U.S. Embassy Cotonou PDS Request for Statements of Interest: Notice of Funding Opportunity | PAS SGP FY24

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is a request for Statements of Interest (SOIs) from the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou (Public Diplomacy Section, or PDS) for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Benin through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and supports bilateral cooperation.

2) What kinds of programs does PDS want to support?

PDS is looking for cultural and exchange programs that build mutual understanding and practical collaboration with Beninese communities, while also promoting greater understanding of U.S. policy and viewpoints.

3) What is meant by a "clear American element"?

A clear American element means the program meaningfully incorporates U.S. culture and perspectives or connects with American experts, organizations, or institutions in a way that fits the program topic. This American connection is a required feature of programs supported under this notice.

4) What are examples of activities PDS commonly funds?

Examples listed in the notice include lectures and speaker series, arts and cultural workshops and performances, cultural heritage preservation, professional or academic exchanges, and experiential civic learning programs such as Model UN or Model Government.

5) What is the application process?

This is a two-step process. First, applicants submit a short SOI concept note (1 to 2 pages in English). After reviewing eligible SOIs, PDS will invite selected applicants to develop and submit a full proposal.

6) When is the SOI due and how do I submit it?

SOIs are due by May 30, 2024. They must be submitted by email to CotonouPASGrants@state.gov.

7) In what format must the SOI be submitted?

The SOI must be submitted as a Program Statement in Microsoft Word. It must not exceed two pages, must be written in English, and budgets must be shown in U.S. dollars.

8) What formatting rules apply to the SOI document?

The two-page Program Statement must be formatted for 8.5 x 11 paper, include page numbers, be single-spaced, use 12-point Calibri font, and have at least 1-inch margins.

9) What must be included in the SOI (Program Statement)?

The two-page statement must include: (1) a table listing the organization name, target countries, the amount requested from PDS Cotonou, any cost share, total program amount, and program length; (2) a brief program synopsis explaining intended impact, stakeholder engagement, and the American element; (3) a concise objectives-and-activities breakdown with expected results tied to each objective; and (4) a short description of the applicant's qualifications and capacity to manage a U.S. government award.

10) How many SOIs can an organization submit?

Each organization may submit only one SOI. If an organization submits more than one SOI, all submissions from that organization will be considered ineligible.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is open to U.S. and Beninese registered non-profits (including think tanks and NGOs with relevant programming experience), individuals, non-profit or governmental educational institutions, and governmental institutions.

12) Do applicants need a UEI and SAM.gov registration?

Organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration to receive an award. Individuals do not need a UEI or SAM.gov registration.

13) What are the priority program objectives applicants must align with?

Applicants are expected to align proposals with one of four priority objectives: (1) Vulnerable Groups Empowerment, (2) Investigative Journalism, (3) U.S.-Benin Partnership, or (4) Skills for Success.

14) What is the Vulnerable Groups Empowerment priority focused on?

This priority supports activities that address poverty and vulnerability, strengthen resilience and social cohesion, and promote the rights of marginalized groups (including women and girls, religious and ethnic minorities, and other at-risk communities). It may also include capacity building to counter violent extremist organizations disinformation and recruitment.

15) Who are the target participants for Vulnerable Groups Empowerment and what is the funding cap?

Target participants include youth and young adults engaged in their communities, religious leaders, and communities in northern Benin. This track anticipates one to two awards, with a maximum of $10,000 per award.

16) What is the Investigative Journalism priority focused on?

This priority aims to strengthen journalism and free press in Benin by linking Beninese journalists with American journalists or media institutions, improving community radio practices for managing adversarial debate, and building skills and tools to counter myths and disinformation through verification.

17) Who are the target participants for Investigative Journalism and what is the funding cap?

The main audiences are community radio outlets and mid-career journalists. This track anticipates one to two awards, with a maximum of $15,000 per award.

18) What is the U.S.-Benin Partnership priority focused on?

This priority emphasizes public-facing activities featuring well-known American and/or Beninese artists, musicians, cultural figures, or influencers. Programs should increase awareness of longstanding U.S. support for trade and prosperity in Benin and may connect to themes like healthier lifestyles and economic opportunity, including trade-related messaging such as AGOA linkages.

