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A. BASIC INFORMATION 1. OverviewFunding Opportunity Title Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Dominican Republic Funding Opportunity Number S-DR860-26-NOFO-0001 Announcement Type Initial announcement Deadline for Applications May 13th, 2026 Assistance Listing Number 19.022 Length of performance period 12 to 24 months Number of awards anticipated One (1) award Award amounts Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000.00 U.S. dollars to a maximum of $35,000.00 U.S. dollars Total available funding $35,000.00 pending availability of funds Type of Funding FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated project start date November 2026 Funding Instrument Type: Grant or fixed amount award (FAA). Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in two years or less. Optional: The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State. This notice is subject to availability of funding. The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer. 2. Executive SummaryThe U.S. Department of State’s Embassy in Santo Domingo announces an open competition to implement a program to promote U.S. leadership in higher education, strengthen partnerships between U.S. and Dominican universities, and engage U.S. and Dominican exchange alumni as drivers of innovation and collaboration. This funding opportunity will support a project that introduces U.S.-based educational models, teaching practices, and research approaches, while fostering sustained institutional linkages between higher education institutions in both countries. Activities may include faculty collaboration, student training, joint research, mentorship, and opportunities that increase awareness of study and exchange opportunities in the United States. The target audience includes university students, faculty, and administrators in the Dominican Republic, as well as U.S. partners and exchange alumni. Eligible applicants are teams led by U.S. government exchange alumni, in partnership with Dominican and/or U.S. academic institutions. This program advances U.S. foreign policy priorities by strengthening people-to-people ties, promoting U.S. educational excellence, supporting workforce development, and building long-term institutional partnerships that contribute to shared prosperity and mutual understanding between the United States and the Dominican Republic. B. ELIGIBILITY 1. Eligible ApplicantsThe following organizations are eligible to apply: · Dominican not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations ● Dominican public and private educational institutions 2. Cost Sharing or MatchingCost sharing or matching is encouraged, but not required for this funding opportunity. 3. Other Eligibility RequirementsAll organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov. 4. This opportunity will not support: ● Projects relating to partisan political activity; ● Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support ● Construction projects; ● Projects that support specific religious activities; ● Fund-raising campaigns; ● Lobbying for specific legislation or programs ● Scientific research or surveys; ● Commercial projects; ● Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; ● Projects that duplicate existing projects; ● Illegal activities C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives[1] The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, through the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026, seeks to promote U.S. leadership in higher education, strengthen partnerships between U.S. and Dominican universities, and engage U.S. and Dominican exchange alumni as drivers of innovation and collaboration. This program will support projects that introduce U.S. higher education models and best practices, including experiential learning, research mentorship, and student-centered pedagogy, while fostering meaningful partnerships between U.S. and Dominican institutions. Projects are expected to engage alumni as leaders, trainers, and connectors who apply knowledge gained through U.S. exchanges to address local and regional challenges. The Embassy has previously supported programming such as faculty exchanges, EducationUSA advising, study abroad promotion, and higher education networking initiatives. Successful approaches have included hands-on training paired with mentorship, partnerships with U.S. faculty, and public-facing events that amplify impact. Lessons learned show that one-off workshops without follow-up or institutional buy-in have limited sustainability, while projects that integrate applied practice, mentorship, and institutional partnerships yield stronger, longer-term results. The goal of this NOFO is to generate high-impact, alumni-led projects that demonstrate U.S. leadership in higher education, strengthen durable U.S.–Dominican university partnerships, and expand opportunities for students and faculty engagement. Success will be measured by the number and quality of institutional collaborations formed, participants trained, and tangible outputs produced (e.g., research projects, curricula, exchanges), as well as the sustainability and scalability of these efforts beyond the grant period. Project Audience(s): Primary beneficiaries are: · Dominican University Students (Undergraduate and Graduate), age 18 years old and older and enrolled in Dominican universities. These participants should be eligible to benefit from exposure to U.S. higher education models, experiential learning opportunities, research training, and increased awareness of study and exchange opportunities in the United States. · Dominican University Faculty and Administrators working in Dominican universities. · U.S. University Faculty and Academic Leaders: Professors, researchers, academic coordinators, and institutional leaders. This group should engage in capacity-building activities, collaborative teaching and research, and the development of sustained institutional partnerships with U.S. counterparts. · Dominican and U.S. Exchange Alumni who will serve as project leaders, mentors, and facilitators, applying their U.S. exchange experience to drive local impact and strengthen bilateral ties. Secondary beneficiaries may include local communities, partner institutions, and broader academic networks that benefit from increased collaboration, knowledge transfer, and public-facing project outcomes. Project Goal: Advance U.S. foreign policy objectives by increasing the influence of U.S. higher education models, deepening bilateral academic partnerships, and fostering alumni-led initiatives that support economic growth and people-to-people ties in the Dominican Republic. Project Objectives: ● Objective 1: Promote and showcase U.S. higher education models and best practices by training a minimum of 50 Dominican university students and 15 faculty members through workshops, mentorship, or applied learning activities, resulting in at least 75 percent of participants demonstrating the ability to apply at least one U.S.-based methodology for example, experiential learning, research methods, or student-centered pedagogy, within three months after program completion. ● Objective 2: Strengthen institutional collaboration by establishing or expanding at least one formal partnership or collaborative initiatives between a U.S. and a Dominican higher education institution, such as joint research projects, co-developed curricula, or exchange programs, with documented follow-on activity or continued engagement within six months of project completion. ● Objective 3: Enhance alumni leadership and engagement by supporting a team of at least three exchange alumni to lead, mentor, or implement project activities, resulting in at-least three alumni-led outputs including (but not limited to) training, mentorship sessions, or collaborative events. ● Objective 4: Increase awareness and understanding of U.S. higher education opportunities by engaging a minimum of 50 students and 15 faculty members in EducationUSA-supported activities and programming, resulting in at least 70 percent of participants demonstrating increased knowledge of U.S. study opportunities, application processes, or exchange programs, as measured through pre- and post-engagement assessments. Funding Opportunity Number: S-DR860-26-NOFO-0001. Assistance Listing: 19.022. Funding Instrument: G. Category: ED. Award Amount: $5K – $35K per award.

