USAID Small Grants for Biodiversity – Nepal

Deadline: 05-Apr-2024

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a cooperative agreement from qualified entities to implement USAID Small Grants for Biodiversity.

Goal

• USAID Small Grants for Biodiversity will support locally-led conservation initiatives that help protect biodiversity while improving community well-being, and is divided into two interlinked objectives and their sub-objectives:
  • Objective 1: Enhance Biodiversity Conservation through Community Engagement and Ownership.
    • Sub-objective 1.1: Foster local community participation in biodiversity conservation initiatives.
    • Sub-objective 1.2: Promote awareness and education on community-led biodiversity conservation.
    • Sub-objective 1.3: Support community-led conservation projects.
    • Sub-objective 1.4: Facilitate the establishment of community-based conservation agreements.
  • Objective 2: Strengthen Local Capacity for Biodiversity Conservation Implementation.
    • Sub-objective 2.1: Provide support to local organizations and communities to be used towards training and technical assistance
    • Sub-objective 2.2: Build the capacity of local partners to effectively plan and manage conservation activities.
    • Sub-objective 2.3: Support research and innovation in biodiversity conservation practices.
    • Sub-objective 2.4: Support collaboration and partnerships among local stakeholders in conservation efforts.

Funding Information

• Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of the Agency, USAID intends to provide up to $9,000,000 in total USAID funding.
• The anticipated period of performance is five years.

Approach

• The objectives for USAID Small Grants for Biodiversity should be achieved using the following key technical approaches:
  • Community Well-being and Biodiversity Conservation: Improve the well-being of local communities by encouraging biodiversity conservation activities that contribute to enhanced health, access to quality education, and just governance. Recognize biodiversity conservation as an essential element for sustained economic growth, without making it the sole focus.
  • Tailored Conservation Initiatives: Promote conservation initiatives that leverage local knowledge and effectively address priority drivers and threats to biodiversity. Empower communities with the necessary skills and funding incentives to implement impactful changes.
  • Active Engagement and Advocacy: Catalyze positive biodiversity conservation outcomes through active community engagement, advocacy, and communication. Encourage community-based actions that align with the Government of Nepal’s (GON) policy framework.
  • Partnerships and Resources Mobilization: Build partnerships to mobilize resources in support of the small subaward biodiversity conservation efforts.
  • Research and Innovation: Promote research and innovation in biodiversity conservation practices, including the assessment and application of conservation technologies, key species and ecosystems, habitat health, innovative technologies, as well as pilots to address environmental crime and climate change adaptation.

Geographic Focus and Target Population

• The geographic focus of the Activity will focus on four distinct Nepali landscapes: Kailashi, Karnali, Chitwan-Annapurna, and Terai. By directing the USAID Small Grants for Biodiversity activities toward these specified landscapes, the Activity strategically overlaps with USAID’s ongoing biodiversity conservation efforts for maximum impact. This Activity will support sub-awards codesigned with, and implemented by, non-governmental organizations, community based organizations, researchers, educational institutions, and the private sector at the local community level. Local knowledge and tailored conservation initiatives can drive impactful change. Equipped with skills and funding that provide incentives, these actions can be effectively implemented. Active engagement, advocacy, and communication will then catalyze positive biodiversity conservation outcomes. The sub-awards, in particular, will reflect the diversity and knowledge of the local community. Participation by underserved women, youth, marginalized, disadvantaged, and indigenous communities is essential to Activity success.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility is restricted to local entities. The restriction of eligibility is considered necessary for this activity based on market research to emphasize direct engagement with, implementation through, funding of, and support for local organizations.
• Only local organizations as defined below are eligible for award. USAID defines a “local entity” as an individual, a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or another body of persons that:
  • Is legally organized under the laws of Nepal.
  • Has as its principal place of business or operations in Nepal.
  • Is majority owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of Nepal.
  • Is managed by a governing body the majority of who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the country receiving assistance, Nepal.
• USAID welcomes applications from organizations that have not previously received financial assistance from USAID. The prime recipient is encouraged to promote involvement of “underutilized” partners and local organizations in the implementation of this activity. USAID will not accept applications from individuals.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.