# FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/ofop0002683-fy26-alumni-engagement-innovation-fund/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361939

> U.S. Mission to Germany offered grants of up to $35,000 (at least $5,000) to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make about 4 awards worth $40,000 in total. Applications closed on May 17, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | OFOP0002683 |
| Agency | U.S. Mission to Germany |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | May 17, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $35,000 |
| Award floor | $5,000 |
| Expected awards | 4 |
| Total funding | $40,000 |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.022 |

## Who can apply

- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Alumni who participated in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program, such as Beyond Washington, BridgeUSA (J-1 visa holders), Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (Parlamentarisches Patenschafts-Programm), Fulbright, International Visitor Leadership Program, Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI), "USA For You," "Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Staff Exchange," "Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship," and the German-American Partnership Program (GAPP).USG-sponsored exchange program alumni associations.

## What the grant funds

The U.S. Mission to Germany announces two funding opportunities for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to strengthen the transatlantic relationship as the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding (Freedom 250).The 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) supports alumni-led projects that advance U.S. policy objectives and amplify the impact of U.S. exchange programs. AEIF provides funding for alumni to apply skills gained during their exchanges to address community priorities. Projects must promote Freedom 250 and align with priorities such as making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, or defending freedom of speech. Under Goal 1 (AEIF Projects), the program will support alumni-led projects (teams of at least two alumni) that increase the impact of U.S. exchange programs by advancing U.S. policy objectives and promoting shared U.S.-German interests. Proposals from $5,000 to $35,000 must convene alumni networks, strengthen alumni engagement with the U.S. government, or support alumni leadership and community-based initiatives. Under Goal 2 (Alumni Summits), the program will support U.S. government-funded initiatives of up to $40,000 for single-country projects designed to engage alumni in advancing U.S. policy priorities and Freedom 250 themes. Proposals should demonstrate strong alumni engagement in Germany, include plans for follow-on activities. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects in areas such as sports diplomacy, science, technology and space cooperation, alumni engagement, and countering anti-Semitism. All projects must include strong U.S. elements, clearly defined German audiences, and measurable outcomes. Please find the full funding opportunity at de.usembassy.gov/pd-grants.

## Questions people ask

### Is OFOP0002683 still open?

No. It closed on May 17, 2026.

### Who can apply for FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund?

U.S. Mission to Germany accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund?

Closed May 17, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $35,000 each. About $40,000 in total across about 4 awards.

### Who has won Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees, Georgetown University, Persatuan Gaya Hidup Lestari Biji Biji Kuala Lumpur. The program made 3,361 awards worth $57.2 million in that time.