FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)

FY26 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)

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 reinforcin

Details

• Agency: U.S. Mission to Nepal
• Department: Department of State
• Opportunity #: PAS-KTM-NOFO-2026-01
• Total Funding: $35,000
• Expected Awards: 2
• Instrument: grant

Eligibility

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.