Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026- Gaborone

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026- Gaborone

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Gaborone announces an open competition for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit project proposals for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). This competition seeks projects that position sports as a sustainable driver of economic growth and social inclusion in Botswana. It supports U.S. foreign policy priorities by promoting excellence, investment, and shared prosperity through people-to-people engagement, aligned with the Freedom 250 initiative commemorating 250 years of American independence. The 2026 AEIF call for proposals aims to strengthen the governance, management, and sustainability of Botswana’s sports organizations; develop effective business models and fundraising strategies; enhance marketing, branding, and event management capacity; support athletes in preparing for post-sports careers; and foster international partnerships, especially with U.S. collegiate and professional teams. The intended program targets sports federation and club leaders, coaches, administrators, and young athletes across Botswana who seek to build professional skills and organizational capacity. Eligible applicants are alumni of U.S. government exchange programs with the experience and networks to lead impactful projects. Experience in sports or their administration is an added advantage.

Details

• Agency: U.S. Mission to Botswana
• Department: Department of State
• Opportunity #: PDS-001-FY2026
• Total Funding: $35,000
• Expected Awards: 2
• Instrument: cooperative_agreement

Eligibility

The following individual and organizations are eligible to apply: • Applicants must be U.S. government (USG) exchange program alumni based in Botswana. Each proposed project must involve at least three USG exchange alumni, with one designated as the team lead.• If three or more alumni are applying together, U.S. citizen alumni may be included as team members, but the team must have at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni. U.S. citizen alumni are not eligible to serve as team leads.• U.S. citizen alumni may not submit proposals but may participate as team members.• Teams comprising alumni from different exchange programs and different countries are highly encouraged.• Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations of USG exchange alumni based and operating in Botswana.• Registered civil society or non-governmental organizations, including USG alumni associations based in Botswana, are eligible to apply.• Not-for-profit organizations, think t