U.S. Embassy Lome Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program

The U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Lomé, administers the Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program as part of its broader foreign assistance and diplomatic engagement strategy. This program is funded through Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds and is designed to strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Togo. The funding opportunity supports projects that align with U.S. foreign policy objectives, emphasizing economic growth, security cooperation, and the promotion of American innovation and leadership. The program reflects a shift from traditional aid models toward mutually beneficial partnerships that emphasize trade, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support targeted, results-oriented initiatives that enhance cooperation between U.S. and Togolese stakeholders. The program focuses on three strategic priority areas: increasing U.S. commercial engagement and job creation, strengthening bilateral security partnerships, and promoting American excellence in innovation, education, and technology. Projects are expected to contribute to measurable outcomes such as increased trade, improved workforce skills, enhanced law enforcement collaboration, and expanded access to English language and entrepreneurship education. Activities may include workshops, exchanges, training programs, and public engagement initiatives that foster long-term collaboration. Funding under this opportunity ranges approximately from 5,000 to 25,000 dollars per award, with a total program funding pool of approximately 60,000 dollars, subject to availability. The program anticipates awarding around five grants. Projects must be completed within a performance period of six to eighteen months. Allowable costs include programmatic expenses such as personnel, travel, supplies, and contractual services, while restrictions prohibit funding for construction, direct social services, partisan political activities, religious programming, and commercial ventures. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, signaling flexibility while still promoting shared investment in program outcomes. Eligibility is broad and includes U.S.-based and local nonprofit organizations, civil society groups, educational institutions, individuals, and public international organizations or governmental institutions. However, for-profit entities are explicitly excluded as primary applicants. Organizations must demonstrate capacity to manage federal funds, maintain appropriate registrations such as a Unique Entity Identifier and SAM.gov registration where required, and submit only one proposal per organization. Subcontracting is permitted but must clearly define roles and responsibilities among partners. The application process requires submission of standardized federal forms, including SF-424 series documents, along with a detailed proposal of no more than seven pages. Applicants must include a clear problem statement, program design, timeline, personnel qualifications, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. A detailed budget and justification narrative are also required, outlining all anticipated costs and demonstrating alignment with program objectives. Supporting documents such as resumes, letters of support, proof of nonprofit status, and security planning materials must also be included. Applications may be submitted via email or through Grants.gov, and all materials must be in English and denominated in U.S. dollars. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the final deadline of June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. UTC. Proposals undergo a technical eligibility screening followed by a competitive review based on criteria such as program quality, organizational capacity, feasibility, budget justification, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability. Applicants can expect notification within approximately 120 days after the deadline. Successful applicants will enter into grant or cooperative agreements with the U.S. Department of State and must comply with reporting, branding, and administrative requirements throughout the project lifecycle. For additional information or questions regarding the application process, applicants may contact the Public Diplomacy Section via email at LomePDGrants@state.gov. The program represents a strategic opportunity for organizations and individuals to contribute to meaningful bilateral engagement while advancing shared economic, security, and innovation goals between the United States and Togo.

Align proposals closely with stated priority goals; ensure measurable outcomes and strong monitoring plan; provide detailed and realistic budget; demonstrate organizational capacity and prior experience