Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS SGP FY22 01
The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS), issued an Annual Program Statement (Funding Opportunity Number PAS-SGP-FY22-01; CFDA 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs) inviting organizations and individuals to submit Statements of Interest (SOIs) for projects that strengthen ties between the people of the United States and Benin. The overall focus is cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and encourages practical bilateral cooperation. A key requirement is that every proposed project includes a clear American element, such as U.S. cultural content or a tangible connection to American experts, institutions, or organizations, in a way that increases understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. The process is structured in two steps: applicants first send a short concept note (an SOI), and only those selected are invited to develop and submit a full proposal.
Funding for the opportunity was approximately USD 128,000 in total (subject to the availability of funds), with awards and ceilings varying by program objective. Projects are expected to run for about 6 to 12 months, with start dates depending on the specific award. The Embassy anticipated multiple awards overall (the source data indicates an expected total around eight), and funding instruments could include grants, fixed amount awards, individual awards, or cooperative agreements. The legal authority for the program comes from the Smith-Mundt Act and/or the Fulbright-Hayes Act, and funds would come from FY2022 Public Diplomacy and/or Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs resources depending on the activity type.
Applicants had two submission rounds, with SOIs due by January 31, 2022 (11:59 p.m.) for Round 1 and June 5, 2022 (11:59 p.m.) for Round 2. A grants committee made up of U.S. Embassy employees planned to review eligible submissions in February 2022 and July 2022. The Embassy noted that it could not provide individualized feedback to unsuccessful applicants, but it planned to offer a public feedback session with general guidance after Round 1 and before the Round 2 deadline, with details announced on the Embassy Facebook page. Applicants were to submit materials by email to CotonouPASGrants@state.gov.
The Embassy highlighted examples of the kinds of activities it typically funds, including academic and professional lectures and seminars, speaker programs, artistic and cultural workshops and joint performances, exhibitions, cultural heritage conservation and preservation activities, professional and academic exchanges, and experiential learning programs such as Model UN or Model Government. However, proposals were expected to align with one of the stated priority objectives and target audiences. The first priority area, Shared Democratic Values, supported activities that use Beninese and U.S. case studies to show how democratic tools can improve people’s lives, including experiential learning like Model Government or Moot Court, and activities tied to the ADEMO Democracy Workshops curriculum. Projects in this area were encouraged to involve former ADEMO participants to strengthen the existing network, and the primary audience included motivated youth leaders lacking formal civics education and youth/young adults active in communities, especially in northeastern Benin. Up to three awards were anticipated, with a maximum of USD 20,000 each.
A second priority, Investigative Journalism, aimed to strengthen free press and journalism in Benin by connecting Beninese journalists with American journalists or media institutions and/or encouraging competitive production of high-quality reporting on shared U.S.-Beninese issues. Illustrative topics included climate change impacts, the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance programs, diversity visa scams, and human trafficking. The target group was mid-career journalists, with one award anticipated and a maximum of USD 30,000.
A third priority, U.S.-Benin Partnership, focused on using well-known American and/or Beninese artists, musicians, cultural figures, or influencers to communicate about long-standing U.S. support for health and prosperity in Benin and to encourage behaviors linked to healthier and more prosperous lives. Example themes included antimalarial campaigns, COVID-19 prevention, and promoting U.S.-Benin trade. Target audiences included youth and young adults who rely mainly on social media or radio, as well as educated urban adults who may not be aware of U.S. development-related initiatives. One to three awards were anticipated in this area, with a maximum of USD 15,000 each.
A fourth priority, Skills for Success, aimed to promote American English learning tied to employability and participation in the global economy, especially through soft skills and digital literacy. Example topics included resume writing, digital communication, basic financial literacy, public speaking, and entrepreneurship, using both American and Beninese examples. Applicants were strongly encouraged to partner with English Clubs, American Spaces, or U.S. exchange program alumni. Target audiences included underemployed or unemployed youth nearing completion of formal education or recently graduated, female microentrepreneurs, and undergraduate/graduate STEM students interested in improving English or pursuing graduate study in the United States. One to three awards were anticipated, with awards around USD 20,000 each.
The announcement also listed activities that were not eligible for support. Ineligible concepts included partisan political activity, for-profit programs, charitable or development work (as opposed to public diplomacy/exchange programming), construction, programs supporting specific religious activities, fundraising campaigns, lobbying for specific legislation or programs, scientific research, projects primarily intended for the applicant’s institutional growth, and projects that duplicate existing programs.
Eligibility was open to U.S. and Beninese registered nonprofit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/NGOs with relevant programming experience), individuals, nonprofit or governmental educational institutions, and governmental institutions. For-profit or commercial entities were explicitly not eligible. Cost sharing was not required, but if an applicant proposed cost sharing, it became a commitment that would need to be met. A strict submission rule limited applicants to one proposal per organization per round; if an organization submitted more than one, all of its submissions could be deemed ineligible. In addition, any organization or individual selected for funding in Round 1 would not be considered for additional funding in Round 2.
