The document is an amendment to the Biodiversity and Resilience Activity Request for Applications (RFA No.: 72049224RFA00003) which addresses various questions submitted by applicants regarding the program scope, eligibility, and requirements. It serves to clarify details such as the correct interpretation of acronyms, the specific geographic focus of the program (Philippines, not Mongolia), and the nature of the funding instrument (a cooperative agreement).
Key responses include confirmation that applicants must submit a Social Impact Assessment and Implementation Plan Abstract at the application stage, and a commitment by USAID to provide necessary assessments post-award. Tax exemptions related to the activity were also explained, alongside confirmation of allowable document submission formats and limits, including maximum file sizes.
The document highlights the significant role of local communities, including vulnerable groups, within project frameworks, and emphasizes the importance of integration with existing USAID and donor initiatives in the Philippines. Overall, it provides critical guidance to potential applicants to ensure compliance with application procedures while clarifying expectations and operational guidelines to facilitate effective proposal development and implementation.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is issuing a Notice for Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for a cooperative agreement under RFA # 72016924RFA00001 titled "Advancing Digital Democracy in Serbia." The program aims to foster and reinforce digital democracies in Serbia by creating open, secure, and inclusive digital environments that uphold democratic values and human rights. The focus is on countering digital repression while promoting resilience and ethical development in technology use.
Eligible parties must submit applications by June 30, 2024, with the initial funding estimated at $5 million for a 48-month project, with potential for an additional $3 million extension based on successful stakeholder engagement. The RFA stresses the involvement of various stakeholders, including government bodies and civil society, to enhance understanding of digital technology's impact on human rights, particularly for marginalized groups.
USAID emphasizes comprehensive engagement to implement Serbia’s international human rights commitments, aligning with EU regulations and norms, and empowering citizens to advocate for rights-respecting practices in the digital domain. The funding will support capacity building, public awareness initiatives, and cooperative strategies that respect and embody democratic principles in digital technology governance, while promoting gender equality and inclusion throughout the program.