Grants / Department of State / U.S. Mission to Nepal

PAS-KTM-NOFO-2026-01: FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)

Closed Closed May 14, 2026 Opportunity PAS-KTM-NOFO-2026-01 ☆ Save

This grant is closed. Who won this program's grants before is below, and similar open grants are at the end of the page. It is in our archive of U.S. Mission to Nepal notices from 2026.

• Award ceiling$35,000
• Award floor$5,000
• Total funding$35,000
• Expected awards2
• Cost sharingNot required
• Funding typeGrant

Key dates

Who can apply

This opportunity was open to the applicants described in the notice.

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

Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program. Projects teams must include at least two (2) alumni. Alumni who are U.S. citizens may not submit proposals, but U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project. Alumni teams may be comprised of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries, but at least one of the team members must be a Nepali residing in Nepal. Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni. No other organizations are eligible to apply but can serve as partners for implementing project activities. Exchange alumni can partner with not-for-profit or non-governmental organizations, think tanks and academic institutions to implement project activities. The grant can be issued to individual alumni or the partner organization.

Is this a realistic fit?

• Past Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants awards averaged $17,021; this notice allows up to $35,000 per award.
• No cost sharing or match is required.

What the grant funds

AEIF 2026 is designed to amplify the long-term impact of U.S. exchange programs by mobilizing alumni as strategic partners. The program strengthens alumni networks, promotes cross-sector and cross-border collaboration, and deepens sustained engagement between alumni and the U.S. government. U.S. Embassy Nepal seeks high-impact, alumni-driven proposals that directly advance U.S. administration priorities, including expanding U.S.–Nepal commercial ties, promoting free speech, showcasing American excellence and best practices, and delivering practical, locally grounded solutions in strategically important sectors. All proposals must align with the spirit of Freedom 250, reflecting the United States’ 250-year legacy of innovation, entrepreneurship, and global economic leadership. Competitive proposals will clearly demonstrate how alumni are positioned as catalysts for innovation, drivers of economic growth, and key partners in strengthening U.S.–Nepal commercial and institutional partnerships. Pillar 1: Innovate — Advancing U.S.-Driven Solutions and Expertise Leverage the expertise of U.S. Government exchange alumni to apply skills, professional standards, and market-oriented approaches learned in the United States to develop locally driven solutions in Nepal. Projects should demonstrate how American innovation, business practices, technology, and regulatory approaches contribute to commercial diplomacy, private-sector growth, trade facilitation, and economic resilience directly supporting U.S. Embassy priorities and the Strategic Partnership Strategy (SSP). Pillar 2: Inspire — Showcasing American Leadership and Values Highlight U.S. leadership in innovation, entrepreneurship, education, technology, and workforce development by integrating American models, tools, and best practices into alumni-led initiatives. Projects should inspire broader adoption of U.S. approaches by demonstrating their competitiveness, transparency, and long-term value, while reinforcing shared democratic and economic values that underpin U.S.–Nepal cooperation. Pillar 3: Ignite — Strengthening U.S.–Nepal Commercial and Institutional Partnerships Promote collaboration between Nepali alumni, U.S. companies, entrepreneurs, universities, and industry experts to expand mentorship, technology transfer, workforce development, and market access.

Category: Business and Commerce.

Applying now

This notice no longer takes applications. Agencies often post the same opportunity again under a new number, so check the program's notices on Grants.gov and the similar open grants below.

The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.