SUDAN Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund - FY26

> Download XLSX file: AEIF 2026 Budget Form.xlsx

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AEIF 2026 Proposal Form

2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund Proposal Form

To be completed by exchange alumni team leaders or U.S. Embassy/Consulate

All sections in this form need to be completed in order for the proposal to be eligible for submission.

Application Form Guidance is provided at the end of this form.

Application Form Guidance

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NOFO Template Sudan AEIF 2026 (updated March)

OI
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
SUDAN Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund - FY26
Bureau of African Affairs/Office of Sudan Affairs, U.S. Department of
State
Opportunity number: PDS-SUDAN-NOFO-FY 2026-01
Application deadline: April 20, 2026
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Table of Contents
A. BASIC INFORMATION ............................................................................................................ 2
B. ELIGIBILITY .............................................................................................................................. 4
C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................... 5
D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT ........................................................................ 6
E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES ......................................................... 12
F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION ......................................................................... 15
G. AWARD NOTICES ................................................................................................................... 17
H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION .......................................... 18
I. OTHER INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 21
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U.S. Department of State
Office of Sudan Affairs, Public Diplomacy Section
Notice of Funding Opportunity
A. BASIC INFORMATION
1. Overview
Funding Opportunity Title SUDAN Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund - FY26
Funding Opportunity Number PDS-SUDAN-NOFO-FY 2026-01
Announcement Type Initial Announcement
Deadline for Applications April 20, 2026
Assistance Listing Number 19.022
Length of performance period 3-12 months
Number of awards anticipated 2
Award amounts $5,000-$35,000
Total available funding $35,000 pending availability of funds
Type of Funding FY26 Educational and Cultural Exchanges (ECE)
Anticipated project start date August-October 2026
Funding Instrument Type: Grant or fixed amount award
Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in one year or less. The
U.S. Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants for projects funded
under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to
availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued
funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.
This notice is subject to availability of funding. The Office of Sudan Affairs (OSA) public
diplomacy section (PDS) reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under
circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability
of funds and approval of the designated grants officer (GO).
2. Executive Summary
OSA announces an open competition to implement a program for past participants (“alumni”) in
U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit
applications to the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). We seek proposals
from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements below.
Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2026 should submit proposals to
khartoumembassygrants@state.gov by April 20, 2026.
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AEIF provides alumni of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange
programs the opportunity to expand on skills gained during their exchange experiences and
develop innovative public service-oriented projects that support U.S. foreign policy priorities. In
fiscal year 2026, all AEIF proposals must celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of
America’s independence, and projects must align with the U.S. administration priorities of
promoting peace, security, and mutual prosperity.
B. ELIGIBILITY
1. Eligible Applicants
The following individuals are eligible to apply:
• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored
exchange program. (https://alumni.state.gov/list-exchange-programs)
• Projects teams must include at least two 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 include alumni from different exchange programs and different
countries.
• Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni or associations of exchange
alumni. No other organizations are eligible to apply. Exchange alumni may partner
with not-for-profit or non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and academic
institutions to implement project activities. Grants may be issued to individual alumni or
partner organizations.
• For-profit entities, even those that might fall into the categories listed above, are not
eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but
only one non-profit or non-governmental entity may be the prime recipient of the award.
When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be
clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-
contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required for this funding opportunity.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov, as well as a
valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not
required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal
is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered
ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity.
4. This opportunity will not support:
● Projects relating to partisan political activity
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● Charitable or development activities, including direct social services such as medical,
psychological, and/or humanitarian support
● Construction projects
● Projects that support specific religious activities
● Fund-raising campaigns
● Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
● Scientific research or surveys
● Commercial projects
● Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the
organization
● Projects that duplicate existing projects
● Illegal activities
C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
AEIF provides alumni of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange
programs the opportunity to expand on skills gained during their exchange experiences and
develop innovative public service-oriented projects that support U.S. foreign policy priorities.
AEIF is designed to increase the impact of the U.S. government’s investment in exchange
participants and programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects that support U.S.
policy objectives and promote shared interests, therefore benefiting both the United States and
local communities.
OSA will accept public service projects proposed and managed by teams of at least two alumni
that support goals in line with the goals and objectives below. Proposals for projects inside
Sudan will be accepted as long as they provide clear risk assessments and monitoring plans that
address security risks and contingencies. Proposals for projects outside Sudan should provide a
clear description of the beneficiaries and how the project aims to engage with them.
Through this funding opportunity, OSA seeks to support the successful design, implementation,
