ROK: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)

ROK: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)

Funding Opportunity Title: ROK: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026) Funding Opportunity Number: PD-SEOUL-FY26-01 Deadline for Applications : Monday, May 4, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9) CFDA Number: 19.022 Type of Funding: FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchanges (ECE) Total Amount Available: $70,000 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Executive Summary The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026) supports alumni-led projects that celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America (Freedom 250). The program empowers alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange and training programs to design and implement initiatives that highlight American history, values, and democratic principles, while strengthening U.S.-ROK ties. Through competitive funding, AEIF 2026 encourages innovative approaches to community engagement, public diplomacy, and cross-cultural collaboration. Projects should promote civic engagement, open dialogue, and shared values, while strengthening connections between U.S. and Korean communities. The primary participants are alumni of U.S. government exchange programs residing in the Republic of Korea, who will design and lead project activities. Broader beneficiaries include local communities, youth, educators, and civil society stakeholders engaged through alumni-led initiatives. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations that meet the eligibility requirements in Section 1.B of the NOFO, including mandatory alumni participation criteria. Awards will support small-scale, high-impact projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and measurable outcomes. Program Goal The goal of this program is to empower U.S. government exchange alumni to design and implement innovative projects that celebrate Freedom 250, strengthen U.S.-ROK relations, and promote meaningful community engagement. Program Objectives Support at least five alumni-led programs during the grant period that

Details

• Agency: U.S. Mission to South Korea
• Department: Department of State
• Opportunity #: PD-SEOUL-FY26-01
• Total Funding: $70,000
• Expected Awards: 2
• Instrument: cooperative_agreement;other

Eligibility

The following organizations are eligible to apply: • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations • Public and private educational institutions• Individuals• Public International Organizations and Governmental institutionsMandatory Additional Eligibility Requirements: In addition to the eligibility categories listed above, all applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for funding: o Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program.o Project teams must include teams of at least two alumni.Additional Consideration (Non-Mandatory): o Proposals demonstrating regional or global collaboration among alumni will be viewed favorably.