The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, has announced the Public Diplomacy Section’s (PDS) Annual Program Statement for Fiscal Year 2025. This funding opportunity focuses on programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire, emphasizing shared values and fostering bilateral cooperation. Proposals must include an American component, such as connections with U.S. experts, institutions, or shared policy objectives. Funding will be made available through the Smith-Mundt Act, Fulbright-Hays Public Diplomacy Funds, and other Economic Support Funds, with grants ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 depending on the availability of funds. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 30, 2025.

The program prioritizes initiatives in trade and investment, media and information, and empowerment of youth, women, and marginalized populations. Specific focus areas include advancing the digital economy, fostering creative industries and tourism, promoting media literacy, and enhancing inclusivity for underrepresented groups. While projects across Côte d’Ivoire are eligible, priority is given to those occurring outside metropolitan Abidjan, including Northern regions of the country. Proposals involving partisan political activities, charitable development, religious-specific activities, or institutional growth are not eligible.

Eligible applicants include U.S. and Ivoirian nonprofit organizations, governmental institutions, educational entities, and individuals, provided they have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active registration in SAM.gov. For-profit entities are generally ineligible except under certain funding conditions. Applicants must adhere to equal opportunity and non-discrimination standards in employment and beneficiary practices. Only one proposal per organization is permitted; submitting multiple proposals will result in disqualification.

Applications must be submitted via email to usembgrants@state.gov and include a summary page, proposal narrative, budget justification, resumes of key personnel, and letters of support, among other requirements. Proposals should clearly outline objectives, program design, methods, timelines, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Budget submissions must detail personnel costs, travel expenses, equipment, supplies, contractual services, and indirect costs, with strict adherence to U.S. government cost principles.

Evaluation criteria include the quality of implementation plans, organizational capacity, program content, budget reasonableness, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and long-term sustainability. The program supports activities up to 12 months in duration, with awards expected to commence on a rolling basis and complete by September 30, 2025. The U.S. Embassy reserves the right to fund less than requested amounts or reject proposals based on merit or funding availability.

Additional requirements include compliance with federal laws, regulations, and reporting standards. Grant recipients must submit periodic financial and programmatic reports as outlined in the award agreement. For questions, applicants may contact the embassy via email, but pre-submission consultations are not offered. This opportunity aims to foster impactful collaborations that advance shared interests and empower communities in Côte d’Ivoire.