Complementary Response Small Grants Program (CRSGP) to Support Ukrainian Refugees | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the Complementary Response Small Grants Program (CRSGP) to Support Ukrainian Refugees?

CRSGP is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity administered by the U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia. It supports practical, targeted projects responding to needs created by the influx of people displaced by Russia's war in Ukraine, with a clear focus on helping Ukrainian refugees living in Latvia.

2) What is the main goal of CRSGP?

The program aims to fund projects that strengthen (rather than duplicate) the broader humanitarian and refugee assistance already being delivered by Latvian public institutions and major international actors such as UNHCR, ICRC, IOM, and other international organizations.

3) Is this an open competition?

Yes. The Embassy is running CRSGP as an open competition and is seeking proposals that fit within the program themes and complement existing refugee assistance efforts.

4) Who should benefit from projects funded under CRSGP?

The intended beneficiaries are Ukrainian refugees. Proposals should be designed so that the Ukrainian refugee community is the primary audience.

5) Can projects benefit Ukrainians indirectly (for example, by training service providers)?

Yes. Projects may support Ukrainian refugees indirectly by training service providers, as long as that training measurably improves refugee well-being.

6) Are integration activities involving the Latvian host community allowed?

Yes. Integration activities involving members of the Latvian host community can be included and may be viewed positively, but the participation requirement still applies: at least 50 percent of participants must be Ukrainian refugees.

7) What is the participant composition requirement?

At least 50 percent of participants in program activities must be Ukrainian refugees.

8) What types of projects are encouraged?

Projects are expected to concentrate on one or a few specific issues rather than attempting to solve every refugee-related challenge in a single application.

9) What thematic areas are eligible under CRSGP?

The announcement highlights eligible thematic areas including: addressing refugee housing shortages; delivering social services (healthcare support, legal counseling, psychological assistance, education); training to improve employability and integration (including Latvian language instruction); improving access to protection and services for refugees facing additional barriers (such as people with disabilities, socially vulnerable individuals, LGBTQI refugees, and other at-risk groups); building refugee-led civil society and community associations; supporting the free flow of information (including independent media support and efforts to counter disinformation); public education or advocacy tied to refugee policies, rights, available services, and integration pathways; conflict resolution; human rights protection and tolerance promotion; and anti-trafficking and anti-corruption work.

10) Can a proposal focus on multiple themes?

Yes, but the program expects funded projects to concentrate on one or a few specific issues. Applicants are encouraged not to attempt to cover every refugee-related challenge in one application.

11) Are projects supporting refugees with additional barriers specifically welcomed?

Yes. The program welcomes proposals that improve access to protection and services for refugees who face additional barriers, including people with disabilities, socially vulnerable individuals, LGBTQI refugees, and other at-risk groups.

12) What does it mean to "complement" existing humanitarian assistance?

CRSGP seeks projects that strengthen and add practical value to existing support systems rather than duplicating services already provided by Latvian public institutions or major international humanitarian actors.

13) What activities are not allowed or are restricted under CRSGP?

The program includes boundaries such as: funding cannot support religious goals or partisan political activity. While projects may promote non-discrimination and tolerance, they should not be used to advance the agenda of one specific group, practice, or lifestyle over others.

14) Can the grant funds be used to pay salaries?

Salary costs are not intended to be covered unless they are clearly within the scope of the proposed project. Staffing should be project-tied and justified rather than treated as general organizational payroll support.

15) What is the expected award size?

Awards are expected to range from USD 30,000 to USD 250,000.

16) How long can projects run?

The performance period is generally between 12 and 24 months. While projects are ideally completed within two years, longer performance periods may be considered if justified by refugee needs.

17) How many awards will be made?

The notice anticipates multiple awards, but the exact number depends on the budgets and project scopes selected.

18) Is funding guaranteed if an application is submitted?

No. The competition is subject to the availability of funds, and receiving an application does not guarantee an award. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

19) Where does the funding come from?

Funding comes from 2022 Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia (AEECA) Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act resources.

20) Why does the total amount awarded in Latvia depend on regional decisions?

The funds are allocated for the Baltic region and reviewed by a regional committee, so the total amount ultimately awarded in Latvia depends on decisions made across the region.

21) What types of award instruments might be used?

The Department of State may issue a grant, a fixed amount award, or a cooperative agreement.

22) What is a cooperative agreement, and how is it different from a grant?

Cooperative agreements differ from standard grants because embassy or bureau staff are more actively involved during implementation, which can affect reporting expectations and day-to-day coordination.

23) Are non-competitive extensions possible?

Yes. The Department of State leaves open the possibility of non-competitive extensions beyond the initial budget period, depending on available funding, satisfactory performance, and whether continued support aligns with U.S. government interests.

24) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is primarily aimed at organizations operating in Latvia that are involved in supporting Ukrainian refugee communities. Eligible applicant types include NGOs, civil society organizations, nonprofits, think tanks and academic institutions, private organizations, and public or private educational institutions.

25) Are municipal or local governments eligible to apply?

Municipal or local governments and affiliated institutions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. They are expected to explain why they are uniquely positioned to implement the project or how they will partner with non-governmental institutions.

26) Are state institutions eligible?

No. State institutions are not eligible.

27) Are American or third-country organizations and individuals eligible?

No. The program specifies that American and third-country organizations and individuals are not eligible.

28) Are refugee-organized civil society organizations allowed to apply?

Yes. Refugee-organized civil society organizations are allowed.

29) Can an organization based outside Latvia ever be considered?

In exceptional cases, an organization based in another European or Eurasian country may be considered.

30) Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is not required.

31) Do applicants need a UEI and SAM.gov registration?

Most organizational applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov to be eligible to receive an award.

32) Do individuals need a UEI and SAM.gov registration?

No. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or SAM.gov registration, but the correct federal forms must still be submitted and noncompliant proposals can be ruled ineligible.

33) What language and currency were required for applications?

Applications had to be submitted in English, and budgets had to be in U.S. dollars.

34) What formatting rules applied to the application package?

The package needed to follow strict formatting rules including: page numbering; 8.5 x 11 format; and for Word documents, single-spaced text in 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins.

35) How were applications submitted?

Submissions were accepted by email to rigapolgrants@state.gov.

36) What was the stated application deadline?

The stated deadline for submission was March 6, 2023.

37) What standard federal forms were required?

Required forms included SF-424 (or SF-424-I for individuals), SF-424A, and in some cases SF-424B.

38) What were the main components of the application package?

The application required a summary cover sheet; a narrative proposal capped at 12 pages; and a budget justification narrative explaining each cost line in detail.

39) Was there a recommended application template?

Yes. The Embassy recommended using an application template available via the U.S. Embassy Tallinn website.

40) What supporting attachments were requested?

Supporting attachments included short CVs for key personnel, letters of support from partners, an indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) if indirect costs were proposed, any required permission letters for activities, and UEI/SAM.gov documentation for organizations.

41) What happens if an application is noncompliant with submission requirements?

The opportunity notes that noncompliant proposals can be ruled ineligible.

42) Where can applicants find the full notice and review criteria?

The Embassy directed applicants to consult the full notice of funding opportunity and review criteria via the U.S. Embassy Tallinn website.

43) Who can applicants contact with questions?

Applicants could contact the listed program points of contact at ashleyas@state.gov or antuzanek@state.gov.