Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 from the U.S. Mission to ASEAN and the U.S. Department of State funds alumni-led projects that advance U.S. policy objectives across ASEAN member states. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000 for projects spanning 12 months, with two awards anticipated. Priority themes include commercial diplomacy, combating transnational crime, and strategic resource cooperation.

Eligible applicants are alumni of USASEAN exchange programs, including YSEALI Women's Leadership Academy and Fulbright Visiting Scholar programs; teams must include at least two non-U.S. citizen alumni from two or more ASEAN member states. Projects must take place entirely outside the United States. The application deadline is May 3, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+7.

#### **Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)** ##### **2026 USASEAN Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)** ##### U.S. Mission to ASEAN, Department of State ##### Opportunity number: OFOP0002553 ##### **Application deadline: May 3, 2026, 23:59 (GMT+7)** ****This notice is subject to the availability of funding. ** #### **A.

Basic Information** **Funding Opportunity Title:**2026 USASEAN Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) **Funding Opportunity Number:**OFOP0002553 **Announcement Type:**Notice of Funding Opportunity **Deadline for Applications:**May 3, 2026, 23:59 (GMT+7) **Assistance Listing Number:**19.

022 **Length of performance period:**November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2027 **Number of awards anticipated:**2 awards **Award amounts:**A wards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $35,000 **Total available funding:**Pending availability of funds **Type of Funding:**FY26 Fulbright-Hays Act **Anticipated project start date:**November 1, 2026 **Funding Instrument Type:** Grant.

**Project Performance Period**: Proposed projects should reach completion in 12 months or less. **_2. Executive Summary_** **Priority Region:****ASEAN Member States** The U.S. Mission to ASEAN (USASEAN) announces an open competition for the **2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) for USASEAN program alumni.

** The Mission seeks proposals that meet the following criteria: * The alumni team must have at least two USASEAN program alumni from two or more ASEAN member states (AMS). A team representing more AMS will receive a higher score. * Projects must take place in at least two AMS, and all activities must take place outside the United States.

Proposals taking place in more AMS will receive higher scores. * Proposals must align with at least one of the priority themes in the _Program Description_ below. We will not consider proposals outside these themes.

* Funding requests must range from $5,000 to $35,000. Proposals must meet all program eligibility requirements below. USASEAN program alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2026 should submit proposals to **USASEANOutreach@state.

gov****no later than May 3, 2026, at 23:59 (GMT+7). ** **_1.

Eligible Applicants_** The following individuals are eligible to apply _:_ * Alumni of U.S. Mission to ASEAN-administered exchange programs: * YSEALI Women’s Leadership Academy (YSEALI WLA) * YSEALI Seeds for the Future * YSEALI Next – Executive Steering Committee * YSEALI CyberSafe Regional Workshop * USASEAN Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program * U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members in a project, but not as team leaders (the team must have at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange program alumni).

* Non-profits, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions are not eligible to apply in the name of the organization but can serve as partners for the alumni team to implement project activities. **_2. Cost Sharing or Matching_** We encourage all proposals to include some form of cost sharing.

Cost-sharing examples may include in-kind support (services, labor/volunteers, supplies/equipment), a business contributing food, an organization offering a venue at a discount or free of charge, an organization sponsoring an activity, an expert donating time to facilitate a seminar, etc. **_3. Other Eligibility Requirements_** Individuals do not need a UEI or SAM. gov registration.

#### **C. Program Description** **_1. Goals and Objectives_** The 2026 AEIF is a U.S. State Department initiative to equip alumni to implement projects that advance U.S. policy objectives and shared interests.

Since its launch in 2011, AEIF has supported approximately 500 alumni-led projects worldwide through a competitive application process. Proposals must align with at least one of the priority themes below. We will not consider proposals outside these themes.

Funding requests must range from $5,000 to $35,000.

USASEAN seeks project proposals on one or more of the following themes: * **Commercial Diplomacy:**Advancing U.S. business interests, including making connections between U.S. and ASEAN businesses, fostering public-private partnerships, facilitating trade and investment, championing U.S.-aligned regulations, policies, and technologies, etc. * **Combating Transnational Crime:**Working to eliminate transnational crime in Southeast Asia affecting U.S. citizens or interests, including trafficking, cybercrime, online scams, money laundering,etc. * **Strategic Resource Cooperation:**Deepening partnerships with the United States on securing and developing reliable,resilient supply chains for strategic resources and materials such as critical minerals,rare earth elements,semiconductors, advanced battery components, and other essential industrial inputs from Southeast Asia(click here for full list).

