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

The U.S. Embassy Cotonou, under the U.S. Department of State, has announced a forecasted funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Cotonou PDS Request for Statements of Interest" (Opportunity Number: PDS-RCS-FY25). This opportunity falls under the Public Diplomacy Programs and Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Assistance Listings (19.040 and 19.022). The goal is to support projects that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives and mission goals in Benin, particularly by promoting security, strengthening democratic institutions, and encouraging economic prosperity through partnerships and exchanges. The funding is expected to total $100,000, with individual awards ranging between $5,000 and $20,000. The embassy anticipates making approximately six awards. Projects are expected to last between 10 and 12 months, with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2025. The application process begins with the submission of a Statement of Interest (SOI), limited to three pages. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. The SOI is due by June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. UTC+1. All materials must be submitted via email to CotonouPASGrants@state.gov. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Beninese individuals, registered non-profits (including think tanks and NGOs), educational institutions, and governmental institutions. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible. Applicants may only submit one SOI per organization. All organizations must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), although this requirement does not apply to individual applicants. An exemption from these requirements may be granted on a case-by-case basis. The funding opportunity is structured around three primary goals: making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. For the "Make America Safer" goal, projects should focus on countering radicalization in northern Benin through media training and community resilience initiatives. The "Make America Stronger" objective emphasizes press freedom, English language learning, and governance training. The "Make America More Prosperous" goal seeks projects that strengthen U.S.-Benin trade relations and empower entrepreneurs and STEM professionals. Evaluation criteria for the SOI include the quality of the program idea (40 points), organizational capacity (30 points), ability to achieve objectives (15 points), and budget justification (15 points). A grants committee composed of U.S. Embassy staff will review eligible applications in July 2025. Only successful SOI applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, which must include SF-424 or SF-424I forms, as well as budget and assurances documentation. Administrative requirements align with federal regulations under 2 CFR Part 200 and other Department of State policies. Funding restrictions apply, including prohibitions on support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and non-compliant diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Questions about the grant must be directed to the Public Diplomacy Grants Management Team at CotonouPASGrants@state.gov or by calling 002290121367501. A public Q&A session will also be held with details posted on the Embassy’s Facebook page.

Applicants are encouraged to follow formatting strictly, begin registration early, and emphasize measurable, innovative ideas.