We are currently accepting applications for a special edition of the Fulbright Alumni Development Grant to celebrate 250 years of American independent and 80 years of the Fulbright Program. The application is now open through August 14, 2026! To submit your application, click the following link: https://www.cognitoforms.com/Amideast2/FulbrightAlumniDevelopmentGrantApplication2027
Download the budget template to submit with your application here.
Proposed grant activities must take place within the authorization period from October 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the Alumni Development Grant (ADG) intends to complement the success of the Fulbright Program through continued exchange of ideas and increased mutual understanding that contributes to shared strength, security, and prosperity.
This year, the United States celebrates 250 years of American independence and the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, two closely connected milestones that emerged from conflicts that redefined the world and reflect the principles of freedom, opportunity, and self-government. For nearly one-third of America’s history the Fulbright Program has aimed to support mutually beneficial relations between the United States and countries around the world. To mark the Fulbright 80th and the Freedom 250 initiative, Amideast, in collaboration with ECA, is offering a special edition of the ADG.
The theme of this special edition of the ADG is celebrating industries with strong American ties. We are looking for proposals in the following fields: cultural heritage, entrepreneurship/financial technology, aerospace, maritime affairs, study of the United States/American founding documents, critical minerals, supply chain, international security, and artificial intelligence (AI). CIf an applicant is interested, but does not work directly in the listed fields, we are also accepting applications that propose activities that relate to the applicant’s field and using AI in their work.
Fulbright alumni from the Middle East and North Africa whose Fulbright Programs were administered by Amideast are eligible to apply for an Alumni Development Grant. The ADG provides support for Fulbright Program alumni to continue their educational and professional pursuits to address complex global challenges after their Program is completed. Alumni can apply for up to $5,000 for in-person professional development activities, or up to $1,000 to engage in a virtual professional development activity.
CLICK HERE TO SEE SOME GREAT EXAMPLES OF ADG PROJECTS ACCOMPLISHED BY FULBRIGHT ALUMNI
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be alumni of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program for the Middle East and North Africa, the Junior Faculty Development Program, or the Visiting Scholar Program for Iraq, whose programs were administered by Amideast on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.
- Important: Before you start an ADG application, please check your grant's original Terms of Agreement to confirm Amideast administered your Fulbright Program. If you are not sure and cannot confirm your records, email fulbrightmena.alumnigrants@amideast.org for assistance.
- The ADG is currently available for alumni from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Gaza, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank, and Yemen.
- Applicants must have completed their J-1 visa two-year home residency requirement at the time of application.
- Proposed activity should be clearly related to one or more of the following fields: cultural heritage, entrepreneurship/financial technology, aerospace, maritime affairs, study of the United States and/or founding documents, critical minerals, supply chain, international security, and artificial intelligence (AI).
- If your field is not explicitly listed above, you may apply for a grant activity that is related to your field and the use of AI in your work, whether you currently use it or aspire to learn how to incorporate it in your work.
- Amideast, U.S. Department of State, and Fulbright Commission staff members, independent contractors, and/or immediate family members are ineligible for at least one year following end of employment.
- The proposal should align with the spirit of the Fulbright Program’s mission and goals, including increasing mutual understanding, exchanging ideas, and finding solutions to complex global challenges.
- The proposed activity cannot focus on a United States-specific certification exam. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, the LSAT, CPA exams, PE exams, state or multistate bar exams, and the MCAT.
- The proposed activity cannot involve clinical medical research or training involving patient work and/or contact.
- Proposed activities taking place in the United States will require a visa for travel. If you do not have a valid U.S. visa, you must be eligible to receive a U.S. visa to undertake your proposed project. Please plan ahead and check the wait times for appointments and visa processing here. You may also need a visa for an activity taking place in another country in the region. Grant funds, if awarded, will not be disbursed unless you receive the necessary visa, if applicable.
Application Guidelines
- The proposed activity should be related to the applicant’s field of study and/or current professional position as well as the above-mentioned themes for the special edition ADG celebrating the Freedom 250 initiative and 80 years of the Fulbright Program.
- The proposed activity should contribute to the applicant’s professional development, whether it be a conference, professional training, collaborative research project, a professional visit, etc.
- The proposed activity must fully be in-person OR virtual; no hybrid activities will be considered. The proposed activity must take place in either the United States or the MENA region.
- The application must include the applicant’s passport, CV, and a complete budget. Budgets must follow the proposed activity’s location GSA FY 2027 per diem rates and Fly America regulations for travel. Applications submitted without the required documents will be considered incomplete and not eligible for the grant.
- Preference may be given to proposed activities that establish connections with U.S. researchers and institutions.
- Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate the active participation of the applicant, such as presenting at a conference or participating in a collaborative project.
- Proposed activities of a commercial or profit-making nature will not be considered.
- Requested funds may not exceed $5,000 for proposed in-person activities and $1,000 for proposed virtual activities.
- Cost share is not required but can make a proposal stronger. Please note where cost share is being provided (whether from personal funds or by a sponsor or employer). Amideast reserves the right to request additional information regarding the budget or proposed activity. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide any additional information in a timely manner to continue to be considered for the grant.
- Applications received will be reviewed for consideration by U.S. Department of State and Amideast representatives.
- Preference will be given to applicants who have never received an alumni grant, including both the ADG and Alumni Community Action Grant (ACAG). Previous alumni grant recipients must wait a minimum of two years after receipt before submitting another application.
Grant Guidelines
• Awards are based on the feasibility and the appropriateness of the activity.
• Financial compensation for applicants’ time or effort spent planning and implementing the project is prohibited.
• Grantees must submit their final report and financial documentation to Amideast no later than 30 days after the completion of their activity along with submission of a blog post and photos from the experience. The final report should include a summary of the activity, and an itemized list of the associated total actual costs incurred.
Check here for: Grant Frequently Asked Questions
For questions on the application process, contact Amideast:
Fulbright Foreign Student Program/ Alumni Action Grant
E-mail: fulbrightmena.alumnigrants@amideast.org
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