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

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/ofop0002524-u-s-embassy-cotonou-aeif-fy2026-notice-of/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361597

> U.S. Mission to Benin offered grants of up to $35,000 (at least $5,000) to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make about 50 awards. Applications closed on April 22, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | OFOP0002524 |
| Agency | U.S. Mission to Benin |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | April 22, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $35,000 |
| Award floor | $5,000 |
| Expected awards | 50 |
| Total funding | not stated |
| Cost sharing | required |
| Assistance Listings | 19.022 |

## Who can apply

- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Registered not-for-profit Alumni organizations Alumni on an individual basis

## What the grant funds

Benin hosts a dynamic network of U.S. government exchange program alumni, trained in innovation, leadership, business, civic engagement, and emerging technologies. This alumni network offers significant potential to drive national development and advance U.S. foreign policy objectives, particularly by expanding commercial opportunities for U.S. businesses in Benin. To capitalize on this potential, U.S. Embassy Cotonou is launching an initiative in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary (“Freedom 250”). The initiative invites alumni to propose projects that mobilize their network to train and mentor Beninese youth (ages 18–35) in two key areas: (1) technology and entrepreneurship, and (2) civic engagement and leadership. The primary audiences are U.S. exchange alumni, university students, early-stage entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and emerging civic leaders. The project’s overarching goal is to leverage alumni expertise to empower Beninese youth with critical skills, thereby advancing U.S. foreign policy, strengthening bilateral relations, and fostering economic growth and democratic participation.

## Questions people ask

### Is OFOP0002524 still open?

No. It closed on April 22, 2026.

### Who can apply for U.S. Embassy Cotonou AEIF FY2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity?

U.S. Mission to Benin accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for U.S. Embassy Cotonou AEIF FY2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity?

Closed April 22, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $35,000 each.

### Who has won Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees, Georgetown University, Persatuan Gaya Hidup Lestari Biji Biji Kuala Lumpur. The program made 3,361 awards worth $57.2 million in that time.