Opportunity Information: Apply for PRM ECA 09 CA SCA 04012009 AFGHANISTAN
Apply for PRM ECA 09 CA SCA 04012009 AFGHANISTAN
- The Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NGO Programs Benefiting Returning Refugees in Afghanistan (Countrywide Announcement)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.519 Overseas Refugee Assistance Program for Near East and South Asia.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 1, 2009 and posted on Apr 1, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 30, 2009 Last date applications accepted by 12 p.m. EDT. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with IRS, other than institutions of higher education and international organizations
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
This funding opportunity, issued by the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), offers limited support for nongovernmental organizations running programs in Afghanistan that help refugees return and reintegrate. The emphasis is on practical, on-the-ground assistance for returnees and other conflict-affected people, with preference for NGOs that already have well established operations in Afghanistan and a proven record delivering refugee and returnee services. Awards are expected to be made as cooperative agreements, meaning PRM anticipates a more engaged relationship with grantees than a standard grant. The announcement was posted April 1, 2009 and closed April 30, 2009 (noon EDT), with an anticipated total of about 10 awards.
PRM is mainly looking for projects that move beyond short-term relief and help families stabilize and become self-reliant after returning. The highest priority program areas for FY09 are: creating sustainable livelihoods, improving access to basic and maternal and child health care, expanding access to primary education for boys and girls, and creating, repairing, or rehabilitating water and sanitation systems. While PRM is open to a range of activities, it clearly signals that proposals combining multiple components are preferred. For example, water and sanitation work is especially attractive when it directly supports livelihoods, education, and/or shelter activities, rather than being done in isolation. In livelihoods, PRM specifically indicates a preference for approaches that connect people to real job opportunities or measurably improve household income, rather than proposals that only provide vocational training without a pathway to employment.
Several additional sectors are eligible and encouraged when aligned with returnee needs, including shelter construction either in returnees places of origin or at Land Allocation Scheme (LAS) sites, and prevention of and response to gender based violence (GBV). In health and education, PRM favors proposals that incorporate capacity building and sustainability measures, such as training health care workers and providing essential supplies and equipment, or rehabilitating schools paired with teacher training and provision of learning materials and equipment. Across all activities, PRM stresses the need for a workable exit or transition strategy, since follow-on PRM funding is considered unlikely. Applicants are expected to show how services will shift to local systems or how communities and households will reach self-reliance as the project ends, including a credible plan to move from relief into early recovery under local or national structures.
Geographically, PRM will consider proposals operating in the listed provinces and ratified LAS sites, but it will prioritize submissions focused on areas expected to see high return rates in 2009 and 2010. The provinces highlighted are Farah, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Kunar, Kunduz, Nangarhar, Paktia, Parwan, and Takhar. The LAS sites explicitly referenced as ratified by the Oversight Committee are Barik Ab (Kabul), Beni Warsak (Parwan), Taqi Naqi (Herat), Sheikh Misri (Nangarhar), Gorjee (Farah), and Robat (Paktia). While the core expectation is that awards will support Afghan returnees, PRM notes that proposals may also include activities addressing Pakistani refugee needs.
Given budget limits, PRM lays out clear competitiveness factors that will influence selection. Strong proposals are expected to demonstrate coordination and alignment with UNHCR, ideally including an existing working relationship and evidence of UNHCR funding or support in 2008/2009 for the proposed activities and/or the organizations broader Afghanistan program. Applicants should also show a proven track record delivering the same kind of assistance in the proposed sector and location, plus active coordination with international organizations and other NGOs in the area and, when relevant, with local authorities. PRM also expects a concrete implementation plan built around SMART objectives and indicators, with baselines and at least one impact indicator per objective, so results can be tracked beyond simple outputs. Budgets should be realistic and clearly tied to objectives, and proposals are stronger when they demonstrate co-funding from non US government sources. Beneficiary targeting should be coordinated with UNHCR and other relevant actors.
A key eligibility and program design constraint is PRMs mandate: funded projects must include a target beneficiary base of at least 50 refugees. Programs should also address the particular needs of women and children, and monitoring data should be disaggregated by gender and age whenever possible. PRM further encourages alignment with Afghan national frameworks, giving particular consideration to projects that fit within the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), especially the Refugees, Returnees, and IDPs (RRI) Sector Strategy, and/or the National Solidarity Program (NSP). Overall, the opportunity is geared toward integrated, coordinated, measurable reintegration programs in high-return areas, delivered by experienced NGOs that can show partnerships, credible transition planning, and demonstrable outcomes.
Funding parameters in the announcement include an award floor of $400,000 and a ceiling of $2,000,000, with no cost sharing or matching requirement. Eligible applicants are nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education) and international organizations. The CFDA number is 19.519 (Overseas Refugee Assistance Program for Near East and South Asia). The opportunity is identified as PRM ECA 09 CA SCA 04012009 AFGHANISTAN, and technical contacts listed are Program Analyst Amy Wendt (WendtAR@state.gov, 202-663-3622) and Program Officer Norman Hastings (HastingsNS@state.gov, 202-663-3683).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is this funding opportunity?
