Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF): Sierra Leone

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Freetown announces an open competition to implement the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) project. The purpose of the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) is to increase the impact of the U.S. government’s investment in exchange programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects to support U.S. policy objectives and promote shared interests. All AEIF 2026 projects must also celebrate and promote the 250th anniversary of the United States (#Freedom250) highlighting examples of American excellence past, present, or future. Projects should have the potential for long-term, self-sustainable impact in local communities. Awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $35,000 (approximately) for individual projects, and up to $40,000 for single country alumni summits dependent on the availability of funds. Successful proposals will demonstrate strong engagement with and among exchange alumni, target audiences strategic to U.S. policy goals, and outline a plan for continuing engagement with alumni.