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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): PDS Lome Alumni Engagement Innovation Funds (AEIF)

What is the PDS Lome Alumni Engagement Innovation Funds opportunity?

The PDS Lome Alumni Engagement Innovation Funds opportunity is a competitive grant program run by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Lome, Togo, under the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF). It supports teams of alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to design and implement practical, locally led projects in Togo.

What is the main purpose of this grant program?

The program is meant to translate exchange alumni experience into community-based initiatives in Togo that advance U.S. foreign policy priorities, strengthen U.S.-Togo ties, and produce clear, measurable outcomes.

Who is this funding intended to support?

This funding is intended for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs and alumni organizations, typically applying as teams of alumni rather than individuals acting alone.

Is this a competitive grant?

Yes. This is described as a competitive grant program, and proposals are expected to be realistic, results-driven, and aligned with the stated priorities.

What kinds of projects are a good fit?

Projects should be practical and locally led in Togo, designed and implemented by exchange alumni teams, and focused on producing tangible community-level benefits with measurable results. Competitive proposals are expected to have clear goals, defined activities, and evidence-based approaches.

What priorities should projects align with?

The opportunity emphasizes projects aligned with America First foreign policy priorities by contributing to U.S. national security interests, supporting economic growth, and reinforcing the rule of law in Togo.

What strategic challenges does the Embassy want proposals to address?

The Embassy is explicitly seeking proposals that address strategic challenges with direct relevance to U.S. interests, including unlawful migration to the United States, entrepreneurship and private-sector development, energy independence, and efforts to counter malign foreign influence.

Do projects need to show measurable results?

Yes. The program stresses clear, measurable outcomes and tangible impact. Applicants should be prepared to define what success looks like and how they will track progress and results.

Is sustainability required?

Sustainability and longer-term value are key expectations. Projects should be structured so benefits continue after the grant ends, ideally through local ownership, capacity building, strengthened institutions or networks, and feasible plans for ongoing maintenance or continuation.

What does the program mean by self-reliance and reduced dependency?

Proposals are expected to promote self-reliance in the recipient country and reduce long-term dependency on U.S. taxpayer support. This can include approaches that encourage free enterprise, support market-based or income-generating solutions, and build durable local capability.

Are purely aspirational projects likely to be competitive?

The opportunity indicates a preference for tangible impact over purely aspirational programming. Strong proposals should be grounded in realistic plans, defined activities, and evidence-based approaches that demonstrate how results will be achieved.

Where must projects be implemented?

Projects are intended to be implemented in Togo and designed as locally led initiatives.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The opportunity is not open to for-profit organizations.

Are individual alumni allowed to apply on their own?

The eligibility focus is on alumni teams and alumni organizations, with applicants typically applying as teams rather than individuals acting alone.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount is $35,000.

How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?

The Embassy anticipates making one award under this competition.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline listed is May 7, 2026.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on April 7, 2026.

What type of award instrument will be used?

The grant is administered as a discretionary award using a grant funding instrument.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

This opportunity falls under CFDA 19.022.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is PDS LOME FY26 0001 AIEF.

What is the role of exchange alumni in this program?

The central idea is to leverage the skills, networks, and credibility of U.S. government exchange alumni to deliver community-based initiatives in Togo while advancing U.S. strategic priorities.

How should applicants think about monitoring and evaluation?

While specific monitoring and evaluation requirements are not detailed here, the emphasis on measurable outcomes implies applicants should define indicators of success and explain how progress and results will be tracked to demonstrate impact.

What types of outcomes is the program trying to achieve in Togo?

The program is intended to support stronger governance, economic opportunity, and resilience in Togo, while also strengthening U.S.-Togo ties and aligning with U.S. strategic priorities.