and sustainability of projects that deliver measurable, high-impact outcomes aligned with
program goals.
Project Audience:
This opportunity is open to alumni of a U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored
exchange program only.
Project Goals:
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of independence, project proposals must
address one of the following goals:
• Promote and celebrate American leadership by highlighting American values, music,
literature, sports, etc.
• Promote media capacity building with a focus on prioritizing truth and defending
freedom of speech
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• Promote and celebrate America’s leadership in energy, technology, science, and
cybersecurity
Project Objectives:
• Increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of American values and cultural
contributions by showcasing U.S. leadership in the arts, literature, sports, and civic
traditions to target audiences.
• Strengthen the capacity of media professionals and institutions to uphold truth-based
reporting, ethical journalism, and freedom of expression consistent with democratic
values.
• Enhance recognition of U.S. global leadership in energy innovation, technological
advancement, scientific research, and cybersecurity through strategic engagement and
knowledge-sharing initiatives.
D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT
Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of
this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.
Content of Application
Please ensure:
● 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 applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various required
forms.
The following documents are required:
1. Mandatory application forms
● SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations) or SF-424-I (Application
for Federal Assistance – Individuals) at grants.gov
● SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs) at grants.gov
● SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs) at grants.gov (Note: The SF-424B
is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and
organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov.)
2. Proposal (10 pages maximum)
The proposal should contain sufficient information such that anyone not familiar with it would
understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. Applicants may use their own proposal
format, but it must include all the items below:
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● Proposal Summary: A short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project
objectives and anticipated impact
● Problem Statement: A clear, concise, and well-supported statement of the problem to be
addressed and why the proposed program is needed
● Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables: The “goals” should describe what
the program is intended to achieve. The “objectives” should refer to the intermediate
accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable.
Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.
● Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: A proposed timeline for the program activities.
Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.
● Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles, and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved
in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?
● Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and
sub-awardees (if applicable).
● Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan: Proposals must include a draft M&E
Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) showing how applicants intend to measure and
demonstrate progress toward the project’s objectives and goals. Attachment AEIF
Proposal Form contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement. While
applicants are free to create their own template, completing Attachment AEIF Proposal
Form will ensure a thorough PMP.
The key components of the PMP are as follows:
● M&E Narrative: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to
monitor and evaluate the activities of their award. In addition, applicants should describe
any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits
into the overall program’s staff structure), and technology, and provide a brief budget
narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program budget. If
the proposal is from a prior grantee, the proposal should discuss how the applicant has
adapted, improved, or otherwise modified its approach based on learning from previous
experience. This narrative is limited to two pages.
● M&E Datasheet: The applicant must include proposed activities and expected outputs
and outcomes, as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO. The
datasheet’s purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project’s activities will lead to
tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that
ultimately address a PDS objective. For more information, please see Attachment AEIF
Proposal Form Instructions.
● The selected applicant’s M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before any award
will be issued under this NOFO. The selected applicant will be required to work with the
PDS monitoring and evaluation specialist to ensure the applicant’s M&E PMP achieves
an expected level of expertise and meets PDS objectives.
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● Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable.
The suggested template includes a space to list the portion of the total budget amount
directly associated with monitoring and evaluation activities.
3. Detailed Budget and Budget Justification Narrative
● Detailed Budget: Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Applicants are
must utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity (Attachment AEIF
Budget template). Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible
detail. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown
of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel, fringe benefits,
travel, equipment, supplies, consultants/contracts, other direct costs, and indirect costs.
(See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in
each category.) Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay,
which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based
activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a Negotiated
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), it must apply it to the modified total budget
costs (MTDC); for more information, refer to 2CFR§200.1. Budgets should be
submitted in U.S. dollars, and final grant agreements will be concluded in U.S. dollars.
● Budget Justification Narrative: Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative
to accompany the detailed line-item budget. The purpose of the budget justification
narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by
justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives
and accomplish project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help OSA
staff fully understand the applicant’s budgetary needs and is an opportunity to provide
descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget
template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative,
and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that
supports the proposed project plan and should be directly related to the specific project
components described in the applicant’s proposal.
Additional Budget Notes:
● Awards to Individuals: Please note the following budget guidelines for awards to
individuals:
ο Salary/Honoraria: Only the award recipient may receive salary/honoraria from