The SOI itself was meant to be a concise concept note, one to two pages, written in English, designed to communicate the program idea and objectives clearly before a full proposal is developed. The required submission was a Program Statement (no more than two pages, in Microsoft Word) that included a table listing the organization name, target country/countries, the amount requested from PDS Cotonou, any cost share, the total program amount, and the program length. It also needed a short synopsis explaining expected impact, stakeholder engagement, and the American element; a clear breakdown of objectives paired with proposed activities and expected results; and a brief description demonstrating the applicant’s expertise and capacity to manage and implement a U.S. government-funded award. Formatting rules were specific: budgets in U.S. dollars, pages numbered, 8.5 x 11 layout, single-spaced Word documents in 12-point Times New Roman with at least 1-inch margins.
Finally, the Embassy described how SOIs would be evaluated. Review criteria centered on the quality and clarity of the program idea and the need it addresses, the realism of program planning and timeline (including dates, times, and locations of activities), the applicant’s ability and institutional capacity to achieve objectives based on experience, and a clear commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, including recruitment and participation of historically underserved communities and/or inclusion of underserved perspectives from the United States. Applicants were to be notified within roughly 30 days after each submission deadline about whether they would be invited to submit a full application, and selected applicants would receive instructions for the full proposal stage at that time.Apply for PAS SGP FY22 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 Nov 16, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 05, 2022. (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 8 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Individuals.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This opportunity is an Annual Program Statement (Funding Opportunity Number PAS-SGP-FY22-01; CFDA 19.040 Public Diplomacy Programs) issued by the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou through its Public Diplomacy Section (PDS). It invited eligible organizations and individuals to submit Statements of Interest (SOIs) for projects that strengthen ties between the people of the United States and Benin through cultural and exchange programming.
2) What is the main purpose of the program?
The overall purpose is to support cultural and exchange initiatives that highlight shared values and encourage practical bilateral cooperation between the United States and Benin, while increasing understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
3) What is meant by a required "American element"?
Every proposed project must include a clear American element. The announcement describes this as U.S. cultural content or a tangible connection to American experts, institutions, or organizations, incorporated in a way that increases understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.
4) Is the application process one step or two steps?
It is a two-step process. Applicants first submit a short concept note called a Statement of Interest (SOI). Only applicants selected at the SOI stage are invited to develop and submit a full proposal.
5) How much total funding was available?
Approximately USD 128,000 in total funding was described (subject to the availability of funds). Individual award amounts and maximums vary by priority objective.
6) How many awards were expected?
The Embassy anticipated multiple awards overall, with the source information indicating an expected total around eight awards.
7) What types of funding instruments could be used?
The Embassy indicated that awards could be made as grants, fixed amount awards, individual awards, or cooperative agreements.
8) What is the expected project period?
Projects were expected to run for about 6 to 12 months. Start dates depend on the specific award.
9) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility was open to U.S. and Beninese registered nonprofit organizations (including think tanks and civil society/NGOs with relevant programming experience), individuals, nonprofit or governmental educational institutions, and governmental institutions.
10) Are for-profit entities eligible?
No. For-profit or commercial entities were explicitly not eligible.
11) Is cost sharing required?
Cost sharing was not required. However, if an applicant proposed cost sharing, it became a commitment that would need to be met.
12) How many submissions can an organization make?
An organization was limited to one proposal per organization per round. If an organization submitted more than one, all submissions could be deemed ineligible.
13) Can an organization funded in Round 1 apply again in Round 2?
No. Any organization or individual selected for funding in Round 1 would not be considered for additional funding in Round 2.
14) What were the submission deadlines?
There were two rounds. SOIs were due by January 31, 2022 (11:59 p.m.) for Round 1, and June 5, 2022 (11:59 p.m.) for Round 2.
15) How do applicants submit an SOI?
Applicants were instructed to submit materials by email to CotonouPASGrants@state.gov.
16) Who reviews SOIs, and when were they reviewed?
A grants committee composed of U.S. Embassy employees planned to review eligible submissions in February 2022 (Round 1) and July 2022 (Round 2).
17) When would applicants be notified about SOI results?
Applicants were to be notified within roughly 30 days after each submission deadline about whether they would be invited to submit a full application.
18) Will the Embassy provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants?
The Embassy noted it could not provide individualized feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
19) Was any general feedback planned?
Yes. The Embassy planned to offer a public feedback session with general guidance after Round 1 and before the Round 2 deadline. Details were to be announced on the Embassy Facebook page.
20) What kinds of activities does the Embassy typically fund under this statement?
Examples listed include academic and professional lectures and seminars, speaker programs, artistic and cultural workshops and joint performances, exhibitions, cultural heritage conservation and preservation activities, professional and academic exchanges, and experiential learning programs such as Model UN or Model Government.
21) What are the priority program areas?
