U.S. Embassy Cotonou AEIF FY2026 Funding Opportunity
Summary
The U.S. Embassy Cotonou has issued a funding opportunity for its Alumni Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund (AEIF) for Fiscal Year 2026. The initiative invites U.S. exchange program alumni to propose projects that train and mentor Beninese youth in technology, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and leadership.
What changed
The U.S. Embassy Cotonou, through the U.S. Mission to Benin, has announced a funding opportunity under the Alumni Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund (AEIF) for FY2026. This initiative, part of the "Freedom 250" commemoration, aims to leverage U.S. exchange program alumni expertise to empower Beninese youth (ages 18-35) in technology, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and leadership. The goal is to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives, strengthen bilateral relations, and foster economic growth and democratic participation in Benin.
Eligible applicants include registered non-profit alumni organizations and alumni on an individual basis. The funding opportunity provides grants with a minimum award of $5,000 and a maximum of $35,000. Applicants must submit their proposals by April 22, 2026. This opportunity is categorized under Assistance Listings 19.022 -- Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants.
What to do next
- Review eligibility criteria for U.S. exchange alumni and registered non-profit alumni organizations.
- Prepare and submit project proposals, budget narratives, and organizational information by the April 22, 2026 deadline.
- Consult the provided sample templates for reporting, budget, and proposal forms.
Source document (simplified)
U.S. Embassy Cotonou AEIF FY2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity
Agency: U.S. Mission to Benin
Assistance Listings: 19.022 -- Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs Appropriation Overseas Grants
Last Updated: March 23, 2026 View version history on Grants.gov
Description
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.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Registered not-for-profit Alumni organizations
Alumni on an individual basis
Grantor contact information
Description
Documents
Download all
| File name | Description | Last updated |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AEIF2026Reporting_Form.docx | Reporting Sample Template | Mar 23, 2026 01:17 PM UTC |
| AEIF2026Budget_Form.xlsx | Budget Narrative Sample Template | Mar 23, 2026 01:14 PM UTC |
| AEIF2026Proposal_Form.docx | Proposal Sample Template | Mar 23, 2026 01:15 PM UTC |
| ApplicantOrganizationInformationAOISurvey.docx | Attachment A | Mar 23, 2026 01:15 PM UTC |
| COTONOUAEIFNOFO_FY2026.pdf | NOFO | Mar 23, 2026 01:16 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
Link to Opportunity in MyGrants
Closing: April 22, 2026
Application process
This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates. View on Grants.gov
Award
$--
Program Funding
50
Expected awards
$5,000
Award Minimum
$35,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
OFOP0002524
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Yes Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
-- Category of Funding Activity:
Other
Category Explanation:
Technology and Entrepreneurship
Civic engagement and Leadership
Business and Commerce
Community development
Education
History
Version:
4
Posted date:
March 23, 2026
Archive date:
--
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