this funding mechanism. The recipient must be the primary point of contact and
manage all programmatic activities.
ο Contractual Costs: Additional individuals working on the award are only
permissible through contracted services, as long as the services are not related to
core programmatic activities. Expenses for services such as accounting, legal
support, social media management, website designer, etc., are allowable.
ο Other Direct Costs: Expenses related to securing venues, managing logistics,
catering, etc. are allowable.
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● Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for U.S. Department of State
awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm
and 2CFR200, Subpart F – Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be
charged as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization’s
established indirect costs in the award’s detailed budget.
● Visa Fees: All visa application and related fees should be included in the budget as
applicable. Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly
by the award recipient. If applicants anticipate their program will include the DS-2019
visa processing fee, the organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring
Organization. For more information go to: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-
sponsor/
4. Attachments
● Key Personnel Résumés: A résumé not to exceed one page in length must be included for
the proposed key staff persons, such as the alumni team lead and finance officer, as well
as for any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position has
not been identified, the applicant may submit a one-page position description identifying
the qualifications and skills required for that position in lieu of a résumé.
● Letters of Support from Program Partners: Letters of support should be included for
sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be
entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation
to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The
individual letters cannot exceed one page in length.
● Indirect Costs: If an organization has a NICRA and includes NICRA charges in the
budget, the latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.
● Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization’s registration should be provided with
the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS
determination letter. Sudan-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate
of registration from the appropriate government organization.
Other items that are NOT required/requested with the application submission but might be
requested if an application is approved to move forward in the review process include:
a. Copies of an organization or program audit within the last two years
b. Copies of relevant human resources, financial, or procurement policies
c. Copies of other relevant organizational policies or documentation that would help the
U.S. Department of State determine an organization’s capacity to manage a federal
grant award overseas
d. Documentation that demonstrates the recipients’ plan and/or policy to safeguard the
personally identifiable information (PII) of participants and beneficiaries. It is the
responsibility of the recipient to ensure protection of PII and to safeguard PII when
collecting, maintaining, using, and disseminating such information.
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e. Information to determine what financial controls and standard operating procedures
an organization uses to procure goods and services, hire staff and track time and
attendance, pay for grant-related travel, and identify other financial transactions that
may be necessary to undertake project activities.
f. OSA reserves the right to request any additional programmatic and/or financial
information regarding the proposal.
E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
1. Address to Request Application Package
The application and budget templates will be shared with eligible alumni. Any questions related
to the AEIF 2026 application process can be sent to Khartoumembassygrants@state.gov.
2. UEI and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
Required Registration: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another
country, must have a UEI and an active registration in SAM.gov. UEI is one of the data
elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, 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
U.S. Department of State 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.
2 CFR 200 also requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for sub-recipients is
not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or
directed to a sub-recipient.
Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from
four to 8 weeks. Applicants should begin the registration process as early as possible.
● Organizations that are based in the United States or 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 that are based outside of the United States and 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 that are based outside of the United States that do not intend to
apply for U.S. Department of War (DoW) awards are no longer required to have a
NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoW
foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-
registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from its SAM.gov registration, the
applicant should submit a help desk ticket (“incident”) with the Federal Service Desk
(FSD) online at www.fsd.gov using the following language: “I do not intend to seek
financial assistance from the Department of War. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE
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code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved
in order to have my registration activated.”
Organizations that are based outside of the United States and DO NOT plan to do business with
DoW should follow the instructions below:
• Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration
process. SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.
Exemptions
An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-
by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for 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. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted
GO before the application can be deemed eligible for review.
Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion in SAM.gov is not eligible to apply for an
assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive
Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235),
“Debarment and Suspension.”
3. Submission Dates and Times
Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by April 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. East
Africa Time. For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, PDS will utilize
the timestamp provided by grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If
organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above, their applications will be considered
ineligible and will not be considered for funding.
Submission Method: Submit all application materials to khartoumembassygrants@state.gov.
Applicants must include the funding opportunity title and the funding opportunity number in the
subject line of the email.
4. Funding Restrictions
i. Funding Restrictions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): None
of the funds awarded through this NOFO may be made available for sub-awards, direct
financial support, or otherwise used to provide any payment or transfer to 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, applicants are advised that they will be required to certify the
