Grants / Department of State / U.S. Mission to Benin

OFOP0002524: U.S. Embassy Cotonou AEIF FY2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity

Closed Closed April 22, 2026 Opportunity OFOP0002524 ☆ Save

This grant is closed. Who won this program's grants before is below, and similar open grants are at the end of the page. It is in our archive of U.S. Mission to Benin notices from 2026.

• Award ceiling$35,000
• Award floor$5,000
• Expected awards50
• Cost sharingRequired
• Funding typeGrant

Key dates

Who can apply

This opportunity was open to the applicants described in the notice.

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

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

Is this a realistic fit?

• Past Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants awards averaged $17,021; this notice allows up to $35,000 per award.
• The notice requires cost sharing or matching funds, so you must contribute part of the project cost.

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.

Category: Other.

Applying now

This notice no longer takes applications. Agencies often post the same opportunity again under a new number, so check the program's notices on Grants.gov and the similar open grants below.

The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.