Local Engagement and Asset Development Activity | 72016918RFA00004

FAQs: USAID/Serbia Local Engagement and Asset Development Activity (72016918RFA00004)

1) What is the purpose of the Local Engagement and Asset Development Activity?

The opportunity is designed to support community-driven development in Serbia by strengthening local citizen groups and the networks they build. The emphasis is on locally led action, where people in the community identify concerns, mobilize resources, and work together to create positive change with long-term local ownership of results.

2) What is the main approach USAID is prioritizing in this opportunity?

The opportunity prioritizes bottom-up, locally led solutions rather than top-down interventions. It focuses on helping community members organize around shared priorities, coordinate efforts, and implement practical actions that build trust, empowerment, and sustainable community capacity.

3) Who is the issuing agency for this funding opportunity?

The issuing agency is USAID/Serbia (USAID-Belgrade).

4) What is the official title of the funding opportunity?

The official title is "Local Engagement and Asset Development Activity."

5) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is 72016918RFA00004.

6) What type of award is being offered?

This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement. That means USAID expects to have substantial involvement in the activity's direction and implementation compared with a standard grant.

7) What does it mean that this opportunity is a cooperative agreement?

Based on the description provided, USAID anticipates being actively involved in guiding and supporting implementation, rather than only providing funds and receiving periodic reports. Applicants should expect meaningful collaboration with USAID during the life of the activity.

8) What types of groups does USAID highlight as potential partners or groups to be strengthened?

USAID highlights community foundations, local youth groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other local entities that can demonstrate an ability to bring people together and organize support around shared community priorities.

9) Are informal or unregistered community groups included?

Yes. The opportunity specifically notes support for both formally registered and informal groups, including both newly formed and already established groups.

10) What kinds of outcomes is USAID aiming to achieve through this activity?

The described outcomes include stronger community cohesion and cooperation, improved local problem-solving capacity, and more sustainable community initiatives that are not dependent entirely on outside leadership.

11) What role does civic engagement play in this opportunity?

Civic engagement is a core theme. The activity is meant to help local groups connect with residents and other organizations, coordinate efforts, and address specific community issues in practical, community-driven ways.

12) Is this opportunity focused on building networks between groups?

Yes. Strengthening local citizen groups and the networks they build is central to the opportunity. The activity emphasizes coordination, engagement with other organizations, and community-wide participation.

13) What activity category is this opportunity listed under?

It is listed under the community development activity category.

14) What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number is 98.001.

15) How many awards did USAID anticipate making?

USAID anticipated making one award.

16) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is up to $2,000,000.

17) Does the opportunity indicate the intended scale of the project?

Yes. The description indicates a single, relatively sizable project intended to operate at meaningful scale.

18) When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on December 20, 2017.

19) What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date was February 23, 2018.

20) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described broadly as "Others." Additional eligibility details are referenced as being available in the full announcement under an "Additional Information on Eligibility" section.

21) Where can applicants find more details about eligibility requirements?

The opportunity notes that more detailed eligibility information is included in the full announcement, specifically in an "Additional Information on Eligibility" section.

22) Who should be contacted if someone cannot access the full announcement?

The listed point of contact is Carter Saunders, Assistance Specialist, at casaunders@usiad.gov.

23) What is the best reference to include when contacting the point of contact?

The most direct reference is the funding opportunity number 72016918RFA00004 and the title "Local Engagement and Asset Development Activity."

24) Does the opportunity focus on outside-led solutions?

No. The opportunity explicitly emphasizes locally led action and long-term local ownership, rather than reliance on outside leadership.

25) What kinds of community efforts does USAID want to strengthen?

Efforts where people in the community identify concerns, mobilize resources, engage other residents and organizations, coordinate around shared priorities, and address specific community issues in practical ways.