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

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.

Program Details

U.S. Mission to Benin is a federal agency that offers the U.S. Embassy Cotonou AEIF FY2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity grant program to support research innovation and social services. This funding opportunity is available nationally and is administered by U.S. Mission to Benin through Grants.gov. Organizations seeking funding for research innovation and social services should review the details below and confirm their eligibility before preparing an application.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include eligible organizations. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and to review the full program guidelines before submission. Because eligibility rules and funding priorities can change between cycles, applicants should always confirm the current requirements with U.S. Mission to Benin or on Grants.gov before investing time in an application.

Funding and Timeline

Funding available: $5K – $35K. Applications are due by April 22, 2026. Applicants should allow sufficient time to gather required documentation, including organizational information, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials as specified in the program guidelines. Submitting a complete application well ahead of the deadline reduces the risk of disqualification on technical or administrative grounds.

Program Focus

This grant supports research innovation and social services. This grant is associated with NAICS industry classifications: 611310, 813920. Organizations operating in these sectors are encouraged to review eligibility. Funded projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with the program's stated objectives. Grant recipients may be required to submit progress reports and final evaluations as a condition of the award, and to retain records for audit and compliance purposes.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations can apply through Grants.gov. Create a free organization profile on GrantRegister to see whether this grant matches your organization's NAICS code, entity type, location, and focus area, and to receive a weekly digest of every open grant you qualify for.

GrantRegister maintains a complete, authoritative registry of US federal, state, and foundation grant opportunities — matched automatically to your organization profile and delivered every Monday.

Eligibility

• Funded by State-mission

Award details

Award range: $5K – $35K. Applications close on April 22, 2026.

Categories

Research Innovation · Social Services