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 call for Statements of Interest (SOI) for the FY2025 Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This funding opportunity supports initiatives that directly align with U.S. mission goals and foreign policy objectives in Benin. With funding sourced from FY25 Smith Mundt and Fulbright-Hays Public Diplomacy Funds, the program intends to strengthen U.S.-Benin partnerships across areas such as counterterrorism, democratic governance, media integrity, English education, trade expansion, and economic empowerment. Applicants begin by submitting a concise three-page SOI that outlines project ideas and objectives. This initial submission is not a full proposal but a pre-application step that allows for evaluation without requiring a complete application. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals for further merit-based evaluation. The anticipated start date for funded projects is October 1, 2025, with a project duration of up to 12 months. The grant seeks innovative projects under three core goals: making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Safety-related projects may involve counter-radicalization efforts through local media in northern Benin. Strength-focused projects support press freedom, democratic practices, and access to English language programs. Prosperity-oriented initiatives aim to enhance trade between U.S. and Beninese enterprises and empower local professionals and entrepreneurs. Funding awards for individual projects range between $5,000 and $20,000, with a total of approximately $100,000 available, contingent on federal budget availability. Eligible applicants include U.S. and Beninese individuals, not-for-profit organizations, civil society groups, non-profit or governmental educational institutions, and governmental bodies. For-profit entities are not eligible. Organizations must possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. While individuals do not require a UEI or SAM registration, organizations must ensure compliance as registration can take several weeks. Applications must be submitted in English via email to CotonouPASGrants@state.gov no later than June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. UTC+1. Required elements in the SOI include a summary, problem statement, measurable goals and objectives, a detailed schedule and timeline, and a budget justification narrative. Proposals will be evaluated based on the quality of the idea, organizational capacity, feasibility of the plan, and budget realism. Applicants can access application forms via the U.S. Embassy Benin website or Grants.gov. Although individual feedback will not be given to unsuccessful applicants, general feedback will be shared during a publicly announced presentation on the Embassy’s Facebook page. For further questions, interested parties can contact the Public Diplomacy Section via the same email used for submissions.

Ensure SOI is no more than three pages Follow formatting rules (12pt Calibri, 1-inch margins) Clearly outline performance indicators and anticipated outcomes Submit via email in English only