USASEAN and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) will review and select proposals for funding, subject to the availability of funds. #### **D. Application Contents and Format** Please carefully follow all instructions below.

Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

**Content of Application** * The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity * All documents are in English * All budgets are in U.S. dollars * All documents are formatted to fit 8 ½ x 11 paper * All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. The following documents are **required:** **_1. Mandatory application forms_** 1.

1. Proposal:We recommend using2026 AEIF Proposal Form 2. Budget:We recommend using2026 AEIF Budget Form 3.

SF-424I (Application for Federal Assistance-individuals). See the instructionshere. 4.

SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs). See the instructionshere. 5.

SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs). See the instructionshere. (Note:Only individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and organizations not required to fully register in SAM.

gov require the SF-424B). **2. Summary Page (optional)** Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and organization, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and a brief purpose of the program.

The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. **_4. Budget Justification Narrative_** After filling out the SF-424A Budget (above), use a separate file to describe each of the budget expenses in detail.

See section _I. Other Information:Guidelines for Budget Submissions_ below for further information. * 1-page Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume of key personnel for the program * Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner * If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, include your latest NICRA as a PDF file.

* Official permission letters, if required for program activities. #### **E. Submission Requirements and Deadlines** **_1.

State Department Contacts_** If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact:USASEANOutreach@state. gov. **_2. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.

gov)_** **Required Registrations** All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM. gov.Public Law 109-282 mandated a UEI as one of the data elements, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO. The 2 CFR 200 requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI.

Please note that subrecipients do not need a UEI at the time of application, but they must obtain one before we process an award or direct funds to a subrecipient. **_Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM. gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks.

_****_Please begin your registration as early as possible_****_. _** * Organizations**based in the United States**or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.

gov. * Organizations**based outside of the United States**and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM. gov. **Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoW should follow the below instructions:** Step 1: Proceed to SAM. gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.

gov registration process. Organizations must renew SAM. gov registration annually.

**Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO plan to do business with the DoW in addition to State Department should follow the below instructions:** Step 1: Apply for an NCAGE code by following the instructions on the NSPA NATO website linked below: https://eportal. nspa. nato.

int/AC135Public/sc/CageList. aspx NCAGE Code Request Tool (NCRT): NCAGE Code Request Tool (nato. int) We may permit an exemption from the UEI and SAM.

gov registration requirements on a case-by-case basis. See2 CFR 25. 110for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM. gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. The warranted Grants Officer must approve a SAM.

gov exemption before we can deem the application eligible for review. **_3. Submission Dates and Times_** Applications are due **no later than May 3,2026.

** **_4. Funding Restrictions_** i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) None of the funds awarded resulting from this Notice of Funding Opportunity is available for subawards, direct financial support, or otherwise to provide any payment or transfer to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

ii. Certification Regarding Compliance with Applicable Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws If the place of performance or delivery of any award made under this NOFO will be within the United States,we advise applicants that they must certify the following at the time of award: 1.

Its compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code and; 2. It does not operate any programs promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.

A program promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion means a program whose purpose is to promote preferences based on race, color religion, sex, or national origins, such as in training or hiring. iii. Certification of Trafficking in Persons Compliance and Compliance Plan Applicants must certify the following at the time of award for awards where the estimated value of services perform outside the United States exceeds $500,000: 1.

To the best of the Recipient’s knowledge, neither the Recipient, nor any subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor of the Recipient or any agent of the recipient or of such a subrecipient, contractor, or subcontractor,engage in any of the activities described in2 CFR 175.

105(a); The recipient has implemented a Trafficking in Persons compliance plan to prevent activities described in2 CFR 175(a)and is compliant with this plan; and the compliance plan must follow the minimum requirements described in 2 CFR 175(b)(5). 2. That the Recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities described in2 CFR 175.

105(a)and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subrecipient, contractor, subcontractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in these activities. Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide it to the Grants Officer upon request, and as appropriate, must post the useful and relevant contents of the plan or related materials on their website and at the workplace.

Recipients must re-certify on an annual basis for the entire award period of performance. iv.

Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act-Covered Foreign Entities _American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity_ means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) athttps://www. sam.

gov _FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system_ means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity. _Unmanned aircraft_ means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

_Unmanned aircraft_ _system_ means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft)that the operator needs to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

We will prohibit recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity(including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient)from: (1) Delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements; (2)Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award;and (3)Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system.

_c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. _ If the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and states this in the award, it will not apply the prohibitions described above. See sections 1823 through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 ( [41 U.S.C.

3901 note prec.) for statutory requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.] **_5.