The announcement described four priorities: Shared Democratic Values; Investigative Journalism; U.S.-Benin Partnership; and Skills for Success. Proposals were expected to align with one of the priority objectives and target audiences.
22) What does the Shared Democratic Values priority support?
It supports activities using Beninese and U.S. case studies to show how democratic tools can improve people’s lives, including experiential learning like Model Government or Moot Court, and activities tied to the ADEMO Democracy Workshops curriculum.
23) Who is the target audience for Shared Democratic Values projects?
The primary audience included motivated youth leaders lacking formal civics education and youth/young adults active in communities, especially in northeastern Benin.
24) How many awards and what maximum amount were anticipated for Shared Democratic Values?
Up to three awards were anticipated, with a maximum of USD 20,000 each.
25) What does the Investigative Journalism priority support?
It aimed to strengthen free press and journalism in Benin by connecting Beninese journalists with American journalists or media institutions and/or encouraging competitive production of high-quality reporting on shared U.S.-Beninese issues.
26) What topics were suggested for Investigative Journalism projects?
Illustrative topics included climate change impacts, effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance programs, diversity visa scams, and human trafficking.
27) Who is the target audience for Investigative Journalism?
The target group was mid-career journalists.
28) How many awards and what maximum amount were anticipated for Investigative Journalism?
One award was anticipated, with a maximum of USD 30,000.
29) What does the U.S.-Benin Partnership priority support?
This priority focused on using well-known American and/or Beninese artists, musicians, cultural figures, or influencers to communicate about long-standing U.S. support for health and prosperity in Benin and to encourage behaviors linked to healthier and more prosperous lives.
30) What example themes were listed for U.S.-Benin Partnership projects?
Example themes included antimalarial campaigns, COVID-19 prevention, and promoting U.S.-Benin trade.
31) Who is the target audience for U.S.-Benin Partnership projects?
Target audiences included youth and young adults who rely mainly on social media or radio, as well as educated urban adults who may not be aware of U.S. development-related initiatives.
32) How many awards and what maximum amount were anticipated for U.S.-Benin Partnership?
One to three awards were anticipated, with a maximum of USD 15,000 each.
33) What does the Skills for Success priority support?
This priority aimed to promote American English learning tied to employability and participation in the global economy, especially through soft skills and digital literacy.
34) What example topics were listed for Skills for Success?
Example topics included resume writing, digital communication, basic financial literacy, public speaking, and entrepreneurship, using both American and Beninese examples.
35) Were partnerships encouraged for Skills for Success projects?
Yes. Applicants were strongly encouraged to partner with English Clubs, American Spaces, or U.S. exchange program alumni.
36) Who is the target audience for Skills for Success?
Target audiences included underemployed or unemployed youth nearing completion of formal education or recently graduated, female microentrepreneurs, and undergraduate/graduate STEM students interested in improving English or pursuing graduate study in the United States.
37) How many awards and what approximate amount were anticipated for Skills for Success?
One to three awards were anticipated, with awards around USD 20,000 each.
38) What kinds of projects were not eligible?
Ineligible concepts included partisan political activity, for-profit programs, charitable or development work (as opposed to public diplomacy/exchange programming), construction, programs supporting specific religious activities, fundraising campaigns, lobbying for specific legislation or programs, scientific research, projects primarily intended for the applicant’s institutional growth, and projects that duplicate existing programs.
39) What is an SOI, and how long should it be?
The SOI is a concise concept note designed to communicate the program idea and objectives clearly before a full proposal is developed. It was intended to be one to two pages and written in English.
40) What document was required for the SOI submission?
The required submission was a Program Statement (no more than two pages) in Microsoft Word.
41) What information had to be included in the Program Statement table?
The Program Statement needed a table listing: the organization name, target country/countries, the amount requested from PDS Cotonou, any cost share, the total program amount, and the program length.
42) What narrative content had to be included in the SOI?
The SOI needed: (1) a short synopsis explaining expected impact, stakeholder engagement, and the American element; (2) a clear breakdown of objectives paired with proposed activities and expected results; and (3) a brief description showing the applicant’s expertise and capacity to manage and implement a U.S. government-funded award.
43) What formatting rules applied to the SOI?
Formatting requirements included: budgets in U.S. dollars; pages numbered; 8.5 x 11 layout; single-spaced Word documents; 12-point Times New Roman; and at least 1-inch margins.
44) What were the evaluation criteria for SOIs?
SOIs were evaluated based on: the quality and clarity of the program idea and the need it addresses; the realism of program planning and timeline (including dates, times, and locations of activities); the applicant’s ability and institutional capacity to achieve objectives based on experience; and a clear commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (including recruitment and participation of historically underserved communities and/or inclusion of underserved perspectives from the United States).
45) What legal authority and funding sources were described?
The legal authority was described as the Smith-Mundt Act and/or the Fulbright-Hayes Act. Funding was described as coming from FY2022 Public Diplomacy and/or Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs resources depending on the activity type.
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