Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026- Gaborone | Apply Online

FAQs: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 - Gaborone

What is the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 - Gaborone?

It is a competitive U.S. Department of State funding opportunity run by the U.S. Embassy in Botswana. It invites proposals led by alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs who are based in Botswana, with projects centered on strengthening the sports sector as a driver of economic growth and social inclusion.

Who is running and managing this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is run by the U.S. Embassy in Botswana and managed under the U.S. Mission to Botswana.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The core idea is to use sports not only as recreation, but as a practical, long-term engine for economic growth and social inclusion. Projects are expected to last beyond a single event or short training and deliver measurable outcomes.

How does this opportunity connect to U.S. foreign policy priorities?

Projects are expected to reflect U.S. foreign policy priorities by deepening people-to-people ties and supporting excellence, investment, and shared prosperity.

What is the Freedom 250 initiative and how does it relate to this call?

This call is framed as part of the Freedom 250 initiative, linking alumni-led collaboration and community impact to the commemoration of 250 years of American independence.

What types of sports-related projects are prioritized?

Priority concepts include strengthening the sports sector in ways that are sustainable over time, such as improving governance, management, and long-term sustainability of sports federations, clubs, and related organizations in Botswana.

Does the Embassy want one-time events or longer-term programs?

The Embassy is emphasizing projects that last beyond a single event or short training, focusing instead on practical, implementable work that builds long-term capacity.

What does "improving governance and management" mean in this context?

Based on the opportunity description, it refers to strengthening how sports federations, clubs, and related organizations are run in Botswana, with an emphasis on management practices and long-term sustainability.

Are business models and fundraising considered eligible focus areas?

Yes. Helping sports organizations build realistic business models and fundraising strategies is listed as a priority project concept.

Can projects focus on marketing, branding, or event-management capabilities?

Yes. Upgrading marketing, branding, and event-management capabilities is specifically named as a priority concept.

Is athlete career readiness an allowable project focus?

Yes. Supporting athletes with career-readiness planning so they are better prepared for life after competitive sport is a major emphasis of the opportunity.

Are international partnerships required or encouraged?

Building international partnerships is a major emphasis, particularly creating meaningful linkages with U.S. collegiate and professional teams. This suggests such partnerships are strongly encouraged as part of project design.

What kinds of partnerships with U.S. teams are envisioned?

Examples mentioned include mentorship, skills exchange, joint programming, or other structured collaboration that benefits Botswana-based sports institutions and athletes.

Who are the intended beneficiaries of funded projects?

The intended beneficiaries include people who directly shape the sports ecosystem across Botswana, such as sports federation and club leaders, coaches, administrators, and young athletes seeking stronger professional skills and better organizational capacity.

Who can lead a proposal?

Proposals must be led by U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni residing in Botswana. One person must be designated as the team lead.

Is alumni status required to apply?

Yes. Eligibility is tightly tied to U.S. government exchange alumni status and Botswana-based leadership.

How many alumni must be included in each proposal?

Each proposal must involve a minimum of three U.S. government exchange alumni.

Can a U.S. citizen exchange alumnus/alumna be the team lead?

No. U.S. citizen alumni cannot serve as the team lead.

Can a U.S. citizen exchange alumnus/alumna submit a proposal?

No. U.S. citizen alumni cannot submit proposals themselves.

Can U.S. citizen alumni participate in any role?

Yes. They may participate as team members as long as the alumni team includes at least two non-U.S. citizen exchange alumni.

Are mixed teams (different exchange programs or countries) encouraged?

Yes. Teams made up of alumni from different exchange programs and different countries are strongly encouraged, indicating a preference for diverse perspectives and broader networks.

Can an alumni association apply?

Yes. Applications may be submitted by alumni associations of U.S. government exchange alumni that are based and operating in Botswana.

Can individuals apply, or does it have to be an organization?

Individuals may submit applications as exchange alumni working as an alumni team. The opportunity also allows applications from eligible organizations (such as registered civil society and non-governmental organizations in Botswana, including U.S. government alumni associations).

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Registered civil society and non-governmental organizations in Botswana, including U.S. government alumni associations, are eligible to apply.

Which organization types are not eligible to apply as the applicant?

Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions are not eligible to apply in the name of the organization, according to the opportunity description.

If an organization is not eligible to apply, can it still be involved?

Yes. Ineligible entity types may still participate as implementing partners working alongside the U.S. government exchange alumni team.

Is having a sports background required?

A background in sports or sports administration is described as an advantage, indicating projects should be grounded in real operational needs rather than purely theoretical approaches.

What does the Embassy mean by "practical and implementable" proposals?

The Embassy is looking for proposals that can realistically be delivered and managed, led by alumni who can use their training, credibility, and networks from U.S. exchange programs to produce measurable outcomes.

What award mechanism is being used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity uses a cooperative agreement. The description notes that this typically involves closer involvement or collaboration with the U.S. government during implementation than a standard grant.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount is USD 35,000.

How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?

The Embassy expects to make about two awards.

What does the expected number of awards imply about competitiveness?

With about two awards anticipated, the competition is likely to be selective, reinforcing the importance of clear objectives, credible management plans, and strong alumni-led implementation capacity.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is June 30, 2026.

What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA number?

The funding opportunity number is PDS 001 FY2026 under CFDA 19.022.

Where is the project leadership expected to be based?

Project leadership is expected to be Botswana-based, since applicants must be U.S. government exchange alumni residing in Botswana and the opportunity is anchored at the U.S. Embassy in Botswana.

Who should be included in the project team beyond the required alumni?

The opportunity emphasizes alumni-led proposals and allows additional participants through implementing partners. It also highlights the value of international linkages (including with U.S. collegiate and professional teams) and involvement of stakeholders who shape Botswana's sports ecosystem (leaders, coaches, administrators, and young athletes).