USAID NEPAL: Call For Application (Tips to apply)

USAID Nepal is calling for applications for its Grant for its Living Independently and Being Included in the Community (LIBC) program for persons with disabilities. The deadline for this opportunity is the 24^th of May, and the maximum amount an organization can apply for is 1,000,000 US$. In this article, we give you some tips on how to apply for this opportunity.

What can be funded with this program?

The LIBC grant will support projects that foster the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community. Strategies that can be funded could belong to one of the following categories. USAID encourages innovative approaches to the topic as well.

• Development and effective implementation of deinstitutionalization strategies and plans to transition away from institutional care settings for persons with disabilities;
• Provision of accessible, affordable, and sustainable community-based supports and services to facilitate persons with disabilities living independently and being included in the community;
• Development and/or effective implementation of laws, policies, and practices that support persons with disabilities exercising their legal capacity, freedom of choice, and control over decisions affecting their lives with the maximum level of self-determination and interdependence in society (e.g. through supported vs. substituted decision-making);
• Establishment and/or strengthening of consumer-controlled disability resource centers (often referred to as “independent living centers” in the U.S.) that promote the full independence and participation of persons with disabilities in society, including through advocacy related to the rights of persons with disabilities;
• Adoption and/or effective implementation of monitoring mechanisms related to living
• independently and being included in the community, including ensuring such mechanisms prioritize DPO participation.

Who can apply for the grant?

The grant is open for applications from organizations from the United States and Nepal. 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 are eligible for the grant. Local Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) are strongly encouraged to apply, and higher-level applicants need to show their affiliation with a local level DPO.

How to apply for the ILBC Grant from USAID Nepal?

To apply for this opportunity, applicants must submit their proposal through email until the deadline May 24^th, 2019 to the email address given in the guidelines. Applicants must use the form provided on the website of USAID.

In the form, applicants have to give an organizational profile, a project description, activities, a work plan, information about possible partnerships and a detailed budget amongst other documents. Be sure to follow the form meticulously to make sure to fulfill all eligibility criteria. The application must be submitted in English.

ILBC Grant from USAID Nepal – What to look out for?

It is crucial to follow the guidelines strictly to be considered for a grant. The proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Project justification and linkage with USAID mission priorities
• Sound technical approach likely to contribute to institutional change
• Direct involvement of beneficiaries
• Gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Sustainability

Keeping this in mind, it is important that the sections relating to these topics are very well thought out.

If you have any questions about the process, make sure you send them to the indicated email address early enough, so there is time for an answer.