Other Submission Requirements_** Applicants must submit all application materials by email to**USASEANOutreach@state. gov.** #### **F. Application Review Information** We will evaluate and rate each application based on the evaluation criteria outlined below.

* **Quality, Feasibility, and Program Planning (20 points):**The proposal presents a well-developed concept with clear goals and objectives, detailed activity plans, and a reasonable implementation timeline. The proposed approach is practical and likely to achieve maximum impact. The proposal must not include any activities contrary to any standing Executive Orders.

For a full list, seehttps://www. federalregister. gov/.

* **Budget (15 points):**The budget is detailed and justified, with costs reasonable and realistic relative to the proposed activities and anticipated results. * **ASEAN Elements (up to 15 points):**Proposals involving more ASEAN countries will receive more points.

* **Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (15 points):**The proposal includes a clear plan to measure success against key indicators, with defined milestones and both output and outcome indicators.

* **Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants (15 points):**The organization demonstrates expertise in the relevant field and has effective internal controls, including a financial management system and a bank account, to manage federal funds. * **Interconnectivity(up to 15 points):**Proposals that include participants from more programs, years, and cohorts will receive additional consideration.

* **Cost-Share (5 points):**Proposals that include cost-sharing will receive additional consideration. If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO,we will give the preference to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii).

This preference will only apply as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria. **_3. Review and Selection Process_** The U.S. Mission to ASEAN will use the criteria above to evaluate all applications and determine which to recommend for further consideration.

A selection committee of regional and exchange program experts at the State Department in Washington, D. C. , will review the proposals for final selection.

Under the merit review per 2 CFR 200. 206, prior to making a Federal Award the Department will review and consider the following risk factors: 2. Management systems and standards 3.

History of performance 4. Audit reports and findings 5. Ability to effectively implement requirements #### **G.

Award Notices** Grants Officer will write, sign, award, and administer the award or cooperative agreement. The award agreement is the authorizing document,and we will provide it to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document that the Grants Officer sign.

The State Department has no obligation to provide any additional future funding for selected proposal. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the State Department. Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals.

Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received. **Unsuccessful applicants:**We will notify unsuccessful applicants by July 31, 2026, via email. **Payment Method:**We will require recipients to request payments by completing form SF-270–Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer.

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the State Department. In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request. #### **H.

Post-Award Requirements and Administration** **_1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements_** Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.

These include: In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the State Department will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following: * Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations(2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register’s 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on: * * Selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives through an impartial process of evaluating Federal award applications (2 CFR part 200.

205), * * Promoting the freedom of speech and religious liberty in alignment with _Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty_(E. O. 13798) and _Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities_(E.

O. 13864) (§§ 200. 300, 200.

303, 200. 339, and 200. 341), * * Providing a preference, to the extent that law permit, to maximize use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.

322), and * * Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S.State Department Standard Terms and Conditions,including,to the greatest extent authorized by law, if an award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities (2 CFR part 200. 340).

For the avoidance of doubt, the Department has sole discretion over the determination that an award no longer effectuates program goals or agency priorities, and this provision permits awards to be terminated at the Department’s convenience, including when it determines that the award no longer advances the national interest.

* 2 CFR 25 – UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT * 2 CFR 170 – REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION * 2 CFR 175 – AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS * 2 CFR 182 – GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE) * 2 CFR 183 – NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY * 2 CFR 600 – DEPARTMENT OF STATE REQUIREMENTS * U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS * Recipients must comply with all applicable Executive Orders A searchable list can be found in the Federal Register:https://www.

federalregister. gov/ **Reporting Requirements:**We will require recipients to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often applicant must submit these reports.

**Foreign Assistance Data Review:**Per Congressional requirement, the State Department must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement.

Successful applicants must report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements,indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant must maintain separate accounting records.

Applicants should be aware of the post award reporting requirements reflected in2 CFR 200 Appendix XII–Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters. **3. Branding and Marking** The State Department, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department’s global audiences.

Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published atGuidance for Contracts and Grants–U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual10 FAM 416, Policy Exceptions. For more information, visit:https://brand.

america. gov/ #### **I. Other Information** **Guidelines for Budget Justification** * Personnel and Fringe Benefits:Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

* Travel:Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

* Equipment:Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that applicant requires for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit. * Supplies:List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that applicant needs for the program.

If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment. * Contractual:Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

* Other Direct Costs:Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. Applicant must itemize and explain all “Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses.

* Indirect Costs: These are costs that applicant cannot link directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA.

Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs as defined in 2 CFR 200. 1. * “Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy.

It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues. * Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot pay for alcoholic beverages.