The Paraguay Culture of Lawfulness to Fight Corruption Initiative is a proposed project aimed at addressing persistent corruption issues within Paraguay. The entity seeks to tackle the ingrained culture of lawlessness that has thwarted previous reform efforts and hindered the country's governance. Other organizations are also engaged in similar initiatives, but the Paraguayan government alone lacks the capacity to resolve this issue effectively, which is where USAID's involvement becomes crucial.
The entity aims to provide targeted interventions designed to promote legal accountability and integrity, leading to tangible improvements in public trust and governance. Requested funding will be utilized to implement these strategies over a duration not exceeding 60 months. Success metrics will include specific outcomes related to legal reforms, civic engagement, and corruption mitigation.
Gender considerations will be integrated into the project to ensure equitable benefits, while environmental impacts will be evaluated to balance positive and negative effects. The initiative recognizes the potential influence of climate change on its operations, aiming to incorporate adaptive measures throughout its implementation. Partner contributions will enhance the project’s capacity, supported by commitments from collaborating entities, all documented accordingly.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Paraguay seeks applications from organizations to support the Culture of Lawfulness to Fight Corruption initiative via its Annual Program Statement (APS) No. 72052622APS00002. This initiative aims to bolster the private and civil sector engagement in areas prioritized by the Governments of Paraguay and the United States, including Rule of Law, Economic Opportunities Formalization, Civil Society Oversight, and Election Oversight. Eligible applicants include both non-profit and for-profit organizations, with a total funding of approximately $20 million anticipated, distributed across up to ten awards with a maximum of $2 million each. The application process involves submitting a detailed concept note, adhering to specific guidelines outlined in the document. USAID emphasizes collaboration with local entities and encourages leveraging domestic resources for development efforts. The ultimate goal is to create sustainable partnerships that address pressing developmental challenges in Paraguay, thereby enhancing governance, accountability, and civic engagement against corruption. The initiative emphasizes local ownership, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and innovative, market-driven solutions.