following at the time of award:
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a. 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
b. 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 are
advised that they will be required to certify the following at the time of award for awards
where the estimated value of services to be performed outside the United States exceeds
$500,000:
a. To the best of the recipient’s knowledge, neither the recipient, nor any sub-
recipient, contractor, or sub-contractor of the recipient or any agent of the
recipient or of such a sub-recipient, contractor, or sub-contractor, is engaged in
any of the activities described in 2 CFR 175.105(a)
b. The recipient has implemented a trafficking in persons compliance plan to prevent
activities described in 2 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)
c. That the recipient has and will implement procedures to prevent activities
described in 2 CFR 175.105(a) and to monitor, detect, and terminate any sub-
recipient, contractor, sub-contractor, or employee of the recipient engaging in
these activities.
d. Recipients do not need to submit a copy of the plan. However, they must provide
it to the GO upon request, and as appropriate, they 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:
(a) Definitions.
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 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.
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Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements
(including communication links and the components that control the unmanned
aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the
national airspace system.
(b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this NOFO (including sub-awards and
sub-contracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited 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
(3) Using federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-
prohibited unmanned aircraft system
c) Exemptions, exceptions, and waivers. The prohibitions described above will not
apply if the agency determines that an exemption, exception, or waiver applies and
the award indicates that such a determination has been made. (See sections 1823
through 1825 and 1832 of Public Law 118-31 (41 U.S.C. 3901) for statutory
requirements pertaining to exemptions, exceptions, and waivers.)
v. Pre-Award Costs: Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding
opportunity.
vi. Construction: Any award made as a result of this NOFO will not allow for construction
activities or costs.
vii. Direct Social Services: Costs that cover and provide direct social services, such as
welfare, charity, health or economic relief, are unallowable. Medical assistance, such as
costs to include medical professionals, including but not limited to doctors, nurses, and
psychiatrists to participate in the project activities, are not allowed.
5. Other Submission Requirements: Copyrights and Proprietary Information
If any of the information contained in an application is proprietary, applicants should note in
the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is “Confidential – Proprietary.”
Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered
by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of
the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.
Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and [Sudan].
All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and
[Sudan].
Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the requirements described above.
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F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. Review Criteria
Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated based
on the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed
project and to determine the likelihood of its success.
● Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea is
innovative and well developed, with sufficient detail about how project activities will be
carried out. The proposal demonstrates originality and outlines clear, achievable
objectives that align directly with the NOFO’s priorities and requirements. The proposal
includes a reasonable implementation timeline, and the project scope is appropriate and
clearly defined. Finally, the proposal aligns with the following:
o The project clearly demonstrates a direct contribution to U.S. foreign policy
priorities.
o The project will positively impact America’s reputation among foreign
government partners.
o The project will positively impact American’s reputation among foreign publics.
o The proposal does not include any activities contrary to the following Executive
Orders:
▪ Executive Order 14173: Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring
Merit-Based Opportunity
▪ Executive Order 14287: Protecting American Communities from Criminal
Aliens
▪ Executive Order 14168: Defending Women from Gender Ideology
Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government
● Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points:
o The project proposal demonstrates that the organization has sufficient expertise,
skills, and human resources to implement the project, including internal controls
in place to manage federal funds.
o The organization demonstrates that it has a clear understanding of the underlying
issue that the project will address.
o The organization demonstrates capacity for successful planning and responsible
fiscal management. This includes a financial management system, a bank
account, and if applicable, satisfactory audit findings.
o Applicants that have received grant funds previously have been compliant with
applicable rules and regulations, including the Award Provisions and Standard
Terms and Conditions.
o Where partners are described, the applicant details each partner’s respective role
and provides curriculum vitae (CVs) for persons responsible for the project and
financial administration. Proposed personnel, institutional resources, and partners
are adequate and appropriate.
● Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 20 points: The project plan is well
developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal
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specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of
implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal
includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and
clearly defined.
● Budget – 20 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The
budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine
expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are
reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and
proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable,
allowable, and allocable.
● Monitoring and Evaluation - 15 points: There is a complete and thorough draft of a
PMP that includes a list of proposed project activities; corresponding milestone, output,
and outcome indicators; a description of data collection methods; and a timeline for
collecting such information. The proposal presents a clear theory of change on how the
program will address a problem. (Note: Use of the suggested template (AEIF Proposal
Form) will satisfy these requirements. Funded projects will have their plans finalized
during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates
throughout the life of the project.)
● Sustainability – 5 points: The project proposal describes clearly the approach that will be
used to ensure maximum sustainability or advancement of project goals after the end of
the project.
2. Indirect Costs
If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in
this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as
consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as
a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.
3. Review and Selection Process
a. Acknowledgement of Receipt: Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt of
their proposal.
b. Review: All submissions are screened for technical eligibility. If a submission is
missing any required forms/documents listed above in Section D, it will be
considered ineligible and will not be reviewed by the grants review committee. A
technical review panel will review eligible proposals based on the criteria noted in this
NOFO.
c. Follow-up Notification: Applicants will generally be notified within 120 days after the
NOFO deadline regarding the results of the review panel.
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2. Risk Review
i. Under the merit review as required by 2 CFR 200.206, prior to making a federal award,
the U.S. Department of State will review and consider the following risk factors:
a. Financial stability
b. Management systems and standards
c. History of performance
d. Audit reports and findings
e. Ability to effectively implement project requirements
f. Proposals for projects inside Sudan will be accepted if they provide clear risk
assessments and monitoring plans that address security risks and contingencies.
Proposals for projects outside Sudan should provide a clear description of the
beneficiaries and how the project aims to engage with them.
ii. High Risk Designation
Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to
special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as high risk
will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial
reports. Recipients may also be required, upon request of the GO or the grants officer
representative (GOR), to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting
documentation (e.g., timesheets, travel documents) for costs incurred. The GO may withhold
10% of the award amount until final reports have been reviewed and approved by the GO.
The recipient may be required to pay all salaries supported by the grant via electronic funds
transfer. Other special award conditions may also be included if deemed appropriate by the
GO.
G. AWARD NOTICES
The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the
GO. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided 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 signed by the GO.
If a proposal is selected for funding, the U.S. Department of State has no obligation to provide
any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of
performance is at the discretion of the U.S. Department of State.
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.
Payment Method:
Recipients will be required to request payment by completing form SF-270—Request for
Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the GO and the GOR.
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Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the U.S.
Department of State. 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 that will apply to this award to ensure they will be able to comply.
These include:
In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget’s guidance at 2 CFR part 200, all
applicable federal laws, and relevant executive guidance, the U.S. Department of State will
review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to
this NOFO 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:
o 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)
o Promoting 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)
o Providing a preference, to the extent permitted by law, to maximize use of goods,
products, and materials produced in the United States (2 CFR part 200.322)
o Terminating agreements pursuant to the U.S. Department of State 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 U.S. Department of State 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 U.S.
Department of State’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
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● 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/.
2. Reporting
Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and
program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often
these reports must be submitted. Note: Most recipients will be required to submit quarterly
program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. The quarterly progress
report should include an up-to-date copy of the PMP datasheet. Progress and financial
reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final certified programmatic and financial
reports are due 120 days after the close of the project period.
All reports are to be submitted electronically.
The awardee must also provide OSA on an annual basis an inventory of all U.S. government-
provided equipment using the SF-428 form.
Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the U.S. Department of State
must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data
through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR), which requires tracking of foreign
assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and
disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to 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 will be required to maintain separate
accounting records.
3. Branding and Marking
The U.S. Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance
should be easily identifiable to the U.S. Department of State’s global audiences.
Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at
Guidance 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 Manual 10
FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.
In addition to the Department of State branding guidance, which requires that materials
produced under a federal award be marked appropriately to acknowledge U.S. Government
support, recipients of new Public Diplomacy awards promoting Freedom 250 activities must
also incorporate the Freedom 250 logos in all program materials, activities, and
communications. The recipient should continue to follow all existing marking and branding
requirements in accordance with Department branding guidance. The Freedom 250 logos
would be used in addition to, not in place of, these requirements
For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/
I. OTHER INFORMATION
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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.
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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 is required for the
program that 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 items and materials, including any computer devices, that are
needed for the program. If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, 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 that do not fit in
the other categories, e.g., shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All
“Other” or “Miscellaneous” expenses must be itemized and explained.
Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as
overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If an organization has a NICRA
and includes NICRA charges in the budget, it should attach a copy of the latest NICRA.
Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 15% of MTDC as
defined in 2 CFR 200.1.
“Cost Sharing” refers to contributions from the organization or entities other than the U.S.
government. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers’ time and donated venues.
Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages and
other entertainment-related expenses.
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SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance – Organizations)

