U.S. Embassy Rangoon AEIF 2026 Grants Competition | Apply Online

AEIF 2026 (U.S. Embassy Rangoon) Grant Competition FAQs

1) What is the AEIF 2026 Grants Competition?

The U.S. Embassy Rangoon AEIF 2026 Grants Competition (Funding Opportunity Number: 26 MMR AEIF 001) is a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Mission to Myanmar under CFDA 19.022. It supports alumni of U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to design and lead practical projects that advance current U.S. foreign policy priorities.

2) Who is this program designed for?

This opportunity is designed specifically for exchange program alumni (including programs described through the J-1 Exchange Visitor framework). The program is intended to help alumni turn their exchange experience and networks into visible, real-world outcomes that support U.S. policy objectives and shared strategic interests.

3) What is the main purpose or "big idea" behind AEIF?

The central idea is to increase the return on U.S. government investment in exchange programs by enabling alumni-led projects that deliver tangible outcomes aligned with U.S. foreign policy goals. Projects should be practical, public-facing, and clearly connected to U.S. interests.

4) What policy framing does the Embassy expect in proposals?

The competition emphasizes America First foreign policy principles. Applicants are expected to show, in concrete terms, how alumni-led engagement makes the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, and how the work supports U.S. economic, security, and strategic interests.

5) What messaging requirements must projects include?

Proposals need to incorporate public-facing messaging that celebrates Freedom250 and highlights American excellence. The Embassy is looking for projects that elevate U.S. leadership, reinforce the United States as Burma's partner of choice, and promote positive perceptions of the United States.

6) What must applicants explain beyond the activity plan?

Applicants are expected to explain not just what they will do, but how the activities and communications will:

• Promote positive perceptions of the United States and American excellence
• Advance U.S. economic, security, or strategic interests
• Contribute to long-term partnerships that benefit the United States

7) What are the four priority areas projects must align with?

Projects must fit within at least one of these four priority areas:

• Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation, and Workforce Competitiveness
• Security and Protection from Transnational Threats
• Applied Education and Human Capital for National Development
• Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Market-Based Growth

8) What does the AI and Digital Innovation priority focus on?

This priority focuses on building job-relevant skills and workforce readiness through responsible, applied use of AI and digital technologies. It explicitly expects applicants to highlight U.S. leadership in AI innovation, STEM education, ethical technology development, and private-sector-driven digital growth, with practical uses of AI that raise productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

9) What does the Transnational Threats and Security priority support?

This priority supports prevention-oriented education and public awareness efforts that counter online scams, cyber fraud, illicit finance, and related cross-border threats, while framing the work in terms of U.S. leadership in technology and cybersecurity.

10) What does the Applied Education and Human Capital priority emphasize?

This priority centers on improving practical education, skills training, or research collaboration in sectors tied to economic growth and stability, while highlighting U.S. innovation and research strengths.

11) What does the Entrepreneurship and Market-Based Growth priority seek to achieve?

This priority aims to strengthen small business development and practical innovation skills in ways that reflect the competitiveness of the U.S. economy.

12) Who can benefit from AEIF-funded projects?

Intended beneficiaries can include emerging leaders across Burma; youth and early-career professionals building workforce and digital skills; and educators, entrepreneurs, civil society professionals, and public or private sector practitioners involved in innovation, applied education, or digital security.

13) Do proposals need to define a target audience?

Yes. Each proposal should clearly define its target audience, including geographic reach and relevant demographic or professional characteristics, so the Embassy can see who will benefit and why that audience matters for the project goals.

14) What are the required program objectives, and how many must a project support?

Every AEIF project must support at least one of the following three program objectives:

• Objective 1: Convene alumni across different exchange programs to build or expand networks for collaboration, including regional and global alumni collaboration.
• Objective 2: Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government through joint activities that address U.S. strategic interests.
• Objective 3: Develop alumni leadership and project management capacity by demonstrating growth in the team’s ability to plan, manage, and deliver results.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be alumni of U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Applications may be submitted by exchange alumni or alumni associations.

16) How many alumni are required on a project team?

Project teams must include at least two alumni.

17) Can teams include alumni from different exchange programs or different countries?

Yes. Teams can be mixed across different exchange programs and can include alumni from different countries.

18) Can U.S. citizen alumni apply as the applicant?

No. U.S. citizen alumni are not allowed to submit proposals as applicants under this opportunity.

19) Can U.S. citizen alumni still participate in a project?

Yes. U.S. citizen alumni may participate as team members.

20) Can applicants partner with other organizations to carry out project activities?

Yes. Teams may partner with nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations, think tanks, or academic institutions to carry out activities.

21) Are for-profit entities eligible to apply?

No. If an organization is receiving the award, the prime recipient must be a non-profit, non-governmental entity. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply under this notice.

22) Is subcontracting allowed?

Yes. Subcontracting is allowed, but roles must be clearly defined. The distinction between sub-recipients and contractors follows federal guidance (2 CFR 200.331).

23) Do organizations need a UEI and SAM.gov registration?

Yes. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration to be eligible.

24) Do individuals need a UEI and SAM.gov registration?

No. Individuals do not need a UEI or SAM.gov registration.

25) How many proposals may an organization submit?

Only one proposal may be submitted per organization. If an organization submits multiple proposals, all of them become ineligible.

26) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required. Applicants may strengthen proposals with additional contributed resources, but they are not obligated to provide a match.

27) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $35,000.

28) How many awards does the Embassy expect to make?

The opportunity indicates an expectation of about two awards.

29) What is the application deadline?

The closing date listed is 2026-05-03.

30) When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2026-03-20.

31) What types of activities are explicitly not funded?

The Embassy lists several prohibited activities. AEIF 2026 will not fund:

• Partisan political activity
• Charitable or development work that provides direct social services (including medical, psychological, or humanitarian support)
• Construction
• Projects supporting specific religious activities
• Fundraising campaigns
• Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
• Scientific research or surveys
• Commercial projects
• Proposals primarily intended for the applicant organization’s growth or institutional development
• Duplication of existing projects
• Any illegal activities

32) Does AEIF fund direct humanitarian or clinical services?

No. Direct social services such as medical, psychological, or humanitarian support are listed as prohibited under this opportunity.

33) Does AEIF fund construction?

No. Construction is explicitly listed as a prohibited activity.

34) Does AEIF fund research studies or surveys?

No. Scientific research or surveys are listed as prohibited activities.

35) Does AEIF fund fundraising or lobbying efforts?

No. Fundraising campaigns and lobbying for specific legislation or programs are listed as prohibited activities.

36) Does AEIF fund commercial projects or revenue-generating ventures?

No. Commercial projects are explicitly listed as prohibited activities under this notice.

37) Can a proposal focus mainly on building the applicant organization?

No. Proposals primarily intended for the applicant organization’s growth or institutional development are listed as prohibited.

38) Are duplicative projects allowed?

No. Duplication of existing projects is listed as prohibited.

39) What kind of outcomes is the Embassy looking for?

The Embassy is looking for visible, real-world outcomes that go beyond local benefits and clearly elevate U.S. leadership, reinforce the United States as a preferred partner, and produce tangible advantages aligned with U.S. economic, security, and strategic interests.

40) What is the overarching goal of AEIF?

The overarching goal is to boost the impact of exchange alumni by enabling them to implement projects that support U.S. policy objectives and strengthen strategic ties.