Request for Concept Papers for Disability-Inclusive Climate Action Activity | 3092023

Opportunity Information: Apply for 3092023

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Tajikistan mission in Dushanbe, released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Request for Concept Papers for Disability-Inclusive Climate Action Activity." The opportunity was issued on March 9, 2023, and concept papers were due by March 29, 2023. USAID is using a two-step process, meaning applicants first submit a concept paper and only the strongest submissions may be invited to move forward with a full application later. The activity falls under the broad area of community development (CFDA 98.001), and the listed award ceiling is up to $1,000,000. The funding instrument type is identified as "Other," and the posting is managed through Grants.gov, where amendments and updates may appear.

The core goal is to identify a qualified organization (or partnership) to implement climate action work that is intentionally disability-inclusive. While the notice does not provide program design details in the text provided, it makes clear that disability inclusion is not meant to be an add-on. Applicants are expected to show, even at the concept stage, how people with disabilities and their representative organizations will be involved in project design, implementation, and learning. USAID signals that it will use review criteria described in the full NOFO to decide which concept paper applicants, if any, will be asked to submit a complete application.

Eligibility is broad in terms of organizational type and nationality: both U.S. and non-U.S. entities may submit concept papers. USAID lists typical eligible applicants as private nonprofit organizations and also for-profit companies if they are willing to forego profits, along with faith-based and local community-based organizations, private voluntary organizations, universities, research organizations, and professional associations. A major emphasis is placed on local Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs). DPOs are strongly encouraged to apply directly, and USAID states that preference will be given either to qualified DPOs or to other eligible organizations that directly collaborate with DPOs and/or provide subgrants to DPOs while meeting USAID funding requirements.

For mainstream (non-DPO) applicants, the NOFO sets a clear partnership expectation: they must include signed letters of support from the local DPOs they plan to work with. These letters are not meant to be symbolic; they should show meaningful DPO participation across the project cycle, including design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The notice also explicitly excludes PIOs from applying under this program. Applicants are instructed to use a required application format: Attachment A, labeled as the FY 2022 USAID Disability Funding Program Application format, which suggests USAID wants standardized concept submissions that are easier to compare during review.

Operationally, USAID directs applicants to read the full NOFO carefully for submission requirements, selection procedures, and the specific eligibility standards referenced (including those in Section C of the NOFO). Questions are to be sent to the points of contact listed in Section D, and USAID indicates that timely questions may be answered through a formal amendment posted on Grants.gov so all potential applicants receive the same information. The notice also includes standard federal grant caveats: posting the NOFO does not guarantee an award, does not commit the U.S. Government to reimburse any proposal development expenses, and all costs to prepare and submit a concept paper are borne by the applicant. Applicants are also reminded to regularly check Grants.gov for updates, and USAID disclaims responsibility for any data errors caused by transmission or file conversion issues.

• The Tajikistan USAID-Dushanbe in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Request for Concept Papers for Disability-Inclusive Climate Action Activity" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-03-09.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-03-29. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for 3092023

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: