Deadline: 30 September 2019
The Regional Disaster Assistance Program (RDAP) is currently accepting concept notes from eligible organizations for its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Small Grants Program to increase the capacity of local and national authorities in the region to prepare for and respond to disasters, ultimately reducing the need for U.S. Government (USG) and other external disaster assistance.
Recognizing the vulnerabilities in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) supports disaster preparedness and mitigation programs aimed at reducing the loss of human life, alleviating suffering, and reducing the economic impact of disasters. These programs include risk identification, prioritization, and reduction, as well as post disaster recovery and short-term rehabilitation. In the LAC region, USAID/OFDA promotes local and national self sufficiency in disaster preparedness and management.
USAID/OFDA’s programs build upon and strengthen the capacity of established national and regional disaster management institutions, many of which already can meet most emergency needs after an event.
Focus Areas
- Ensure that DRR is a national and local priority with strong institutional basis for implementation, including:
- Supporting institutional strengthening;
- Promoting identification of disaster preparedness guidelines.
- Identify, assess, and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning, including:
- Strengthening end-to-end Early Warning System (EWS).
- Use knowledge, innovation, and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels, including:
- Supporting DRR in Primary and Secondary Education;
- Strengthening coping mechanisms for high-risk populations;
- Institutionalizing higher education in DRR.
- Reduce the underlying risk factors, including:
- Promoting strategic public and private partnerships to build local DRR capacity;
- Increasing capacities for DRR in urban settings;
- Promoting hazard-resistant shelter and settlements;
- Supporting flood and drought mitigation interventions;
- Safeguarding livelihood assets and critical market systems.
- Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels, including:
- Building local and community-based disaster
Funding Information
- For 2020, RDAP anticipates to award grants from a pool of funds totaling approximately $250,000.
- Applicants advised that RDAP intends to award programs valued between $15,000-50,000 USD.
Eligibility Criteria
- Organizations eligible to apply for small grants include local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Local universities may also be supported under the small grants program.
- To be eligible for a grant, applicants must:
- be legally registered and operating in the following regions and countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Santa Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay;
- have physical space to conduct their activities;
- have a proven track record of successful implementation of projects in the proposed county;
- have been active for at least three (3) years within their sector and respective country;
- have three (3) or more full time or part time staff;
- be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the project, not acting as an intermediary/consultant;
- be willing to comply with all technical and financial requirements for participation in the program, including reporting and documentation of project activities;
- be willing to participate in assessments, trainings, workshops, or other activities considered important for achieving project goals and be eligible to receive funded awards from the United State government.
Evaluation Criteria
- The project’s purpose demonstrates strong alignment to one or more of the stated areas of the RDAP DRR Small Grants Program and its target populations and beneficiaries?
- The proposed activities in the concept note have a high likelihood of achieving the stated objective of the program.
- The project’s objectives and activities will have a high likelihood of a long-lasting or sustainable impact in the community, target population or beneficiary group.
- The demonstrated capacity and past performance of the applicant demonstrates a high likelihood of success in achieving the stated areas of the program.
- The program demonstrates cost effective approach to achieve a measurable impact in the stated areas.
The Application Process
The application process for the DRR Small Grants Program will take place in two steps:
- Step One – Concept Note: Applicants will express their concept for a DRR Grant by submitting a Concept Note and Summary Budget. A technical evaluation committee will score concept notes based on the criteria noted above. Applicants of Stage One will be informed whether or not their concept note has been accepted for full application.
- Step Two – Full Application: Invited organizations will submit certifications, self assessment, and a grant application. RDAP will work collaboratively with applicants to refine their proposed concepts into a full program description with detailed budget. Grants will be awarded to applicants who successfully complete the colloborative development of the grant, determined to be responsible and eligible to receive USG funding.
How to Apply
- Only typed, electronic submissions will be accepted.
- All submissions must be sent via email at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit https://www.rti.org/current-opportunities