Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund
The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy in Romania announces an open competition for past participants (“alumni”) of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). The goal of the AEIF 2026 program is to collaborate with alumni teams to develop projects that directly support U.S. policy objectives. This funding opportunity is designed to amplify the U.S. government’s return on investment in exchange programs, advance policy goals, and strengthen the U.S. government’s relationship with exchange alumni.
All 2026 AEIF projects must celebrate and promote America’s 250th anniversary (Freedom 250) and align with policy goals such as making the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous, or defending freedom of speech. We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements presented in the documents below. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2026 should submit proposals to BucharestPDGrants@state.gov by Thursday, April 30, 2026.
- Notice of Funding Opportunity: Romania_AEIF 2026 (.PDF file, in English)
- AEIF 2026 Proposal Form (.DOCX file, in English)
- AEIF 2026 Budget Form (.XLSX file, in English)
Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP)
The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation supports the preservation of cultural sites, cultural objects, and forms of traditional cultural expression in more than 100 countries around the world.
AFCP-supported projects include the restoration of ancient and historic buildings, assessment and conservation of rare manuscripts and museum collections, preservation and protection of important archaeological sites, and the documentation of vanishing traditional craft techniques and indigenous languages.
Cultural heritage endures as a reminder of the contributions and historical experiences of humanity. By taking a leading role in efforts to preserve cultural heritage, the U.S. shows its respect for other cultures.
U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation 2026
(Deadline: 03/20/2026)
The U.S. Embassy to Romania and the Cultural Heritage Center in Washington is pleased to announce the start of the 2026 grants cycle for the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The 2026 grant cycle celebrates 250 years of American independence. The year 2026 is also the 25th anniversary of the AFCP. Applicants must submit full project applications by March 20, 2026. More details about the requirements and the application process are available here: AFCP Freedom 250 Special Edition Application Guide 2026 (.PDF file, in English)
Community Solutions Program
“The Community Solutions Program is a professional development program for the best and brightest global community leaders working in the fields of transparency and accountability, tolerance and conflict resolution, environmental issues and women’s issues. Community Solutions provides four-month-long fellowships at U.S. community-based non-profit or other organizations, government offices or legislative bodies. Fellows will work with community leaders to enhance their practical expertise, leadership skills and professional contacts to address societal issues in their home communities.”
Partner organization: International Research and Exchange Board (IREX)
The application process usually starts in early fall. Please check the website and/ or Facebook page for eligibility criteria, thematic areas available per country, and recruitment timeline.