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Seeking Applications for Grant Proposals - Expanding Participation of People with Disabilities


USAID/Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA) is seeking applications for grant proposals to increase the participation of people with disabilities in USAID activities and strengthen the capacities of Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs) based in any of the following countries: Burma, China, Laos, and Thailand, or related regional programs in Asia. The attached request does not serve as an Annual Program Statement (APS) or Request For Applications (RFA).

Subject to availability of funds, a total of $4 million is available worldwide and organizations from various countries will compete for funding. In general, the length of the programs should be 18-24 months.

USAID expects to fund individual programs in two categories:
  • $2.8 million for small fund programs ranging from $20,000 - $300,000; and
  • $1.2 million for 2-4 larger fund programs ranging from $300,000 - $600,000.
Areas of Interest:
The two main objectives are to increase participation of people with disabilities in current USAID programs and strengthen the capacity of disabled people’s organizations (DPOs). Program areas could include, but are not limited to, education, health, government, civil society building, rule of law, HIV/AIDS, and employment opportunities. Capacity building programs for DPOs may include organizational capacity, advocacy efforts, coordination, and leadership. Ideally, activities should complement USAID’s strategic objectives. The lists provided under each heading are only illustrative - other innovative ideas are welcome.

A. Increase participation of people with disabilities in current USAID programs. Examples:
  • Promote participation of people with disabilities in democratic processes and elections.
  • Promote inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in HIV/AIDS awareness raising and education programs.
  • Foster inclusion of children with disabilities in education programs.
  • Increase employment and economic opportunities for people with disabilities.
  • Build capacity of humanitarian relief workers and first responders to better incorporate the needs of people with disabilities in all disaster relief planning.
  • Improve national laws and policies that better reflect the inclusion of people with disabilities within their home countries
B. Strengthen the capacity of disabled person’s organizations (DPOs). Examples:
  • Improving the organizational capacity, financial management, human/material resources, strategic planning, fundraising, leadership and coordination of DPOs.
  • Building advocacy skills of DPOs to increase the inclusion of people with disabilities in programs funded by USAID, host governments and other donors.
Eligibility:
Applications should be from qualified U.S. or non-U.S. entities, such as private, non-profit organizations (or for-profit companies willing to forego profits), including private voluntary organizations, universities, research organizations, professional associations, and relevant special interest associations.

How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted to RDMA via e-mail (application-rdma@usaid.gov) using the standardized Disability Application Concept Paper Form (referred to as Concept Paper) with a cover page and eight questions and using English language only. Submissions made using other formats may not be considered. Organizations can submit applications for either small or large fund programs, or both.

Disability Application Concept Paper Form
Expanding Participation of People with Disabilities (MS Word doc, 50kb)

Submission Deadline:
The deadline for submission of Concept Papers:
  • There is no deadline for submission of Concept Papers for the small fund program (Funding range: $20,000 - $300,000). Those applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received and funds will be awarded until they are depleted (approximately $2.8 million). We strongly suggest all applicants to apply for small fund programs as soon as possible.
  • The deadline for the large fund program (Funding range: $300,000 - $600,000) is March 9, 2012.
Review and Final Selection:
This call for applications is conducted as a “multi-tiered” procurement comprised of three stages:
  • Stage 1: USAID/RDMA will review Concept Paper submissions and select finalists for Stage 2.
  • Stage 2: Applications of finalists selected by USAID/RDMA will be forwarded to the Office of Programs for Vulnerable Populations at USAID/Washington in the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) for final review and award decision.
  • Stage 3: Notifications for the small fund program applications will be sent out on the rolling basis and notifications for large fund programs will be sent approximately around the middle/end of April 2012. USAID/RDMA will inform both successful and unsuccessful applicants.
Any questions should be submitted in writing to application-rdma@usaid.gov. All correspondence with regard to this call for applications should include “Disability Application Concept Paper 2012” in the subject line of the correspondence/e-mail.

“Expanding Participation of People with Disabilities”
U.S. Agency for International Development
Regional Development Mission for Asia
Program Development Office (PDO)
Athenee Tower, 25th Floor
Bangkok, 10330 Thailand

References:
1. Standardized Disability Application Concept Paper Form
2. USAID’s Disability Policy, http://www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/disability/


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This page last updated on March 06, 2012
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