2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)

Description

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in twelve (12) months or less. The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants 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 Public Diplomacy Section 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. 1. Executive Summary Embassy Malabo invites U.S. Government exchange alumni teams to submit proposals for the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026. In recognition of Freedom 250, this opportunity supports alumni‑led initiatives that highlight shared U.S.–Equatorial Guinea values and advance innovation, skills development, and community engagement. This NOFO prioritizes projects that strengthen human capital and advance economic diversification, key Mission priority goals. Alumni are encouraged to propose programs that equip youth and early‑career professionals with leadership, entrepreneurship, and applied STEM competencies aligned with modern industry standards, including those used by U.S. companies operating in Equatorial Guinea. Through practical training, mentorship, and exposure to real‑world professional environments, the initiative aims to expand local access to technical English, digital skills, engineering fundamentals, and workplace readiness. A strengthened local talent pipeline supports both U.S. strategic interests and local development by fostering a workforce that can effectively collaborate with American companies, contribute to regional economic resilience, and engage with global best practices. Programs incorporating hands‑on STEM learning, entrepreneurship development, prototype building, or leadership training are encouraged. Through this Freedom 250‑aligned initiative, Embassy Malabo aims to empower and support a more resilient, diversified, and skills‑driven economy in Equatorial Guinea. Background & Problem Statement Equatorial Guinea’s continued economic diversification depends on developing a workforce with strong leadership, entrepreneurship, and applied STEM skills. Employers, particularly in sectors where U.S. companies operate, identify persistent gaps in workplace readiness, technical English, and practical experience with modern industry standards. These gaps limit youth access to emerging opportunities and restrict the growth of a competitive, locally trained talent pipeline. The current U.S. administration’s focus on human capital development, workforce opportunity, and strategic economic engagement underscores the need for programming that delivers practical skills and strengthens local capacity to meet evolving industry demands. The Freedom 250 commemoration further highlights themes of innovation, which resonate strongly with youth aspirations in Equatorial Guinea. This NOFO responds to these needs by supporting alumni-led initiatives that equip young people with market-relevant leadership, entrepreneurship, and applied STEM competencies, and that create clearer pathways to mentorship, internships, and professional growth. Through practical training and exposure to real workplace environments, the initiative aims to strengthen human development, enhance workforce readiness, and support broader economic resilience in alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities. How the Program Addresses the Need & Advances U.S. Priorities This program addresses identified workforce and skills gaps by equipping youth and early‑career professionals with practical leadership, entrepreneurship, and applied STEM competencies that align with the needs of modern industries, including sectors where U.S. companies are active partners. By expanding access to technical English, digital skills, and hands‑on learning, the program strengthens Equatorial Guinea’s human capital and supports the development of a talent pipeline capable of meeting international standards. This program directly advances the 2025 National Security Strategy pillars of "Energy Dominance" and "Economic Prosperity." Through mentorship, professional exposure, and partnerships with local institutions and private sector stakeholders, the program enhances local human capital to collaborate effectively with U.S. businesses and strengthens broader economic resilience. By aligning with Freedom 250’s themes of innovation, civic engagement, and shared progress, the initiative highlights the positive role of U.S. alumni in advancing community development, expanding opportunity, and fostering locally led solutions that reflect both U.S. values and national development priorities in Equatorial Guinea. Project Audience(s): The program targets Equatoguinean youth and early‑career professionals ages 22–35 in Malabo, Bata, and nearby regions who seek practical skills to improve employability and engage in emerging economic sectors. Beneficiaries may include young professionals needing leadership and workplace‑readiness training, aspiring entrepreneurs developing viable business ideas, and students or entry‑level professionals pursuing applied STEM or agri‑tech skills relevant to industries where U.S. companies operate. Project Goal: Strengthen Equatorial Guinea’s human capital by equipping youth and early‑career professionals (ages 22–35) with leadership, entrepreneurship, and applied STEM skills that support workforce readiness, economic diversification, and sustainable engagement with modern industry standards in line with U.S. foreign policy priorities. Project Objectives: The project objectives are the measurable results Embassy Malabo expects the selected project to achieve once it is awarded. · Objective 1: Equip 30 youth and early‑career professionals (ages 22–35) with practical leadership, communication, and workplace‑readiness skills, with at least 75% demonstrating measurable improvement required to succeed in modern professional environments. · Objective 2: Provide hands‑on entrepreneurship and applied STEM training to the same 30 participants, resulting in at least 10 viable business concepts and one functional technical prototype aligned with industry‑relevant standards, with at least 80% showing competency gains. · Objective 3: Strengthen local workforce pathways by securing at least 10 partnerships with private sector and training institutions, leading to a minimum of 8 structured mentorships, internships, or apprenticeships within three months of program completion. 1. Substantial Involvement If this award would be issued as a cooperative agreement or fixed amount award (FAA) with substantial involvement, the U.S. Embassy may be actively engaged in project oversight to ensure alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and compliance with AEIF 2026 requirements. Substantial involvement may include: U.S. Embassy Roles and Responsibilities If awarded as a cooperative agreement or FAA with substantial involvement, the U.S. Embassy may: · Approve the project’s workplan, and major activity designs prior to implementation. · Provide technical guidance to ensure alignment with U.S. Mission priorities and Freedom 250 themes. · Review and approve key deliverables, including training materials, participant selection criteria, and communication products. · Participate in selected events (e.g., opening, closing, site visits) for oversight and representation. · Monitor implementation through regular check-ins, performance updates, and financial reviews to ensure compliance with grant requirements.

Eligibility

Grants.gov lists this opportunity under eligibility category codes 06, 12, 21. These codes correspond to applicant types (state/local government, tribal organization, nonprofit, educational institution, individual, small business, etc.) defined in Grants.gov's own eligibility reference. See the current Grants.gov eligibility categories or check the official listing below for this opportunity's exact eligibility statement.

Agency Contact

Key Dates