U.S. Embassy Abidjan PDS Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan’s Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) invites applications for funding under its Annual Program Statement. This funding opportunity aims to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Côte d’Ivoire by promoting shared values and bilateral cooperation. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that include an American element, such as partnerships with U.S. experts, institutions, or organizations, and that align with one or more of the following priority areas: trade and investment (e.g., digital economy, creative industries, and tourism), media and information literacy, or the empowerment of youth, women, and marginalized communities. Preference is given to projects conducted outside metropolitan Abidjan, particularly in Northern Côte d’Ivoire. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Ivorian registered nonprofit organizations, governmental and educational institutions, individuals, and civil society organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible unless the project is funded through Economic Support Funds (ESF). Applicants may only submit one proposal per organization. Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration, but individuals are not required to register in SAM.gov. Projects should have a duration of 1 to 12 months, and all activities must conclude before September 30, 2025. Cost-sharing is welcomed but not required. Grant amounts range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on project scope and available funding. The funding may be awarded as a grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement, with PDS staff providing oversight in some cases. Ineligible activities include partisan political programs, charitable or religious activities, scientific research, construction, and lobbying. Proposals should not duplicate existing programs or request funds for institutional development, personal use, or participation fees. Applications must be submitted in English and include a detailed proposal (maximum 10 pages), a budget justification narrative, and supporting documents such as résumés, letters of support, and, if applicable, a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Proposals must outline program goals, objectives, methods, timelines, and monitoring plans, as well as sustainability strategies for continued impact beyond the grant period. All submissions should comply with formatting and content requirements detailed in the NOFO. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until May 30, 2025. The review process evaluates proposals based on their feasibility, organizational capacity, content alignment with U.S. policy objectives, budget reasonableness, monitoring and evaluation plans, and sustainability. Each criterion is weighted, with sustainability and program content carrying the most importance. The U.S. government reserves the right to reject proposals or adjust funding amounts as necessary. Successful applicants will be notified by email and required to sign an award agreement before incurring program expenses. Reporting requirements will be specified in the award documents, and recipients must provide periodic financial and programmatic reports. Applicants must also comply with all federal regulations, including those related to financial management and anti-discrimination practices. Questions about the application process should be directed to usembgrants@state.gov. However, pre-consultation is not available, and all inquiries must reference the published NOFO. Additional resources, including application forms and budget templates, can be accessed through grants.gov.