Opportunity Information: Apply for S DR860 26 NOFO 0001
The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Dominican Republic is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo to support an alumni-led higher education project that strengthens long-term academic ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States. The program is designed to promote U.S. leadership in higher education by bringing U.S.-based educational models, teaching practices, and research approaches into Dominican university settings, while also building durable, practical partnerships between U.S. and Dominican institutions. The Embassy is looking for projects that move beyond one-time events and instead create sustained collaboration through mentorship, applied learning, and clear institutional buy-in, with results that can last after the grant ends.
Funding is provided through FY26 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy funds under Assistance Listing (CFDA) 19.022. The award instrument may be a grant or a fixed amount award (FAA). The total funding available is up to USD 35,000 (pending funds availability), with individual project budgets expected to fall between USD 5,000 and USD 35,000. Projects must run between 12 and 24 months and be completed in two years or less, with an anticipated start around November 2026. While the opportunity is announced as a competitive solicitation, the Department of State may consider non-competitive continuation funding beyond the initial period if funds are available, performance is strong, and continued support is judged to be in the U.S. government interest. The Embassy also notes it may award less or more than the amounts described if circumstances and funding allow, subject to grants officer approval.
The competition is focused on engaging U.S. government exchange alumni as leaders and implementers, using their U.S. exchange experience to drive innovation and connect institutions. The target audiences are primarily Dominican undergraduate and graduate students (18 and older) and Dominican university faculty and administrators, with U.S. university faculty and academic leaders also expected to participate as collaborators. Exchange alumni from both countries are central to the model and are expected to serve as project leads, mentors, trainers, or facilitators. Activities can include faculty collaboration, student training, mentorship structures, joint research or teaching initiatives (as collaborative outputs rather than standalone scientific research), and public-facing efforts that expand awareness of U.S. study and exchange options, including EducationUSA-related programming.
The grant is structured around measurable objectives with specific minimum participation and outcome targets. First, applicants are expected to promote and showcase U.S. higher education best practices by training at least 50 Dominican students and 15 faculty members through workshops, mentorship, or applied learning activities, with at least 75 percent of participants able to demonstrate they can apply at least one U.S.-based methodology (such as experiential learning, research mentorship approaches, or student-centered pedagogy) within three months after completing the program. Second, projects must strengthen institutional collaboration by establishing or expanding at least one formal partnership or collaborative initiative between a U.S. and a Dominican higher education institution, such as co-developed curricula, joint initiatives, or exchange-related collaboration, and show documented follow-on activity or continued engagement within six months after the project ends. Third, the program requires clear alumni leadership: a minimum team of three exchange alumni should lead or implement activities, producing at least three alumni-led outputs (for example, trainings, mentorship sessions, or collaborative events). Fourth, the project must increase understanding of U.S. higher education opportunities by engaging at least 50 students and 15 faculty members in EducationUSA-supported activities, with at least 70 percent demonstrating increased knowledge of U.S. study options, application steps, or exchange programs based on pre- and post-assessments.
Eligibility is aimed at Dominican organizations rather than individuals as lead applicants, though the program concept emphasizes alumni-led teams. Eligible applicants include Dominican not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/NGOs) and Dominican public or private educational institutions. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, which means applicants can propose partner contributions (cash or in-kind) to strengthen the project, but they are not automatically disqualified without matching funds. Organizational applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration; individuals are not required to have a UEI or SAM registration, but they also are not listed as eligible lead applicants in the opportunity summary.
The notice also includes clear restrictions on what the funding will not support. Prohibited activities include partisan political programming; direct charitable, humanitarian, or development services such as medical, psychological, or other direct social service delivery; construction; projects that support specific religious activities; fundraising campaigns; lobbying for specific legislation or government programs; scientific research or surveys as a primary purpose; commercial ventures; projects mainly intended to grow the applicant organization itself (rather than deliver public diplomacy impact); duplicative projects that repeat existing efforts; and any illegal activity. In practical terms, competitive proposals will likely be those that demonstrate sustained U.S.-Dominican institutional linkage, strong alumni leadership, hands-on learning with mentorship and follow-up, and concrete deliverables (curricula, collaborative initiatives, mentorship structures, or exchange pipelines) paired with credible evaluation methods to verify the required outcome percentages.