This is a U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) funding opportunity that offers limited support to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Afghanistan to help refugees return and reintegrate. The focus is on practical, on-the-ground assistance for returnees and other conflict-affected people.
2) What is the official opportunity identifier?
The opportunity is identified as PRM ECA 09 CA SCA 04012009 AFGHANISTAN.
3) What is the CFDA number for this program?
The CFDA number is 19.519, titled Overseas Refugee Assistance Program for Near East and South Asia.
4) Who is the funder and issuing office?
The funder is the U.S. Department of State, specifically the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM).
5) What type of award is expected?
Awards are expected to be made as cooperative agreements. PRM anticipates a more engaged relationship with recipients than under a standard grant.
6) When was the announcement posted and when did it close?
The announcement was posted on April 1, 2009 and closed on April 30, 2009 (noon EDT).
7) Approximately how many awards were anticipated?
The announcement anticipated a total of about 10 awards.
8) What is the overall goal of the projects PRM wants to fund?
PRM is primarily looking for projects that move beyond short-term relief and help returning families stabilize and become self-reliant after return, with measurable reintegration outcomes.
9) What are the highest priority program areas for FY09?
The highest priority areas are:
- Creating sustainable livelihoods
- Improving access to basic health care, including maternal and child health
- Expanding access to primary education for boys and girls
- Creating, repairing, or rehabilitating water and sanitation systems
10) Does PRM prefer integrated projects or single-sector projects?
PRM clearly signals that proposals combining multiple components are preferred. For example, water and sanitation activities are especially attractive when they directly support livelihoods, education, and/or shelter rather than being done as a stand-alone activity.
11) What kinds of livelihood approaches are most competitive?
In livelihoods, PRM indicates a preference for approaches that connect people to real job opportunities or measurably improve household income, rather than proposals that only provide vocational training without a clear pathway to employment.
12) Are shelter activities eligible under this opportunity?
Yes. Shelter construction is an eligible and encouraged sector when aligned with returnee needs, including shelter in returnees places of origin or at Land Allocation Scheme (LAS) sites.
13) Are gender-based violence (GBV) activities eligible?
Yes. Prevention of and response to gender-based violence (GBV) is listed as an eligible and encouraged sector when aligned with returnee needs.
14) What does PRM want to see in health and education proposals?
PRM favors proposals that incorporate capacity building and sustainability. Examples provided include training health care workers and providing essential supplies and equipment, and rehabilitating schools paired with teacher training and provision of learning materials and equipment.
15) Is an exit or transition strategy required?
Yes. PRM stresses the need for a workable exit or transition strategy, because follow-on PRM funding is considered unlikely. Applicants are expected to show how services will shift to local systems or how communities/households will reach self-reliance as the project ends, including a credible plan to move from relief into early recovery under local or national structures.
16) Where in Afghanistan does PRM want projects to operate?
PRM will consider proposals in the listed provinces and ratified LAS sites, and will prioritize areas expected to see high return rates in 2009 and 2010.
17) Which provinces are highlighted for potential support?
The highlighted provinces are: Farah, Herat, Kabul, Kandahar, Kunar, Kunduz, Nangarhar, Paktia, Parwan, and Takhar.
18) Which Land Allocation Scheme (LAS) sites are explicitly referenced as ratified?
The ratified LAS sites explicitly referenced are:
- Barik Ab (Kabul)
- Beni Warsak (Parwan)
- Taqi Naqi (Herat)
- Sheikh Misri (Nangarhar)
- Gorjee (Farah)
- Robat (Paktia)
19) Are projects required to serve only Afghan returnees?
The core expectation is that awards will support Afghan returnees. However, PRM notes that proposals may also include activities addressing Pakistani refugee needs.
20) What coordination is expected with UNHCR?
PRM expects strong proposals to demonstrate coordination and alignment with UNHCR, ideally including an existing working relationship and evidence of UNHCR funding or support in 2008/2009 for the proposed activities and/or the organizations broader Afghanistan program.
21) What other coordination expectations are included?
Applicants are expected to show active coordination with international organizations and other NGOs in the area and, when relevant, with local authorities. Beneficiary targeting should be coordinated with UNHCR and other relevant actors.
22) What track record does PRM want from applicants?
PRM prefers NGOs that already have well established operations in Afghanistan and a proven record delivering refugee and returnee services. Proposals are expected to demonstrate a proven track record delivering the same kind of assistance in the proposed sector and location.
23) What does PRM expect in the implementation plan and monitoring framework?
PRM expects a concrete implementation plan built around SMART objectives and indicators, with baselines and at least one impact indicator per objective, so results can be tracked beyond simple outputs.
24) Are there requirements related to women and children?
