Opportunity Information: Apply for AFBEN 21 01
The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), is seeking short Statements of Interest (SOIs) from organizations that want to develop programs strengthening cultural ties between the United States and Benin. The core idea behind this Annual Program Statement is to support cultural and exchange activities that highlight shared values and encourage practical bilateral cooperation. A key requirement is that every proposed activity include a clear American element, meaning a real connection to U.S. culture, expertise, institutions, or organizations in the relevant field, and that this connection helps participants better understand U.S. policy and perspectives.
This opportunity uses a two-step application approach. Instead of asking everyone to submit a full proposal immediately, PDS first requests a brief concept note (typically one to two pages) that explains the program idea, what it aims to achieve, and how it fits the embassy goals. PDS reviews these SOIs and then invites a smaller set of applicants to develop full proposals. The intent is to reduce the burden on applicants and allow the embassy to identify the strongest, most relevant ideas before full proposals are prepared.
Program concepts must align with one of four priority themes. The first theme, Shared Democratic Values, supports activities that help audiences understand how democratic tools work and how they can improve daily life, using examples from both Benin and the United States. The embassy is especially interested in reaching people who may not have had access to formal civics education because of language, literacy, or schooling barriers. Priority audiences include motivated community leaders, primary and secondary school students, religious and community leaders in smaller towns and rural areas, and youth and young adults in northeastern Benin. For this theme, the embassy anticipates up to three awards, with a maximum of $20,000 per award.
The second theme, Investigative Journalism, focuses on strengthening the media environment by encouraging the use of recognized fact-checking platforms and/or creating competitive recognition for journalists who produce high-quality reporting on topics of shared U.S.-Beninese interest. Examples of relevant reporting topics include assessing the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance programs, exposing diversity visa scams, and covering issues like wildlife trafficking and human trafficking. The target audience here is journalists, with an anticipated one to two awards and a maximum of $20,000 each.
The third theme, U.S.-Benin Partnership, emphasizes public-facing cultural influence to improve understanding of long-term U.S. support for health and prosperity in Benin and to promote healthier, more prosperous living habits. Programs under this theme might use popular American and/or Beninese artists, musicians, cultural figures, or other influencers to deliver messages tied to initiatives such as anti-malaria campaigns, COVID-19 prevention, or the value of expanded U.S.-Benin trade. The priority audiences include youth and young adults who rely heavily on social media or radio, as well as educated urban adults who may not be aware of U.S. efforts supporting Benin's development. The embassy anticipates one to three awards under this category, capped at $15,000 each.
The fourth theme, Skills for Success, supports programs that build practical skills for economic participation, either by strengthening Benin's English Club network and promoting American English learning, or by offering workshops (in French or English) on employability and soft skills. Examples include resume writing, digital communication, basic financial literacy, public speaking, and entrepreneurial skills, ideally grounded in both American and Beninese examples. Priority audiences include underemployed or unemployed youth nearing completion of school or recently graduated, female microentrepreneurs, and educators or community leaders working with at-risk youth, especially in northeastern Benin. Funding here is anticipated at one to three awards, up to $15,000 each.
The embassy also clearly outlines what it will not fund. Ineligible projects include partisan political activity, charitable or development assistance, construction, programs supporting specific religious activities, fundraising campaigns, lobbying for specific legislation or programs, scientific research, projects primarily designed to grow the applicant organization itself (rather than deliver a public diplomacy program), and activities that duplicate existing programs.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity issued by the Department of State, U.S. Mission to Benin (PDS Cotonou). The funding authority is the Smith-Mundt Act, and the funding source is FY2021 public diplomacy funds. Awards may be issued as grants, fixed amount awards, or cooperative agreements, depending on the level of collaboration and oversight expected. The opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number AFBEN 21 01, CFDA 19.040, with an overall award ceiling of $20,000 and an expected total of about seven awards. The original closing date shown for SOI submission is June 25, 2021.Apply for AFBEN 21 01
- The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Benin in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy Cotonou PDS Request for Statements of Interest: Annual Program Statement" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 08, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 25, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 7 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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