Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

The U.S. Embassy Cotonou, under the U.S. Department of State, is offering funding opportunities through its Public Diplomacy Section for the fiscal year 2025. This program, titled the U.S. Embassy Cotonou PDS Request for Statements of Interest, is designed to strengthen bilateral relations and support mission goals in Benin by promoting security, stability, governance, and economic growth. The funding instrument may take the form of a grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement, with anticipated project start dates beginning October 1, 2025. The Embassy seeks to support innovative projects that align with its foreign policy objectives and public diplomacy mission, specifically enhancing cooperation between Benin and the United States. The program is structured around three primary goals: making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. The first goal focuses on counterterrorism and preventing radicalization in northern Benin, particularly by engaging community radio stations, youth leaders, and influencers to counter extremist propaganda. The second goal emphasizes strengthening democratic governance, press freedom, and education, with projects supporting journalists, civil society, and youth development, as well as promoting American values and English language learning. The third goal aims to foster prosperity through entrepreneurship, STEM development, and building U.S.-Benin trade partnerships, encouraging projects that build local business capacity and expand opportunities for investment and cooperation. Funding awards range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on project scope, with a total of $100,000 available pending the availability of funds. Proposed projects should be completed within 10 to 12 months. Anticipated awards vary depending on program objectives, with 1–2 grants typically issued per priority area. While cost-sharing is not required, applicants may propose it voluntarily. For-profit or commercial organizations are not eligible, but U.S. and Beninese individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, governmental institutions, and educational institutions are encouraged to apply. Organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and maintain active registration in SAM.gov, while individuals are exempt from this requirement. The application process is structured in two phases. Applicants first submit a concise statement of interest, limited to three pages, that outlines the project’s goals, objectives, target audiences, and anticipated impact. These SOIs serve as preliminary submissions and do not result in an award. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal, including detailed project descriptions, budgets, and supporting documentation such as SF-424 forms. All statements of interest must be submitted in English by email to CotonouPASGrants@state.gov no later than June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. UTC+1. Applications will be reviewed based on four weighted criteria: quality of program idea (40 points), organizational capacity and record (30 points), program planning and ability to achieve objectives (15 points), and budget clarity and reasonableness (15 points). A grants committee composed of Embassy staff will evaluate submissions in July 2025. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal within two weeks of notification. Final award decisions will be made following a second merit review process that includes an assessment of financial stability, management capacity, and history of grant performance. Certain restrictions apply to the use of funds. Awarded funds may not be used for subawards or financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), nor for programs that violate federal non-discrimination laws, including Executive Order 14173. Compliance with U.S. federal regulations (2 CFR 200) and Department of State standard terms and conditions is required. Applicants must be aware that the Embassy cannot provide individual feedback to non-selected applicants, though general feedback will be shared publicly via Embassy communication channels. This funding opportunity represents a chance for eligible organizations and individuals in both the U.S. and Benin to contribute to shared goals of peace, stability, and prosperity while strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties. The Embassy seeks innovative and practical project ideas that address pressing challenges, build local capacity, and create sustainable impacts across security, governance, education, and economic development. Interested applicants should prepare their SOIs carefully, ensuring clarity, feasibility, and alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities in Benin.