Funder: U.S. Mission to Benin
Due Dates: June 30, 2025
Funding Amounts: Awards range from $5,000 to $20,000 per project; estimated total program funding is $100,000; projects up to 12 months.
Summary: Supports projects advancing public diplomacy, resilience, and economic growth in Benin, with a focus on media, youth, and business leaders.
Key Information: Statements of Interest (SOI) required as first step; for U.S. and Beninese organizations and individuals.
Description
The U.S. Embassy Cotonou Public Diplomacy Section invites Statements of Interest (SOI) for projects that strengthen U.S.-Benin cooperation, promote economic growth, and enhance public diplomacy. Funding supports initiatives that build resilience among media, youth, and business leaders, aligning with goals of making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Projects may include training, mentorship, and capacity-building activities that counter extremist narratives, promote press freedom, expand English language learning, and foster entrepreneurship and trade.
Due Dates
- Statements of Interest Deadline: June 30, 2025 (extended)
- Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals after SOI review.
Funding Amount
- Award range: $5,000–$20,000 per project
- Estimated total program funding: $100,000
- Expected number of awards: 6
- Project duration: Up to 12 months
Eligibility
- Eligible applicants:
- U.S. and Beninese registered not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks, civil society, NGOs)
- Individuals
- Non-profit or governmental educational institutions
- Governmental institutions
- Ineligible: For-profit or commercial entities
- Additional requirements:
- Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov; individuals are not required to register.
- Only one SOI per organization is allowed; multiple submissions will render all ineligible.
Application Process
Step 1: Statement of Interest (SOI)
- Submit a concise (max 3 pages) SOI outlining:
- Project summary, objectives, anticipated impact
- Problem statement
- Goals and measurable objectives
- Schedule/timeline
- Budget justification (in a separate file)
- All materials must be in English, single-spaced, 12-point Calibri, with 1-inch margins.
- Submit SOI by email to CotonouPASGrants@state.gov.
Step 2: Full Proposal (By Invitation)
- If selected, applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, including required federal forms (SF-424 series).
- Proposals undergo a second merit review before final funding decisions.
Additional Information
- No cost sharing or matching required.
- Projects should address one or more of the following goals:
- Countering violent extremism and promoting community resilience
- Supporting press freedom, democratic governance, and English language learning
- Expanding U.S.-Benin trade, entrepreneurship, and STEM opportunities
- See the official grants.gov listing for the most current details.
External Links
Contact Information