Yes. Programs should address the particular needs of women and children, and monitoring data should be disaggregated by gender and age whenever possible.
25) Is there a minimum beneficiary requirement?
Yes. Because of PRMs mandate, funded projects must include a target beneficiary base of at least 50 refugees.
26) How should budgets be presented to be competitive?
Budgets should be realistic and clearly tied to objectives. Proposals are stronger when they demonstrate co-funding from non-U.S. government sources.
27) Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The announcement states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
28) What are the award size parameters?
The award floor is $400,000 and the ceiling is $2,000,000.
29) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education) and international organizations.
30) Does PRM encourage alignment with Afghan national strategies?
Yes. PRM encourages alignment with Afghan national frameworks, giving particular consideration to projects that fit within the Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), especially the Refugees, Returnees, and IDPs (RRI) Sector Strategy, and/or the National Solidarity Program (NSP).
31) Why is a transition plan especially important for this opportunity?
PRM indicates follow-on PRM funding is unlikely, so applicants are expected to plan for how activities will transition to local or national structures and how communities will maintain gains after PRM funding ends.
32) Who are the technical contacts for this opportunity?
The technical contacts listed are:
- Program Analyst Amy Wendt: WendtAR@state.gov, 202-663-3622
- Program Officer Norman Hastings: HastingsNS@state.gov, 202-663-3683
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Pacific Islands Area State Component Conservation Innovation Grant
Previous opportunity: NASA RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MINORITY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS SMALL PROGRAMS OPPORTUNITY
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PRM ECA 09 CA SCA 04012009 AFGHANISTAN
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PRM ECA 09 CA SCA 04012009 AFGHANISTAN) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 1890 Facilities Grant Program Apply for USDA CSREES EF47 002175 Funding Number: USDA CSREES EF47 002175 Agency: CSREES Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,408,428 |
| Improved Public Policy Discourse in Georgia Apply for RFA 114 09 000002 Funding Number: RFA 114 09 000002 Agency: Georgia USAID Tbilisi Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| The Norval Morris Project Apply for 09PEI25 Funding Number: 09PEI25 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Resource Initiative Apply for DHS 09 USFA 102 2184 Funding Number: DHS 09 USFA 102 2184 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| National Fallen Firefighter Memorial Program Apply for DHS 09 USFA 101 2182 Funding Number: DHS 09 USFA 101 2182 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $387,000 |
| Global Connections and Exchange Program Apply for ECA PE C PY 09 03 Funding Number: ECA PE C PY 09 03 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $300 |
| Youth Leadership Program with Central America Apply for ECA PE C PY 09 40 Funding Number: ECA PE C PY 09 40 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $994,000 |
| Young Turkey/Young America A New Relationship for a New Age Apply for ECA PE C EUR SCA 09 45 Funding Number: ECA PE C EUR SCA 09 45 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Youth Leadership Programs Sub Saharan Africa Apply for ECA PE C PY 09 42 Funding Number: ECA PE C PY 09 42 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $375,000 |
| Documentary Filmmaking and Iraq Museum Residencies Apply for ECA PE C CU 09 49 Funding Number: ECA PE C CU 09 49 Agency: Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Technical Assistance Grants to Communities Apply for DTPH56 09 SN 0003 Funding Number: DTPH56 09 SN 0003 Agency: Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| PRM NGO Projects in Sudan Benefiting Southern Sudanese Refugees, Refugee Returnees and Receiving Communities Apply for PRM AFR 09 CA AF 04132009 SUDAN Funding Number: PRM AFR 09 CA AF 04132009 SUDAN Agency: Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Evidence Based Strategic Planning in Southern California Apply for 09C81 Funding Number: 09C81 Agency: National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pilot Project Securing the Cities Initiative Apply for DHS 09 DNDO 106 001 Funding Number: DHS 09 DNDO 106 001 Agency: Office of Procurement Operations Grants Division Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $12,000,000 |
| Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network 2009 Grants Program Apply for NPS CBGN2009 Funding Number: NPS CBGN2009 Agency: National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Kosovo Assembly Strengthening Program (KASP) Apply for 167 09 012 Funding Number: 167 09 012 Agency: Hungary USAID Budapest Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,500,000 |
| State Fire Training Systems Grants Apply for DHS 09 USFA 043 2079 Funding Number: DHS 09 USFA 043 2079 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $28,000 |
| East Asian Security Studies Program, Whittier College Apply for HQ0034 09 1 3005 Funding Number: HQ0034 09 1 3005 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $771,429 |
| Degrees at a Distance Program (DDP) Apply for DHS 09 USFA 103 2080 Funding Number: DHS 09 USFA 103 2080 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Assistance to Firefighters Grants Apply for DHS 09 GPD 044 001 Funding Number: DHS 09 GPD 044 001 Agency: Department of Homeland Security FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $2,750,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PRM ECA 09 CA SCA 04012009 AFGHANISTAN", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.