Key dates and identifiers provided include the funding opportunity number S-DR860-26-NOFO-0001 and an application deadline listed as May 13, 2026 in the narrative (with source data also showing an OriginalClosingDate of June 14, 2026). Applicants would want to confirm the controlling deadline in the official posting or full NOFO instructions before planning submission timelines. Overall, the AEIF 2026 Dominican Republic opportunity is best understood as a small grant (up to USD 35,000) meant to catalyze high-impact, alumni-driven higher education collaboration that highlights U.S. educational strengths, grows professional networks, and leaves behind partnerships and practices that can continue beyond the grant period.Apply for S DR860 26 NOFO 0001
- The U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Dominican Republic" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-05-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-06-14. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $35,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Dominican Republic - FAQs
What is the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Dominican Republic?
The Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Dominican Republic is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. It supports an alumni-led higher education project that strengthens long-term academic ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States through sustained collaboration, mentorship, applied learning, and institutional buy-in.
What is the main goal of this grant opportunity?
The main goal is to promote U.S. leadership in higher education by bringing U.S.-based educational models, teaching practices, and research approaches into Dominican university settings, while building durable, practical partnerships between U.S. and Dominican institutions that continue after the grant ends.
Who is administering the program?
The program is administered by the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo under the U.S. Department of State.
What is the funding source and Assistance Listing (CFDA) number?
Funding is provided through FY26 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy funds under Assistance Listing (CFDA) 19.022.
What is the funding opportunity number for this competition?
The funding opportunity number is S-DR860-26-NOFO-0001.
How much funding is available?
Total funding available is up to USD 35,000 (pending funds availability). Individual project budgets are expected to range from USD 5,000 to USD 35,000.
What type of award will be made?
The award instrument may be a grant or a fixed amount award (FAA).
Can the Embassy award more or less than the amounts listed?
Yes. The Embassy notes it may award less or more than the amounts described if circumstances and funding allow, subject to grants officer approval.
How long can a project run?
Projects must run between 12 and 24 months and must be completed in two years or less.
When is the project expected to start?
The anticipated start is around November 2026.
Is this a competitive opportunity?
Yes. The opportunity is announced as a competitive solicitation.
Is continuation funding possible after the initial award?
Possibly. The Department of State may consider non-competitive continuation funding beyond the initial period if funds are available, performance is strong, and continued support is judged to be in the U.S. government interest.
Who can apply as the lead applicant?
Eligibility is aimed at Dominican organizations (not individuals) as lead applicants. Eligible applicants include Dominican not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/NGOs) and Dominican public or private educational institutions.
Can an individual exchange alum apply directly as the lead applicant?
Based on the opportunity summary provided, individuals are not listed as eligible lead applicants. The concept emphasizes alumni-led teams, but the lead applicant is expected to be an eligible Dominican organization.
Are U.S. institutions expected to participate?
Yes. U.S. university faculty and academic leaders are expected to participate as collaborators, and the program prioritizes building practical partnerships between U.S. and Dominican higher education institutions.
Who are the target audiences for project activities?
The target audiences are primarily Dominican undergraduate and graduate students (18 and older) and Dominican university faculty and administrators. U.S. university faculty and academic leaders participate as collaborators, and exchange alumni from both countries are central to the model.
What role do U.S. government exchange alumni play in the project?
Exchange alumni are expected to serve as leaders and implementers and to use their U.S. exchange experience to drive innovation and connect institutions. They may serve as project leads, mentors, trainers, or facilitators.
Is there a minimum alumni leadership requirement?
Yes. The program requires clear alumni leadership: a minimum team of three exchange alumni should lead or implement activities, and the project must produce at least three alumni-led outputs (for example, trainings, mentorship sessions, or collaborative events).
What types of activities are allowed under this grant?
Activities can include faculty collaboration, student training, mentorship structures, joint research or teaching initiatives (as collaborative outputs rather than standalone scientific research), and public-facing efforts that expand awareness of U.S. study and exchange options, including EducationUSA-related programming.
What kinds of projects are most competitive under AEIF?