19) Who are the target participants for U.S.-Benin Partnership and what is the funding cap?

Intended audiences include women entrepreneurs (including handicraft producers), youth and young adults who rely on social media or radio for information, and educated urban adults who may not be familiar with U.S. initiatives supporting Benin. This track anticipates one to two awards, with a maximum of $25,000 per award.

20) What is the Skills for Success priority focused on?

This priority supports programs that promote STEM, American English learning, soft skills (such as resume writing, digital communication, financial literacy, public speaking, and entrepreneurship), and digital literacy. Programs should draw on both American and Beninese examples to help participants compete in the global economy. Applicants are strongly encouraged to partner with English Clubs, American Spaces, or U.S. exchange alumni.

21) Who are the target participants for Skills for Success and what is the funding cap?

Target audiences include underemployed or unemployed youth nearing completion of school or recently graduated, female microentrepreneurs, and STEM students interested in improving English or potentially pursuing graduate study in the United States. This track anticipates one to three awards, with a maximum of $15,000 per award.

22) How much funding is available overall and per award?

The anticipated total funding pool is $145,000 (subject to availability). Individual awards are expected to range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the program and priority area.

23) How long can projects run?

The performance period is expected to be 6 to 12 months, and proposed programs should be completed within 12 months or less.

24) What types of award instruments might be used?

Awards may be issued as grants, fixed amount awards, individual awards, or cooperative agreements.

25) What is a cooperative agreement and what does "substantial involvement" mean here?

The notice states that cooperative agreements (and some fixed amount awards) can include more direct Embassy participation in the implementation of the program. This is described as "substantial involvement."

26) Is continuation funding possible after the initial award?

Continuation funding beyond the initial period may be possible on a non-competitive basis if funds are available and performance is strong.

27) What types of projects are not eligible for funding?

Ineligible program types include partisan political activities, for-profit projects, charitable or development assistance activities, construction, programs supporting specific religious activities, fundraising campaigns, lobbying, scientific research, projects primarily aimed at the applicant organization's internal growth, or projects that duplicate existing programs.

28) What is the legal authority and funding source for this opportunity?

The legal authority is tied to the Smith-Mundt Act or the Fulbright-Hays Act. Funds come from FY2024 Public Diplomacy and/or Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs sources depending on program type.

29) How and when will SOIs be reviewed?

A grants committee made up of Embassy staff will review eligible submissions in June 2024.

30) When should applicants expect to hear whether they are invited to submit a full proposal?

Applicants should expect a decision about whether they are invited to submit a full proposal within 30 days of the submission deadline.

31) Will the Embassy provide feedback if an SOI is not selected?

The Embassy states it will not provide individualized feedback to non-selected applicants. However, it will offer general feedback in a public presentation that will be announced on the Embassy Facebook page.

32) What evaluation criteria will be used to assess SOIs?

SOIs are evaluated based on: the quality and need for the program idea; the practicality of planning (including a timeline with dates, times, and locations); the applicant's ability and institutional capacity to deliver results; and clear attention to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (including plans to recruit and fully include participants from historically underserved communities and/or incorporate underserved perspectives from the United States).

33) What planning details does PDS expect applicants to include?

The notice specifically mentions practicality of planning and expects a timeline with dates, times, and locations as part of a strong submission.

34) What does PDS expect regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)?

The notice calls for clear attention to DEIA, including plans to recruit and fully include participants from historically underserved communities and/or incorporate underserved perspectives from the United States.

35) Do budgets need to be in a specific currency?

Yes. Budgets in the SOI must be shown in U.S. dollars.

36) Does the SOI need to specify cost share?

If applicable, the required table in the SOI must list any cost share along with the amount requested from PDS Cotonou, the total program amount, and the program length.

37) Are proposed programs limited to Benin?

The SOI table must list "target countries." The opportunity is focused on strengthening ties between the United States and Benin, and several priority descriptions reference audiences and communities in Benin.