U.S. Embassy Libya ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT INNOVATION FUND (AEIF) 2026 | Apply Online

AEIF 2026 (U.S. Embassy to Libya) - Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026)?

The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026) is a competitive small-grants program offered by the U.S. Embassy to Libya for alumni of U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. It funds alumni-led projects intended to strengthen U.S.-Libya ties and deliver practical outcomes related to economic growth, stability, and cooperation.

2) Who is this grant designed for?

This opportunity is designed specifically for eligible exchange alumni. Applications must be submitted by exchange alumni themselves or by alumni associations made up of U.S. government exchange alumni. Other organizations are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant.

3) What exchange programs qualify an applicant as an eligible alumnus/alumna?

Applicants must be alumni of a qualifying U.S. government-funded exchange program (as listed on alumni.state.gov) or a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program, including J-1 related programs referenced at j1visa.state.gov.

4) Are non-alumni organizations allowed to apply?

No. Organizations that are not exchange-alumni-led cannot apply as the primary applicant based on the information provided. However, alumni applicants may partner with nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions to carry out project activities.

5) Can an alumni team partner with other organizations to implement the project?

Yes. Alumni applicants are allowed to partner with nonprofits/NGOs, think tanks, and academic institutions to conduct activities as part of the project.

6) Who can receive the grant award if the project includes partners?

The grant award can be issued either to an individual alumni applicant or to a partner organization, depending on the project structure.

7) Is a team required, or can one alumnus/alumna apply alone?

A team effort is required. Proposals must include at least two eligible exchange alumni on the project team.

8) What is the main purpose of AEIF 2026 projects under this opportunity?

The main purpose is to support alumni-led projects that strengthen U.S.-Libya ties while advancing practical outcomes in economic growth, stability, and cooperation, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development in Libya.

9) What kinds of activities or focus areas is the Embassy particularly interested in?

The Embassy is particularly interested in initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development, emphasizing real-world skills and tangible partnerships. The opportunity highlights commercial diplomacy activities such as building business networks, improving business expertise, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and encouraging trade and investment between Libya and the United States.

10) Who is expected to benefit from funded projects?

Strong proposals are expected to benefit Libyan youth and professionals by expanding access to practical leadership development, STEM learning and career-relevant technical skills, and English language proficiency, with the aim of improving employability and international competitiveness.

11) What types of outcomes does the Embassy want to see?

Based on the description, the Embassy is looking for practical outcomes such as stronger business networks, improved business expertise, support for SMEs, and increased trade and investment linkages between Libya and the United States, along with improved workforce readiness through leadership, STEM/technical skills, and English language development.

12) Are projects required to include a U.S.-Libya collaboration element?

The opportunity emphasizes strengthening U.S.-Libya ties and encourages collaboration between U.S. and Libyan stakeholders. Projects that increase collaboration between U.S. and Libyan stakeholders are viewed as contributing to safer, more prosperous bilateral relations.

13) Is there any required theme or component that every project must include?

Yes. All funded projects must incorporate a component that celebrates and promotes America’s 250th birthday. This is described as a required program element, not an optional theme.

14) Beyond the required America250 component, what priority themes are encouraged?

Proposals are encouraged to align with one or more of the following Embassy priority themes:

• Youth and workforce innovation (connecting young people to resources, mentorship, and international markets, and creating pathways to careers, including with American companies and institutions)
• Commercial and economic partnerships (building trust and practical connections between U.S. and Libyan businesses)
• STEM education and technology exchange (technical skills development and innovation for sustainable economic growth)
• English language and cultural exchange (strengthening communication and mutual understanding that supports trade, collaboration, and diplomacy)

15) What is the funding opportunity number and who administers the grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is LEO PD AEIF 2026. The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Mission to Libya.

16) What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.022.

17) How many awards does the program expect to make?

The program anticipates making about two awards.

18) What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award size (ceiling) is $35,000 per project.

19) Is this a formula grant or a competitive/discretionary grant?

This is described as a discretionary grant opportunity and is competitive.

20) How should applicants think about project size and scope given the budget cap?

Because the ceiling is $35,000 and the program is described as a small-grants program, proposals are expected to be scoped to achievable, high-impact activities that fit within a modest budget and a timeline typical of small public diplomacy grants.

21) What must be submitted as part of the application?

Applications must be emailed with a proposal and an accompanying budget.

22) How do applicants submit their proposal?

Applications must be submitted by email to LibyaUSAAlumni@state.gov.

23) What is the application deadline and which time zone applies?

The narrative guidance emphasizes that applications must be submitted by Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Libya local time. The opportunity also lists an original closing date of May 10, 2026, but the narrative guidance specifically highlights May 9 at 23:59 (Libya local time).

24) Which deadline should applicants follow if the listing and narrative differ?

Based on the information provided, the narrative guidance emphasizes May 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Libya local time, even though an original closing date of May 10, 2026 is also referenced.

25) Does the opportunity say anything about what makes a proposal strong?

Yes. The description indicates that strong proposals are expected to deliver tangible partnerships and real-world skills, benefit Libyan youth and professionals, support employability and international competitiveness, and advance commercial diplomacy outcomes such as business networks, SME support, and trade/investment connections. All projects must also include the required America250 component.