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SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs)

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SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction Programs)

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Sudan AEIF 2026 Announcement (updated March)

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
and the Office of Sudan Affairs (OSA) announce the launch of the 2026 Alumni
Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) competition.
AEIF provides alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs the
opportunity to expand on skills gained during their exchange experiences and
develop innovative public service-oriented projects that support U.S. foreign
policy priorities. In fiscal year 2026, all AEIF proposals must celebrate and
promote the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, and projects must
align with the U.S. administration priorities of promoting peace, security, and
mutual prosperity.
This year, OSA is prioritizing proposals with objectives that focus on the following
goals:
• Promote and celebrate American leadership by highlighting American
values, music, literature, sports, etc.
• Promote media capacity building with a focus on prioritizing truth and
defending freedom of speech

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• Promote and celebrate America’s leadership in energy, technology, science,
and cybersecurity
Proposals generally should be in the range of $5,000 to $35,000 and must include
the involvement of at least two alumni.
Note: Applications must have a full project description, including a detailed
narrative that outlines the plan of action and describes the scope of the proposed
work and how it will be accomplished. Applicants must also complete and submit
a detailed budget (using the required templates) with all program costs.
Project proposals and budgets are to be submitted in English only to the OSA
public diplomacy section at the following email address:
KhartoumEmbassyGrants@state.gov.
Applications will be reviewed based on their completeness, coherence, clarity,
and attention to detail.
Project and budget periods: Projects must be completed in one year or less.
Deadline: Proposals should be submitted no later than April 20, 2026.
Alumni applicants should expect to be notified of the decision within two to three
months after submission.
Inspiration for project proposals can be found at alumni.state.gov/aeif by clicking
on the links for previous winning teams and AEIF success stories. Please review
the attached sample AEIF project examples document.
Please note that final project selection is conducted by ECA’s Office of Alumni
Affairs.