The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued an addendum for concept notes under the Research Utilization to Advance Education Evidence for Youth Violence Prevention (RUTA) initiative, targeting youth violence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The program aims to assist education stakeholders in accessing and applying evidence to improve educational policies and programs that contribute to violence prevention. With anticipated funding of up to $8.25 million over three years, the initiative emphasizes a clear understanding and practical application of existing research rather than generating new data.
The objectives include gathering and translating evidence on education's effectiveness in violence prevention, providing customized technical assistance, and strengthening knowledge systems within countries. The main focus is on education stakeholders, including governments, education providers, and research institutions in targeted countries (e.g., Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala). The application process involves submitting concept notes followed by co-creation discussions with USAID. The initiative aligns with USAID's commitment to using education as a tool for social development and youth empowerment, particularly in addressing the pressing issue of youth violence in the region.
The YouthPower 2 (YP2) Annual Program Statement (APS) provides guidelines for applicants seeking funding through specific addenda from USAID. It clarifies that proposals or concept notes must respond to individual addenda rather than the APS itself, highlighting that submissions should not be made directly to the APS. Potential applicants can find addenda on grants.gov, where they can also access related documents and templates. The YP2 APS lacks a defined geographic focus, as each addendum will specify its target areas. Organizations submitting proposals may apply for multiple addenda but cannot submit multiple suggestions for the same addendum. Queries regarding the APS or its addenda should be directed to a designated email, as direct contact with USAID is not permitted to maintain a fair competitive process. Ultimately, funding from the YP2 APS will only apply for international programs, particularly in partner countries, and applicants are encouraged to keep abreast of updates via grants.gov and USAID's Business Forecast. This document serves as a resource for organizations interested in applying for grants within the framework of USAID's youth-focused initiatives.