Deadline: 24 May 2019
The Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG), within the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Disability Program funds to support programming in the area of Living Independently and Being Included in the Community (LIBC).
USAID seeks concepts that foster the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live independently and be included in the community, in accordance with CRPD Article 19, ensuring that:
- Persons with disabilities have the opportunity to choose their place of residence and where and with whom they live on an equal basis with others and are not obliged to live in a particular living arrangement;
- Persons with disabilities have access to a range of in-home, residential and other community support services, including personal assistance necessary to support living and inclusion in the community, and to prevent isolation or segregation from the community; and
- Community services and facilities for the general population are available on an equal basis to persons with disabilities and are responsive to their needs.
Within the LIBC framework, USAID will prioritize submissions that demonstrate robust participation and involvement of Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs).
Activities
Illustrative activities are included below; however, other innovative ideas are welcome.
- 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.
Proposed activities should complement and be reflected in Missions Country Development Cooperation Strategies and/or other strategy documents and be guided by the values and provisions set forth by the CRPD.
Projects that address targeted needs of persons with disabilities may be considered. Projects that highlight the needs of marginalized groups, such as women and girls, individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, those with developmental or psychosocial disabilities, and members of the LGBTI community are encouraged. All programs, regardless of implementing partner, must verify significant involvement of persons with disabilities, especially women with disabilities in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project.
Funding Information
Applications will be considered within the following two funding ranges: from $300,000 to $500,000 and ranging from $500,001 – $1,000,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- 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. Local DPOs are strongly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to qualified local DPOs and/or any of the above organization types that directly collaborate with and/or award sub-grants to DPOs while meeting the requirements for funding.
- Mainstream (non-DPO) organizations applying for funds must include in their application letter(s) of signed support from local DPOs they wish to partner with for the purpose of the project.
- PIOs are not eligible to apply for funding under this program.
- 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) will be subject to a responsibility determination assessment (Pre-award Survey) by the Agreement Officer (AO).
- The Recipient must be a responsible entity. The AO may determine a pre-award survey is required to conduct an examination that will determine whether the prospective Recipient has the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills – or ability to obtain them – in order to achieve the objectives of the program and comply with the terms and conditions of the award.
Activities and Programs Excluded
The following activities and programs will not be considered for funding:
- Programs with significant infrastructure or construction activities. Minor refurbishment of existing facilities (i.e. making toilets accessible, installing ramps) may be considered and must comply with USAID Policy on Standards for Accessibility for the Disabled in USAID-Financed Construction.
- 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 persons with disabilities and that do not provide for meaningful employment.
- Programs with a primary focus on awareness raising.
- Due to the availability of significant funding through PEPFAR, disability funding may not be used to support HIV/AIDS-related activities.
- In recent years, there has been significant disability funding for inclusive education. These investments continue, however inclusive education activities will not be supported through this NOFO.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via email at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=315197