USAID has issued the YouthPower 2 (YP2) Annual Program Statement (APS) to engage and support youth-led and youth-serving organizations in achieving positive youth development outcomes. The APS solicits concept notes for innovative programming addressing youth's diverse needs, emphasizing a cross-sectoral approach and community engagement while outlining eligibility requirements and funding processes. This initiative aims to empower youth to contribute to their communities and help build resilient, democratic societies by leveraging their potential and providing them with essential skills and resources.

The YouthPower2 Annual Program Statement Addendum outlines the requirements for submitting a concept note, which must not exceed five pages and follow specific formatting guidelines. It includes a summary information cover sheet that captures applicant details and requires a description of the proposed approach, organizational capacity, and expected sustainable outcomes related to youth engagement. Additionally, applicants must provide a proposed estimated cost, supporting partner contacts, and comply with submission deadlines to ensure their proposals are considered.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the renewal of the YouthPower 2 (YP2) Annual Program Statement (APS), aimed at engaging youth-led organizations to achieve positive youth development outcomes. This APS allows for the submission of Concept Notes in response to specific Addenda, detailing eligibility, funding availability, and evaluation criteria, while emphasizing a cross-sectoral approach and the importance of youth engagement in decision-making processes. The issuance of this APS does not guarantee funding and costs incurred in submitting Concept Notes are the applicant's responsibility.

The budget summary template outlines various cost categories for a project, including personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual costs, and indirect charges, all of which are estimated at $0 across five years. It includes sections for detailed descriptions and cost basis assumptions, although specific data is not provided in this summary. The document emphasizes the need for detailed narratives for each budget category but remains empty of actual financial figures.

The addendum provides guidance for applicants of the YouthPower 2 program regarding cost-share requirements, budget submission, and eligibility criteria for project locations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Notably, cost-sharing is not mandatory, and organizations are not required to be locally registered in all proposed countries. Additionally, applicants must submit a separate Excel budget document along with a five-page concept note and can propose activities in a subset or all listed focus countries.

The YouthPower2 Annual Program Statement (YP2 APS) Addendum outlines the requirements for submitting a concept note for research utilization to advance education evidence for youth violence prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean. The document specifies formatting guidelines, submission deadlines, and evaluation criteria, emphasizing compliance with prescribed structures for both the main body and supporting information. Additionally, it details sections for applicant information, proposed approaches, organizational capacity, and budget estimates, providing a comprehensive framework for applicants to follow.

USAID is inviting concept notes for the Research Utilization to Advance Education Evidence for Youth Violence Prevention (RUTA) program in Latin America and the Caribbean, aimed at enhancing the capacity of education stakeholders to effectively utilize evidence for designing and implementing educational programs that contribute to violence prevention. With a funding opportunity of up to $8,250,000 over three years, the initiative focuses on gathering, translating, and disseminating existing research, along with providing technical assistance and strengthening knowledge systems within target countries. Interested organizations must adhere to terms outlined in the YP2 Annual Program Statement and submit their concept notes by December 7, 2020.

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) FAQ document addresses common inquiries about the submission process for concept notes related to YP2 addenda, emphasizing that applicants should only submit notes in response to specific addenda rather than the APS itself. It highlights how to locate addenda on grants.gov, the lack of a geographic focus for the APS, and the competitive nature of the submission process, outlining that all related information can be found in the respective addenda. Additionally, it clarifies that YP2 funding is designated for international programming, not for activities within the United States.

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.