The U.S. Department of State's Mission Poland announces an open competition for programs inspired by America's 250th anniversary through the Freedom 250 initiative. This initiative will support innovative projects, events, and activities that leverage America’s independence anniversary to highlight U.S. leadership and that celebrate the vibrant cooperation between the United States and Poland in business, defense, energy, science and technology innovation, and culture. Freedom 250 in Poland builds on 250 years of friendship, shared values, and people-to-people ties and invites Polish participants to join America in celebrating the greatest experiment in human history. Freedom 250 looks forward as much as it looks back; it invites partners to engage with the American story in ways that resonate with youth, early-career professionals, community leaders, and opinion makers to forge new partnerships between the United States and Poland that meet today’s needs. Please follow all instructions below. This opportunity will not support: · Projects relating to partisan political activity; · Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support · Construction projects; · Projects that support specific religious activities; · Fund-raising campaigns; · Lobbying for specific legislation or programs · Scientific research or surveys; · Commercial projects; · Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; · Projects that duplicate existing projects; or · Illegal activities PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives This year the United States marks 250 years of independence. From global capitals to local communities, the anniversary invites reflection on America’s founding and the ways it continues to shape international life today. At the heart of this moment are the ideals—among them that all men are created equal; endowed with inalienable rights; and entitled to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people—that inspired America’s independence and continue to inspire U.S. leadership in economic, scientific, social, and cultural innovation. “Freedom 250” is the platform through which the United States is celebrating this anniversary, and through which we invite partners worldwide to join this celebration. In Poland we will celebrate throughout 2026 the contribution of Polish heroes to America’s independence, our shared belief that democracy and independence are worth fighting for, and the strength of the U.S.–Poland relationship today. In the Polish context, Freedom 250 brings into focus the areas where this partnership is already most impactful, making both America and Poland safer, stronger, and more prosperous, with a programmatic focus on projects that highlight American excellence in business, defense, energy, technology, and culture. Priority audiences for Freedom 250 activities include emerging Polish leaders ages 15 to 35—such as high school and university students, as well as early career professionals—and established professionals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Projects that engage institutions or individuals beyond the established Warsaw–Krakow ecosystem and/or that connect emerging leaders (ages 15–35) with established professionals in the public or private sector, science and technology, or the creative sector are especially welcome, provided that quality and impact remain high. Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including anticipated numbers to be reached. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, while secondary audiences are those who will be reached by the project’s primary audiences as a result of their participation. All proposals are required to have a clear connection to the United States, either through U.S. organizations, experts, and/or best practices in order to increase the awareness and understanding of U.S. perspectives, policies, and society. Examples of Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to: · American-style public events and community celebrations that highlight U.S. traditions and values; · Innovation bootcamps, hackathons, and accelerator style programs that link Polish and U.S. mentors, experts, and practitioners; · Policy labs and expert roundtable discussions on topics such as economic cooperation, science and technology, digital governance, and energy security, with concrete outputs (e.g., policy briefs or action plans); · Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; · Thematic workshops, networking events, and capacity building programs that build sustainable U.S.–Poland partnerships and follow on collaboration. Priority Program Areas/Goals: PD Poland invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Poland by forging enduring connections between our countries. All proposals must clearly align with one or more core program goals: Security, Prosperity, Science and Technology, and American Excellence. In addition, Mission Poland invites proposals that support the U.S. commemoration of 250 years of independence under the “Freedom 250” platform. Within this framework, projects should: · Use the 250th anniversary as a starting point to explore the future of U.S.-Poland cooperation. · Highlight how 250 years of American democratic, economic, and innovation can inform the next 25 years of shared security, prosperity, innovation, and partnership. Applicants may submit a proposal to address one or more of the program goals below. Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority outcomes, but applicants may also recommend their own objective. A substantial part of the programming must take place in 2026, and the remaining part may continue into 2027. Goal 1: Security The United States and Poland stand shoulder to shoulder to defend sovereignty and safeguard our freedom. Programming should showcase the strength and concrete benefits of the U.S.