit-making initiatives, or charging fees to participate in the project
Support for specific religious activities
Fundraising campaigns
Support or opposition for partisan political activity or lobbying for specific legislation.
Reporting Requirements: Awardees must submit financial and program reports. The award document will specify the frequency of these reports.
Where to apply
Alumni interested in applying need to complete the following forms:
Please submit your proposal here:
https://forms.gle/dzRY2ReUL6LkC6U66
AEIF 2026 Proposal Form (link)
AEIF 2026 Budget Form (link)
AEIF 2026 Alumni Summit Proposal Form (link)
Follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.
All proposals must be submitted in English.
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