USAID/Bangladesh Grant: Empowering Disabled People’s Organizations for Enhanced Participation

USAID/BANGLADESH seeks concept papers for projects that integrate people with disabilities in USAID programs/activities and strengthen the capacity and services of DPOs.

Project areas could include, but are not limited to: agriculture and food security; democracy, human rights & governance; economic growth and trade; education; environment and global climate change; sports; gender equality and women’s empowerment; and science, technology and innovation. Capacity building programs for DPOs may include organizational capacity, advocacy efforts, cross-disability coalition building, coordination, and leadership and training.

Proposed projects should complement the strategic and development objectives of USAID and be guided by the values and provisions set forth by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Projects that address targeted needs of people with disabilities may be considered. Projects that highlight the needs of marginalized groups, such as women and girls, individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind and those with developmental or psychosocial disabilities are encouraged. All programs, regardless of implementing partner, must verify significant involvement of people with disabilities, especially women with disabilities in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Subject to the availability of funds, USAID/BANGLADESH may fund individual programs over a 12-36 month period in two categories:

• Small fund programs ranging from $20,000 to $300,000 (not to exceed $3.8 million) AND
• Large fund programs ranging from $300,000 – $600,000 (not to exceed $1.2 million)
Note: A portion of funding will be used to support programs that develop, support, and strengthen sports programs for people with disabilities

Any awards (grants or cooperative agreements) under this request for concept papers will be administered through and managed by USAID/BANGLADESH. Funding will be provided from Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance/Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DCHA/DRG) Bureau.

The following activities and programs will NOT be considered for funding:

– Programs with a significant budget for infrastructure or construction activities
– Programs focused on the provision of assistive devices or physical rehabilitation
– Programs supporting institutionalization of or institutions for children or adults with disabilities
– Employment programs promoting sheltered workshops or income generating activities that perpetuate negative stereotypes of people with disabilities and that do not provide for meaningful employment
– Programs with a primary focus on awareness raising
In addition, the disability funding may not be used to support HIV/AIDS-related activities

USAID/BANGLADESH is limited to the submission of up to two (2) small fund proposals ($20,000 – $300,000) and one (1) large fund proposal ($300,000 – $600,000) or no more than three proposals.

Concept Papers MUST be from qualified Local Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) registered with Bangladesh NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB). All applicants must be legally recognized organizational entities under applicable laws.

Concept papers from individuals and Public International Organizations (PIOs) will not be accepted.