U.S. Embassy Cotonou PDS Request for Statements of Interest

Background
The U.S. Mission to Benin, through the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section in Cotonou, aims to enhance cooperation and promote economic growth in partnership with the United States. This initiative supports media, youth, and business leaders with training, mentorship, and grants to build resilience, strengthen ties, and foster prosperity. The overarching goals are to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Grant Details
The grant opportunity invites organizations and individuals to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) for projects that align with U.S. mission goals and foreign policy objectives. The SOI is the first step in a two-step process where applicants must submit a concise statement (maximum of 3 pages) outlining their project ideas. Upon merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. The funding instrument may include grants or cooperative agreements with substantial involvement from the embassy. Projects should be completed within 10 to 12 months. The anticipated awards range from $5,000 to $25,000 with a total funding pool of $100,000 pending availability.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include registered not-for-profit organizations (including think tanks and civil society organizations), individuals, non-profit or governmental educational institutions, and governmental institutions based in the U.S. or Benin. For-profit entities are not eligible. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov and an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Only one SOI per organization is allowed; multiple submissions will render all ineligible.

Period of Performance
The performance period for projects is expected to be between 10 to 12 months, starting from October 1, 2025.

Grant Value
The total available funding for this opportunity is $100,000, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of approximately $25,000.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will primarily take place in Benin.