Competitive proposals are likely to be those that move beyond one-time events and instead demonstrate sustained U.S.-Dominican institutional linkage, strong alumni leadership, hands-on learning with mentorship and follow-up, concrete deliverables (such as curricula, collaborative initiatives, mentorship structures, or exchange pipelines), and credible evaluation methods to verify required outcomes.
Are one-time events acceptable as the main project activity?
The Embassy is looking for projects that move beyond one-time events and instead create sustained collaboration through mentorship, applied learning, and clear institutional buy-in, with results that can last after the grant ends.
What minimum participation targets must projects meet for U.S. higher education best practices?
Applicants are expected to train at least 50 Dominican students and 15 faculty members through workshops, mentorship, or applied learning activities.
What outcome is required after the best practices training?
At least 75 percent of participants should be able to demonstrate they can apply at least one U.S.-based methodology (such as experiential learning, research mentorship approaches, or student-centered pedagogy) within three months after completing the program.
What partnership requirement must projects meet?
Projects must establish or expand at least one formal partnership or collaborative initiative between a U.S. and a Dominican higher education institution (such as co-developed curricula, joint initiatives, or exchange-related collaboration).
What follow-on requirement applies to the institutional partnership?
Projects must show documented follow-on activity or continued engagement within six months after the project ends.
What are the EducationUSA-related requirements?
The project must increase understanding of U.S. higher education opportunities by engaging at least 50 students and 15 faculty members in EducationUSA-supported activities.
What outcome is required for EducationUSA-related activities?
At least 70 percent of participants must demonstrate increased knowledge of U.S. study options, application steps, or exchange programs based on pre- and post-assessments.
Is scientific research allowed?
Scientific research or surveys as a primary purpose are prohibited. However, the opportunity does allow joint research or teaching initiatives as collaborative outputs, as long as standalone scientific research is not the primary purpose.
Is cost sharing or matching funding required?
No. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Applicants may propose partner contributions (cash or in-kind) to strengthen the project, but applications are not automatically disqualified without matching funds.
What registrations are required for organizational applicants?
Organizational applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration.
Are individuals required to have a UEI or SAM.gov registration?
Individuals are not required to have a UEI or SAM.gov registration, but individuals are also not listed as eligible lead applicants in the opportunity summary provided.
What activities are explicitly prohibited?
Prohibited activities include partisan political programming; direct charitable, humanitarian, or development services such as medical, psychological, or other direct social service delivery; construction; projects that support specific religious activities; fundraising campaigns; lobbying for specific legislation or government programs; scientific research or surveys as a primary purpose; commercial ventures; projects mainly intended to grow the applicant organization itself (rather than deliver public diplomacy impact); duplicative projects that repeat existing efforts; and any illegal activity.
Can the grant be used for construction or facilities upgrades?
No. Construction is listed as a prohibited activity.
Can the grant support fundraising or revenue-generating activities?
No. Fundraising campaigns and commercial ventures are listed as prohibited activities.
Can the project include political advocacy or lobbying?
No. Partisan political programming and lobbying for specific legislation or government programs are prohibited.
Can the project provide direct humanitarian or social services?
No. Direct charitable, humanitarian, or development services (including medical, psychological, or other direct social service delivery) are prohibited.
Can the project focus on religious programming?
No. Projects that support specific religious activities are prohibited.
What does the Embassy mean by avoiding duplicative projects?
The notice indicates that projects that repeat existing efforts are prohibited. Proposed activities should add clear value rather than simply reproducing programming that already exists.
What deadline should applicants follow?
The narrative lists an application deadline of May 13, 2026, while the source data also shows an OriginalClosingDate of June 14, 2026. Applicants should confirm the controlling deadline in the official posting or full NOFO instructions before planning submission timelines.
What are the main deliverables or results the Embassy is looking for?
The opportunity emphasizes durable, practical partnerships and sustained collaboration. Examples of concrete deliverables mentioned include co-developed curricula, collaborative initiatives, mentorship structures, alumni-led trainings or mentorship sessions, and exchange-related collaboration, supported by evaluation methods that verify required participation and outcome percentages.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Previous opportunity: NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime: Nexus with Firearms and Violence
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for S DR860 26 NOFO 0001
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "S DR860 26 NOFO 0001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.