U.S. Embassy Cotonou AEIF FY2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, through its Public Diplomacy Section, has announced a grant opportunity designed to activate and support alumni of U.S. government exchange programs in Benin. This funding opportunity, known as the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), is part of the Department of State’s broader public diplomacy strategy and aligns with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States (“Freedom 250”). The AEIF initiative seeks to harness the expertise and experience of alumni to mentor and train Beninese youth in two strategic areas: technology and entrepreneurship, and civic engagement and leadership. The grant supports projects that align with U.S. foreign policy priorities by fostering economic growth, civic responsibility, and strengthening bilateral relations between the U.S. and Benin. This opportunity is made possible through funding from the FY26 Fulbright-Hays and Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, and it encourages U.S. exchange program alumni to design and implement impactful local initiatives. These projects should target youth aged 18–35 and be rooted in urban centers where there is a high concentration of young people with at least a secondary school diploma. The overarching goal is to equip youth with practical skills in innovation, democratic participation, and entrepreneurship, thereby enhancing local development and opening new avenues for U.S. investment and collaboration. Applications must focus on one of the two thematic pillars, each offering distinct suggested programming structures such as accelerator programs, civic labs, workshops, and networking events. The Embassy anticipates awarding two grants, each valued between $5,000 and $35,000, with a total funding ceiling of $70,000 depending on availability of funds. The performance period for selected projects is expected to last between 10 to 12 months, with a proposed start date of July 1, 2026. Though cost sharing is encouraged to strengthen applications, it is not a mandatory requirement. Funding cannot be used for partisan political activities, religious promotion, direct social services, construction, or any form of lobbying, among other ineligible uses. Projects must clearly articulate how their goals, activities, and outcomes align with U.S. diplomatic priorities and should offer measurable indicators of success through a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan. Eligible applicants include individual alumni and not-for-profit alumni organizations registered in accordance with local or U.S. laws. Applicants must submit a complete proposal package in English, including mandatory federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and as applicable SF-424B), a detailed narrative proposal (no more than 10 pages), resumes or position descriptions for key personnel, and a budget with a corresponding justification narrative. Organizations must also demonstrate proof of nonprofit status and, if U.S.-based, must include IRS documentation. All organizations must be registered in SAM.gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), unless granted an exemption. Applications must be submitted by April 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. UTC+1. Submissions are accepted via email to [email protected] or through Grants.gov. Proposals will be evaluated based on quality and feasibility of the program idea, organizational capacity, implementation planning, budget soundness, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and sustainability. Notification of award decisions is expected within 120 days following the application deadline. Grant recipients must comply with post-award reporting requirements, including quarterly financial and programmatic updates and final reports within 120 days of project completion. This NOFO does not guarantee funding and the U.S. government reserves the right to modify the total funds allocated. Projects selected for funding must begin only after the official start date on the signed grant award. Grantees may request continuation funding in future years, subject to availability of funds and successful implementation. The AEIF initiative reflects the U.S. Department of State’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth, promoting innovation, and deepening international partnerships through alumni-driven development.

Clearly define objectives aligned with U.S. foreign policy; include thorough M&E plan; use Freedom 250 theme creatively.