Alumni Engagement and Innovation Fund 2026

Alumni Engagement and Innovation Fund 2026

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Chisinau announces an open competition for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), a program designed to support Moldovan alumni of U.S. government–funded exchange programs in developing and implementing projects that advance U.S. policy goals and shared U.S.-Moldovan interests.AEIF strengthens the partnership between alumni and the U.S. government by enabling collaboration on mutual goals and common challenges. In 2026, projects will focus on showcasing American excellence in business, innovation, and leadership, and on promoting U.S. opportunities that support local economic growth and job creation. Projects will also contribute to the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary through the Freedom 250 initiative, which highlights shared values and American achievements.The competition is open to Moldovan alumni of U.S. government - sponsored exchange programs, who may apply as teams to carry out projects in close coordination with the U.S. Embassy. Eligible applicants include groups of at least two alumni or alumni associations.Projects funded under this competition should, first, enable Freedom 250-themed initiatives in Moldova that increase Moldovans’ understanding of U.S. history, values, and policy. Second, they should create or expand partnerships between exchange alumni and local businesses or government institutions that highlight U.S. innovation and economic opportunities.

Details

• Agency: U.S. Mission to Moldova
• Department: Department of State
• Opportunity #: OFOP0002591
• Expected Awards: 0
• Instrument: grant

Eligibility

Applicants must be Moldovan alumni of U.S. government – sponsored exchange programs or Moldovan alumni associations of U.S. government exchange program alumni. Additional eligibility conditions:• Each project must involve at least two alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs and must designate one alumni team lead.• All alumni participating in the project, as well as any non-alumni team members, must be identified in the application.• Applications submitted by alumni associations must also designate a team lead.• U.S. citizen alumni may be included as members of alumni teams; however, each team must include at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange program alumni.• U.S. citizen alumni are not eligible to serve as team leads.Eligible applicants can be individuals or not-for-profit organizations, such as NGOs or think tanks.