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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - USAID/Guatemala Community Roots Project (RFA 520 16 000003)

What is the Community Roots Project?

The Community Roots Project is a USAID/Guatemala discretionary funding opportunity designed to support community development efforts through a cooperative agreement. It is framed as a holistic violence prevention effort that addresses multiple connected factors contributing to unsafe environments and limited life opportunities in specific high-risk locations.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The core purpose is to reduce the migration of under-aged Guatemalans by tackling underlying drivers that push children and youth to leave, particularly insecurity and violence. The project emphasizes prevention at the community level to help create safer conditions and stronger local systems so young people are less likely to see migration as their only viable option.

How does the project intend to reduce under-aged migration?

Based on the description provided, the project aims to reduce under-aged migration by addressing root causes tied to insecurity and violence in targeted communities. The approach is described as holistic and place-based, suggesting that activities are designed to work across multiple related factors that contribute to risk and limited opportunities, rather than addressing a single issue in isolation.

What does "holistic violence prevention" mean in this opportunity?

In this opportunity, "holistic violence prevention" refers to an approach intended to address multiple, interconnected drivers of violence and insecurity in communities. The project is positioned to improve safety and strengthen community conditions and local systems, rather than focusing on one narrow intervention.

What type of funding mechanism is used for this award?

The award is structured as a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement typically involves substantial involvement from the funding agency during implementation. For this opportunity, applicants should anticipate significant USAID involvement in areas such as planning, monitoring, and adapting activities to ensure results align with the stated development and violence-reduction objectives.

Is this opportunity aligned with Government of Guatemala (GOG) priorities?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly aligns with Government of Guatemala (GOG) priorities, with an emphasis on promoting development and decreasing violence in targeted areas.

Is this opportunity aligned with United States Government (USG) priorities?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly aligns with United States Government (USG) priorities, also emphasizing development promotion and violence reduction in targeted areas.

Does the opportunity suggest a particular geographic or community focus?

Yes. The description signals a place-based approach, meaning interventions are likely concentrated in specific high-risk locations, particularly communities with elevated rates of violence and out-migration.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is RFA 520 16 000003.

What is the assistance listing or CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 98.001.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is community development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning the competition is open to any type of entity, as long as it meets any additional conditions described in the full solicitation under the eligibility clarification section.

Does "unrestricted eligibility" mean anyone can apply without conditions?

Not necessarily. While eligibility is listed as unrestricted, the announcement notes that applicants must also meet any additional conditions described in the full solicitation under the eligibility clarification section.

How many awards did USAID anticipate making under this announcement?

USAID anticipated making a single award under this announcement.

What is the maximum (ceiling) amount for the award?

The award ceiling is up to $40,000,000.

What does the size of the award suggest about the scope of the project?

The ceiling of up to $40,000,000 suggests a large, multi-component project intended for significant scale and measurable impact, rather than a small pilot.

When was this funding opportunity created and posted?

The opportunity was created and posted on May 12, 2016.

What was the application deadline?

The application deadline (original and current) was July 11, 2016.

Were there any deadline changes mentioned?

The information provided states that both the original and current deadlines were July 11, 2016, which suggests no deadline change was reflected in the summary provided.

What role does community-level prevention play in this project?

The project emphasizes prevention at the community level to support safer conditions and stronger local systems. The intent is that improved safety and community capacity reduce pressures that contribute to youth and child migration.

What kind of coordination is implied by the opportunity description?

The description implies coordination with government priorities and local institutions, consistent with a place-based approach focused on development and violence reduction in targeted areas.

Is the funding described as discretionary?

Yes. The Community Roots Project is described as a USAID/Guatemala discretionary funding opportunity.