RFAs: International Grants for Community Development Initiatives (US)

The International Grants Program provides funding for community-based development projects that address poverty, food security, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience in selected Caribbean and Central American countries. The program supports USA-based nonprofit organizations working with local communities to implement sustainable, community-driven initiatives that improve quality of life and promote long-term self-reliance.

International Grants Program Overview

The International Grants Program supports projects that respond to priority development needs through community-led solutions. The program focuses on improving food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, encouraging social entrepreneurship, and reducing poverty by strengthening local livelihoods and economic opportunities.

Projects are designed to empower individuals, families, and communities by promoting self-sufficiency, improving living conditions, and supporting sustainable development. Successful initiatives actively involve local communities in both project planning and implementation to ensure lasting impact.

Purpose

The International Grants Program aims to:

• Improve food security and nutrition.
• Support sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
• Reduce poverty through community development.
• Promote social entrepreneurship and income generation.
• Strengthen local economic opportunities.
• Improve access to clean water and sanitation.
• Support sustainable livelihoods and community resilience.
• Encourage community participation in development initiatives.

Focus Areas

The program supports projects under the following priority areas.

Food Support, Security, and Sustainability

Eligible activities include:

• Emergency feeding programs.
• Starvation relief initiatives.
• Subsistence farming.
• Backyard farming.
• Soil improvement projects.
• Sustainable agriculture.
• Regenerative farming practices.
• Aquaculture.
• Greenhouse gardening.
• Beekeeping.
• Fruit tree planting.
• Community baking initiatives.
• Other sustainable food production programs.

Social Entrepreneurship and Microdevelopment

Projects may focus on:

• Food-related community enterprises.
• Poverty reduction initiatives.
• Income-generating activities.
• Skills development.
• Vocational training.
• Entrepreneurship training.
• Community business development.
• Economic empowerment for individuals and families.

Poverty Relief and Community Development

Supported activities include:

• Community development projects.
• Access to clean water.
• Improved sanitation practices.
• Housing development.
• Animal husbandry.
• Livelihood improvement initiatives.
• Community self-reliance programmes.
• Projects that improve the overall standard of living.

Funding Information

The program provides funding for eligible community-based development projects that align with its priority areas.

Funding supports projects focused on:

• Food security.
• Sustainable agriculture.
• Poverty alleviation.
• Economic development.
• Community resilience.
• Water, sanitation, and housing improvements.

Applicants should follow the specific funding guidance provided during the invitation process.

Eligible Countries

Projects must be implemented in one of the following countries:

• Dominican Republic
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Jamaica
• El Salvador
• Nicaragua

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• USA-based nonprofit organizations.
• Public charities recognized under IRS 501(c)(3) status.

Applicants must also:

• Have staff and/or local partners working directly in the project area.
• Demonstrate active community participation throughout project development and implementation.
• Ensure local communities are involved in planning, decision-making, and project delivery.

Application Process

The International Grants Program operates on an invitation-only basis.

Eligible organizations should:

• Receive a personal invitation from LASC.
• Review all eligibility requirements.
• Prepare a project proposal addressing priority development needs.
• Demonstrate strong community engagement.
• Submit all required documentation according to the invitation guidelines.

How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Receive an Invitation

Organizations must receive a personal invitation from LASC before submitting a proposal.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that your organization:

• Holds IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status.
• Operates in an eligible country through staff or local partners.
• Meets all programme requirements.

Step 3: Develop a Community-Based Project

Design a project that:

• Addresses priority development needs.
• Promotes sustainable community development.
• Involves local stakeholders.
• Demonstrates long-term impact.

Step 4: Prepare the Proposal

Include:

• Project objectives.
• Community needs assessment.
• Implementation plan.
• Expected outcomes.
• Sustainability strategy.
• Evidence of local partnerships.

Step 5: Submit the Proposal

Complete and submit the application according to the invitation instructions.

Step 6: Project Evaluation

Proposals are evaluated based on:

• Alignment with programme priorities.
• Community participation.
• Sustainability.
• Potential impact.
• Organizational capacity.

Step 7: Project Implementation

Successful organizations implement approved projects while actively engaging local communities throughout the project lifecycle.

Why It Matters

The International Grants Program helps to:

• Improve food security for vulnerable communities.
• Promote sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
• Strengthen local economies.
• Reduce poverty through income generation.
• Improve health through better water and sanitation.
• Build resilient communities.
• Encourage self-reliance and long-term development.
• Support sustainable community-led solutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without receiving an invitation.
• Failing to demonstrate IRS 501(c)(3) status.
• Proposing projects outside eligible countries.
• Designing projects without community involvement.
• Presenting weak sustainability plans.
• Providing incomplete documentation.
• Failing to demonstrate local partnerships.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your proposal:

• Design projects based on community-identified needs.
• Demonstrate meaningful local participation.
• Highlight sustainable and long-term outcomes.
• Include measurable project objectives.
• Showcase strong partnerships with local organizations.
• Explain how the project will promote self-reliance.
• Present a realistic implementation plan.
• Ensure all eligibility requirements are fully met.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the International Grants Program?

The program is open to USA-based nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status that have staff or local partners working in eligible countries.

2. Which countries are eligible?

Projects must be located in:

• Dominican Republic
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Jamaica
• El Salvador
• Nicaragua

3. What types of projects are supported?

The program supports projects focused on food security, sustainable agriculture, poverty reduction, social entrepreneurship, clean water, sanitation, housing, animal husbandry, and community economic development.

4. Is the program open to all applicants?

No. International proposals are accepted only by personal invitation from LASC.

5. Why is community participation important?

Projects must actively involve local communities in planning and implementation to ensure ownership, sustainability, and long-term impact.

6. Can organizations partner with local groups?

Yes. Applicants are expected to have staff and/or local partners working on the ground to successfully implement community-based projects.

7. Why is the International Grants Program important?

The program supports sustainable development by empowering communities to improve food security, generate income, reduce poverty, and build long-term resilience through locally driven solutions.

Conclusion

The International Grants Program provides valuable support for community-based initiatives that address critical development challenges in selected Caribbean and Central American countries. By investing in food security, sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, poverty reduction, and community resilience, the program promotes long-term, locally led development.

Through strong partnerships, community participation, and sustainable project design, the program helps organizations create lasting improvements in livelihoods, economic opportunity, and overall quality of life for vulnerable communities.