–Poland security partnership. Project Audience(s): Polish youth (high school and university students ages 15-25). Young professionals ages 25-35. Security policy professionals and think tanks. Priority Outcomes(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. 1. Increased understanding of U.S.-Poland security cooperation and shared defense commitments. 2. Increased understanding of emerging security threats of concern to the United States and Poland and efforts to address those threats. 3. Greater understanding of the connection between U.S.-Poland security cooperation and protection of our shared values of freedom and sovereignty. Goal 2. Prosperity The United States and Poland enjoy a mutually beneficial and rapidly growing economic partnership. Historically, U.S. leadership in advanced industries, business best practices, digital services, energy, and entrepreneurship has supported Poland’s growth and competitiveness. The continued growth of Poland’s economy and the dynamism of Poland’s business sector open further opportunities to promote prosperity in the United States and Poland. Programming should showcase American entrepreneurship models and business best practices and/or support U.S.–Poland commercial policy alignment and shared approaches to economic growth and energy security. Project Audience(s): · Emerging Polish leaders, including early career professionals in business and finance (ages 25–35). Entrepreneurs and small business owners. University students studying business and economics ages 18-25 years old. Policymakers, senior commercial actors, researchers, and innovators on the intersection of technology leadership, innovation, and digital freedom. Energy sector stakeholders. Priority Outcomes(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. Enhanced understanding of U.S. business practices and entrepreneurial culture. Strengthened networks between U.S. and Polish business communities. Greater awareness of U.S.-Poland economic partnership benefit. Goal 3. Science & Technology Open systems, free inquiry, and intellectual exchanges fuel innovation and competitiveness in the digital age. Programming should promote a culture of innovation in science, space, and technology; connect current and emerging Polish innovators to American expertise and networks; enhance U.S.–Poland collaboration among researchers and scientists at universities or in the private sector; showcase U.S. excellence in AI, digital platforms, advanced research, and emerging technologies; and/or address how regulatory choices shape innovation and competitiveness. Project Audience(s): · Polish youth (high school and university students ages 15-25) interested in science and technology careers. Technology professionals, innovators, and policymakers. Academic institutions and research centers. Priority Outcomes: Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. 1. Increased collaboration between U.S. and Polish researchers and innovators. 2. Enhanced understanding of U.S. innovation ecosystem and approaches to technical innovation. 3. Greater awareness of opportunities for Polish participation in U.S. innovation ecosystems. 4. Greater awareness of policy approaches that support innovation and competitiveness. Goal 4. Celebrating American Excellence American values of opportunity, freedom, and self-expression have provided artists, athletes, and creators the opportunity to innovate, excel, and express themselves and fueled American cultural leadership across multiple fields, including in sports, film, music, and the arts. This programming area seeks to inspire aspiring and emerging Polish leaders in creative fields and sport through a celebration of culture and sport and the enduring appeal of the American Dream. Project Audience(s): · Polish youth (high school and university students ages 15-25) interested in arts and sport. · Early career Polish artists, musicians, creative professionals, and cultural managers. · State Department exchange program alumni. Priority Outcomes: Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. Increased appreciation for American cultural and artistic contributions. Enhanced people-to-people connections through cultural exchange and sport. Strengthened understanding of American values of freedom and opportunity. Greater engagement with U.S. cultural and educational programs. Core Messaging and Approach In keeping with Americans’ approach to celebrating their independence, all programs should be future-focused, inspirational, celebratory, and participatory, inviting Polish audiences to actively engage in celebrating American ideals and accomplishments, and the shared values that provide the foundation for the United States-Poland partnership. Funding Opportunity Number: WAW-NOFO-FY26-01. Assistance Listing: 19.040. Funding Instrument: CA,G. Category: O. Award Amount: $10K – $40K per award.

The U.S. Embassy Muscat invites alumni of U.S. government-sponsored and facilitated exchange programs to apply for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). Proposals must include teams of at least two alumni who meet all program eligibility requirements. The most competitive proposals will advance key priorities identified below. Interested exchange alumni must apply via the online application form which includes space to upload the required proposal and budget documents. The deadline to apply is June 14th, 2026. For questions, please contact muscatpasgrants@state.gov. This year, the U.S. Embassy Muscat is seeking proposals from teams of at least two (2) alumni. All AEIF projects must celebrate and promote Freedom 250 – the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Preference will also be given to projects engaging with one or more of the following themes: Commercial ties Sports diplomacy Cultural heritage and showcasing U.S. excellence in creative industries Emerging and advanced technologies Space cooperation and innovation Funding Opportunity Number: MUSCAT-PAS-2026-01. Assistance Listing: 19.022. Funding Instrument: G. Category: O. Award Amount: $5K – $35K per award.