The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the "Acting on Climate Change Together" program, aiming to reduce climate-related impacts on education in Zambia, especially for children with disabilities. The total funding available is $3,400,000 over three years, with a deadline for applications on October 28, 2024. The program seeks cooperative agreement applications from eligible organizations, emphasizing disability-inclusive strategies in disaster risk mitigation, school enrollment, and climate action.
Key objectives include developing inclusive disaster risk plans, increasing enrollment of children with disabilities, and fostering knowledge of climate action among children. Successful applicants will collaborate with local communities and governmental agencies while ensuring long-term sustainability. The NOFO also outlines eligibility criteria, application requirements, and evaluation standards, emphasizing a partnership approach to implement effective educational strategies.
All interested parties must register on grants.gov and review the complete NOFO for detailed submission guidelines. The program aligns with USAID/Zambia’s development strategies and underscores the importance of addressing climate change and disability in education, reflecting a commitment to inclusive and adaptive approaches in Zambia's vulnerable regions.
The "2024 Interim Standard Provisions for U.S. Nongovernmental Organizations" outlines critical guidelines and requirements for organizations receiving USAID funding. The provisions cover applicability of federal regulations, eligibility of participating countries, nondiscrimination, drug-free policies, and measures against trafficking in persons. Key mandates ensure compliance with federal laws, including the need for organizations to refrain from engaging with sanctioned groups and individuals, establish a drug-free workplace, and uphold equality in participation, especially for faith-based organizations. Notably, there are requirements for proper use of funds, transportation guidelines, and marking and communication protocols linked to USAID-funded initiatives. The document emphasizes recipient accountability and compliance with specific reporting and monitoring measures to ensure ethical stewardship of government resources. Overall, it reinforces USAID's commitment to fostering fair practices and compliance across its international development programs.