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 celebrate Freedom 250 and promote civic engagement and shared values.
• Achieve a minimum of 100 direct beneficiaries and 2,000 indirect beneficiaries through funded projects and related outreach efforts.

Expected Activities

Applicants may propose activities such as, but are not limited to:

• Community-based events, workshops, or campaigns highlighting Freedom 250 themes
• Educational or cultural programming promoting civic engagement and cross-cultural understanding
• Digital or media-based initiatives to expand outreach and audience engagement
• Collaborative projects that strengthen alumni networks and partnerships

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Applicants should clearly define expected outputs and outcomes and include a plan for monitoring and evaluation. Proposals should identify:

• Performance indicators (e.g., number of participants, audience reach, engagement levels)
• Targets and, where appropriate, baseline data
• Data collection methods (e.g., attendance records, participant feedback, surveys, digital analytics)

Substantial Involvement

The U.S. Embassy Seoul’s Public Diplomacy Section will remain substantially involved throughout the program. Embassy involvement will include the following:

• Providing guidance on program design to ensure alignment with Freedom 250 objectives and broader public diplomacy priorities
• Reviewing and approving key project activities, timelines, and major deliverables
• Facilitating connections with relevant stakeholders, experts, and partner institutions
• Monitoring program implementation and performance, including participation in evaluation activities

Eligible ApplicantsThe 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 institutions

***Mandatory Additional Eligibility Requirements:

In addition to the eligibility categories listed above, all applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for funding: 

• Applicants must be alumni of a U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange program or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program.
• Project teams must include teams of at least two alumni.

Additional Consideration (Non-Mandatory):

• Proposals demonstrating regional or global collaboration among alumni will be viewed favorably.

All application materials must be submitted by email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov