Roots RFA Colombia

Roots RFA (Request for Applications)

USAID/Colombia presents Roots, a funding opportunity exclusively for Colombian organizations that seeks to support the self-determined development of indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations and encourage their participation in peacebuilding and sustainable development. 

We recognize that real, sustainable change and the formulation of effective solutions with development impact must be driven by local organizations and communities. Thanks to the unprecedented lived experiences of indigenous and Afro-Colombian peoples, the local context and their knowledge of local context and dynamics are indispensable assets for achieving these objectives.

This funding opportunity has four objectives:

• Objective 1: Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Peoples’ cultures preserved through biodiversity conservation.

• Objective 2: Environmentally sustainable socio-economic opportunities fostered and created.

• Objective 3: Ethnic organizations’ performance improved, their collective and individual leadership and advocacy capacities strengthened, and their territorial governance advanced.

• Objective 4: Social awareness, unconscious biases acknowledged, and cultural appreciation towards diversity by Colombians advanced.

The RFA (Request for Funding Applications) will prioritize regions with the largest Indigenous Peoples and Afro-Colombian populations, while aligning with USAID/Colombia’s and the Colombian Government’s geographic priorities.

USAID anticipates supporting initiatives in one or several of the following regions:

Pacific: Chocó, Cauca, Valle de Cauca, Nariño.
South: Amazonas, Guaviare, Guainía, Vaupés, Putumayo, Caquetá, Meta
Central: Antioquia
North: La Guajira, Cesar, Bolivar, Magdalena, Cordoba, Sucre
East: Casanare, Arauca, Vichada

Recognizing that urban centers congregate large Indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations displaced by the armed conflict and that face unsatisfied basic needs, the RFA will also consider supporting initiatives in cities like Cali, Medellín, Cartagena, Riohacha, Buenaventura, and Bogotá.

Guiding Principles:

A.  Gender and inclusion
B.  Environmental sustainability and climate change
C.  Private sector engagement
D.  Localization
E.  Regional integration and coordination with other USAID activities
F.  Digital innovation
G. Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA)

Learn more about this opportunity in one of our in-person/virtual information sessions:

• Bogotá - Febrero 20

• Quibdó - Febrero 27

• Florencia - Febrero 29

• Cali - Marzo 5

• Tumaco - Marzo 13

• Valledupar - Marzo 13

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Expression of Interest Survey Request for Applications

The first step in the selection process requires that all prospective RFA applicants complete the following survey. USAID/Colombia will use the survey to assess interested organizations’ eligibility to participate in this RFA. Prospective applicants will receive a pass/fail rating based on their survey responses. 

Interested parties that successfully advance to the next stage will be contacted by USAID/Colombia.