U.S. Embassy Lome Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program (Togo)

The U.S. Embassy Lomé Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program 2026 is offering funding for projects that strengthen relations between the United States and Togo through economic growth, innovation, education, and security cooperation. Approximately five awards are expected, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, with a total funding pool of $60,000.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, civil society organizations, educational institutions, individuals, and international organizations proposing high-impact projects in Togo.

What Is the U.S. Embassy Lomé Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program?

This program is a funding opportunity from the U.S. Embassy in Lomé, Togo to support initiatives that advance bilateral cooperation between the United States and Togo.

The grants fund practical, results-oriented projects that promote:

Shared prosperity
Economic opportunity
Security cooperation
Innovation
Education
Cultural exchange

Funding Details

Grant Amount

Minimum Award: $5,000
Maximum Award: $25,000
Expected Number of Awards: 5
Total Funding Available: $60,000

Project Duration

Minimum Length: 6 months
Maximum Length: 18 months
Expected Start Date: August 2026

Priority Areas

Projects should align with one or more of the embassy’s strategic priorities.

1. Economic Growth and Trade

Support initiatives that create jobs and increase commercial ties.

Examples

Entrepreneurship training
SME development
Trade promotion
Business networking
Workforce readiness programs

2. Security Cooperation

Strengthen collaboration between institutions in the U.S. and Togo.

Examples

Law enforcement cooperation
Critical infrastructure awareness
Anti-illegal migration initiatives
Security capacity building
Public safety education

3. Innovation and American Excellence

Promote U.S. leadership in education, technology, and innovation.

Examples

STEM education programs
English language training
Tech innovation workshops
Startup mentorship
Research collaboration

Who Is Eligible?

The programme accepts a wide range of applicants.

Eligible Applicants

U.S.-based nonprofit organizations
Local nonprofit organizations in Togo
Civil society groups
Educational institutions
Individuals
Public international organizations

Important Rules

Each organization may submit one proposal only
Cost-sharing is encouraged but not mandatory
Registration requirements must be completed

Registration Requirements

Organizations may need to maintain required registrations before award approval.

Common Requirements

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
Active registration on SAM.gov

Applicants should complete compliance steps early.

Why This Grant Matters

The program supports long-term partnerships that generate real economic and social value.

Benefits

Expands entrepreneurship opportunities
Supports job creation
Builds innovation ecosystems
Strengthens bilateral relations
Improves skills and education access
Encourages security collaboration

What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?

Examples include:

Academic exchanges
Entrepreneurship bootcamps
STEM learning programs
Workforce development training
English language education
Cultural engagement programs
Innovation labs
Community partnership initiatives

Expected Outcomes

Projects should show clear and measurable results.

Examples

Increased employment opportunities
New business partnerships
Improved training outcomes
Expanded trade awareness
Stronger institutional cooperation
Greater access to innovation and education

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that your organization or applicant type qualifies.

Step 2: Align with Priority Areas

Choose one or more embassy priorities and build a focused project.

Step 3: Complete Registration Requirements

Prepare:

UEI registration
SAM.gov active status (if required)

Step 4: Prepare Proposal

Include:

Project objectives
Activities and timeline
Budget
Expected outcomes
Monitoring plan
Organizational experience

Step 5: Submit One Proposal

Only one application per organization is permitted.

Step 6: Submit Before Deadline

Ensure all forms and supporting materials are complete and submitted on time.

Role of the Embassy

Under cooperative agreements, the Embassy may provide:

Strategic guidance
Technical support
Oversight
Coordination input

Recipients remain responsible for delivery, reporting, and compliance.

Ineligible Activities

The programme does not fund:

Political activities
Charitable donations
Humanitarian relief services
Construction projects
Religious promotion
Fundraising campaigns
Commercial ventures for private profit

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Application Errors

Missing registration requirements
Submitting multiple proposals
Incomplete budget
Weak outcomes section
Late submission

Strategy Errors

Project not aligned with priorities
No measurable impact
Unrealistic timeline
Poor sustainability plan

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Use clear goals and metrics
Focus on practical outcomes
Show local relevance
Demonstrate partnership capacity
Build realistic budgets
Emphasize long-term impact

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the U.S. Embassy Lomé Small Grants Program?

It is a grant program funding projects that strengthen U.S.-Togo relations through innovation, growth, and security cooperation.

2. How much funding is available?

Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000, with $60,000 total available.

3. Who can apply?

Nonprofits, civil society groups, schools, individuals, and international organizations.

4. How many proposals can one organization submit?

Only one proposal per organization.

5. Are matching funds required?

No. Cost-sharing is encouraged but not mandatory.

6. What project length is allowed?

Projects may run from 6 to 18 months.

7. What projects are not funded?

Political, religious, construction, fundraising, humanitarian aid, and private commercial ventures.

Conclusion

The U.S. Embassy Lomé Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program 2026 is a valuable opportunity for organizations and individuals building stronger ties between the United States and Togo. With grants up to $25,000, the programme supports innovation, trade, education, and security-focused initiatives.

Applicants should submit one strong, outcomes-driven proposal aligned with embassy priorities and ready for measurable impact.