Rebuilding Cuba’s Nascent Civil Society Program

Deadline: 16-Aug-24

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement(s) from qualified entities to implement the Rebuilding Cuba’s Nascent Civil Society program.

Objective and Illustrative Activities

• The Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean’s Office of Cuban Affairs (LAC/Cuba) is seeking applications from organizations that can propose unique and distinctive ideas to help contribute to the overall program objective of Rebuilding Cuba’s Nascent Civil Society
• This program would contribute to the U.S. Government’s overall goal for Cuba, which is to empower the Cuban people to help them create a future free from repression and economic suffering. Specifically, the program would contribute to the following LAC/Cuba Development objectives.
• Objectives:
  • DO1: Increased civil society effectiveness; and
  • DO2: A more informed citizenry and international community
• The following are illustrative activities that may be proposed:
  • Provide capacity building to civil society groups focusing on rights for marginalized or vulnerable groups, such as Afro-Cubans, women, youth, the elderly, religious groups, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Enhance their leadership and communication skills, and assist in outreach efforts to better understand the needs of Cuban citizens and increase participation in these civil society initiatives.
  • Foster coordination and cohesion among emerging civil society groups to amplify their collective voice on issues affecting Cuban citizens. Equip these groups with tools, resources, and advocacy skills to engage communities in addressing local concerns democratically, particularly in areas where government services are lacking.
    • Enhance the capacity of civil society organizations and citizens to disseminate factual information about local conditions in Cuba, including instances of human rights violations, both within the country and to the international community. Empower citizens to be reliable sources of information for raising awareness and advocating for positive change.

Funding Information

• USAID intends to award up to four cooperative agreement(s) pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the agency. Total funding per cooperative agreement will not exceed $2,000,000 over the entire three-year Period of Performance beginning on or around September 30, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted. U.S. and non-U.S. nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are eligible to apply. USAID encourages applications from potential new partners with experience in Cuba or similarly sensitive countries.
• An NGO means any nongovernmental organization or entity, whether nonprofit or profit-making (22 CFR 203.2). If profit-making organizations apply for funding under this NOFO, no profit or fee will be authorized under the activity. USAID will not accept applications from individuals. All applicants must be legally recognized organizational entities under applicable U.S. law.
• Applicants must have established financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, internal control systems, and policies and procedures that comply with established USG standards, laws, and regulations. The successful applicant(s) may be subject to a pre-award risk assessment (Pre-award Survey) by the AO.
• USAID welcomes applications from organizations that have not previously received financial assistance from USAID.
• Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for federal financial assistance on the same basis as any other organization and are subject to the protections and requirements of federal law.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.