PDS Lome Alumni Engagement Innovation Funds

The PDS Lome Alumni Engagement Innovation Funds grant is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Lome, Togo, specifically the Public Diplomacy Section. This funding opportunity is part of the Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs and is designed to leverage the global network of alumni from U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. The initiative reflects broader U.S. foreign policy priorities by supporting alumni-led efforts that strengthen bilateral relationships, enhance national security interests, and promote economic growth and democratic values abroad. The program aligns with long-standing efforts by the Department of State to extend the impact of exchange programs by empowering alumni as community leaders and change agents. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund innovative, alumni-driven projects that address strategic challenges in Togo while advancing U.S. policy goals. Projects are expected to focus on areas such as reducing unlawful migration to the United States, promoting entrepreneurship and economic development, advancing energy independence, and countering malign foreign influence. In addition, the program encourages initiatives that celebrate shared values, including those tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary, and that strengthen institutional and cultural ties between the United States and Togo. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed activities will create measurable, sustainable outcomes and contribute to long-term self-reliance in the host country. Funding under this opportunity is provided as a grant with a total estimated program funding of $35,000. Individual awards range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $35,000, with one to two awards anticipated depending on funding availability. The performance period for funded projects is between six and twelve months, and projects must be completed within one year. Funds may be used for a wide range of programmatic costs, including personnel, travel, supplies, and evaluation activities, but may not be used for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, or other restricted uses such as fundraising or religious programming. Pre-award costs are not allowable, and all budgets must be submitted in U.S. dollars with detailed justifications. Eligibility is limited to alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs and alumni organizations. Applicants are typically expected to apply as teams of alumni rather than individuals acting independently. For-profit organizations are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Organizations must comply with federal requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining active registration in SAM.gov, unless an exemption is granted. Applicants may only submit one proposal, and failure to comply with submission or eligibility requirements will result in disqualification. The program also outlines several categories of ineligible activities, reinforcing the focus on public diplomacy and community impact rather than commercial or charitable service delivery. The application process requires submission of several mandatory forms, including SF-424 and related budget and assurance documents, along with a comprehensive project proposal not exceeding seven pages. The proposal must include a summary, organizational background, problem statement, detailed program design, timeline, personnel information, sustainability plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework. A detailed line-item budget and accompanying justification narrative are also required. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, and proof of nonprofit status must be included where applicable. Applications may be submitted via Grants.gov or directly via email to the designated embassy address. Applications are due by May 7, 2026, at 11:59 UTC, and this deadline is firm with no rolling submissions permitted. The review process includes an eligibility screening followed by evaluation by a technical review panel based on criteria such as program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification of results within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement administered by the Department of State and must comply with reporting requirements, including periodic financial and programmatic updates. For questions or technical issues related to the application, applicants may contact the Lome Public Diplomacy Section Grants Team via email at [email protected] or by phone at +228 22 61 54 70. Additional details, including full application instructions and templates, are provided in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity document. The program represents a strategic investment in alumni leadership and international collaboration, aiming to produce tangible benefits for both the United States and Togo through locally driven innovation and partnership.

Ensure strong alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities; demonstrate measurable impact and sustainability; provide detailed budget justification and clear evaluation metrics