Applying to USAID requires significant effort, but there are several steps that may facilitate the experience
Below we propose some actions that local organizations can take to keep informed about funding opportunities from USAID and be prepared to develop competitive applications. While there is no single “golden key” that might warrant a successful application, these actions can be very helpful:
1 - Understand USAID’s priorities in Honduras
USAID works in different technical sectors and specific geographical areas. Local organizations should get familiar with the priorities that underpin USAID’s strategic focus in the country, and should align their future proposals to these priorities. For this purpose, they may consult the Country Development and Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020-2025, the U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America and the USAID/Honduras' Placed-based Geographic Targeting Approach.
2 - Understand USAID’s financing cycle
The planning of program funding at USAID takes place with significant anticipation, sometimes even two years in advance, and any offer of funding is subject to the availability of funds. Therefore, local organizations should start exploring opportunities early on, and take into consideration realistic timeframes for preparing applications and, if successful, receiving an award and starting implementation. They should carefully consider the deadlines specified in any funding opportunity that is of their interest. They should also be mindful that, before a formal offer is made, there is no guarantee that USAID funding will be received.
3 - Get familiar with the types of USAID awards
To learn more about the types of financing instruments that are typically available for local organizations, read and study our internal policy on Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental Organizations.
4 - Monitor ongoing or future opportunities of funding
- Funding opportunities for local organizations can be found here.
- Check regularly grants.gov. In this official portal you can find USAID funding opportunities for cooperative agreements and grants. To quickly navigate this website, click on “Search Grants” in the upper menu bar, add “Honduras” to the search box next to “Keyword(s)”, and click on the “Search” button. You will now see the existing opportunities for Honduras.
- Check regularly sam.gov. In this official portal you can find USAID funding opportunities for contracts. To quickly navigate this website, click on “Search” in the upper menu bar, add “Honduras” to the search box that appears below, and click on the hand glass button. You will now see the existing opportunities for Honduras.
- Follow USAID/Honduras’ posts on social media platforms such as Facebook, X and Youtube. Visit also the webpage of the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa.
- Participate in USAID-led initiatives to map the landscape of partners, such as Requests for Information (RFI), consultations, stakeholders meetings, and others. You might find such opportunities in our social media platforms or through our implementing partners.
- Follow the webpages and social media accounts of USAID-funded programs, to check for sub-awards opportunities.
- Participate in USAID-funded conferences and other events regularly.
Please note that USAID staff cannot provide information about opportunities of direct funding unless such information has been made public by the cognizant Agreement Officer and is accessible to all interested organizations. Likewise, note that sub-awards are managed by USAID’s implementing partners, and they are not allocated nor directly overseen by USAID.
5 - Identify the best USAID opportunity for your organization
Identify USAID’s funding opportunities that fit your organization's expertise, experience, and strategic priorities. Read carefully the notices of funding opportunities (NOFO) and analyze the terms, conditions, requirements and deadlines. If necessary, send questions to USAID following the form and procedure specified in the solicitation.
6 - Check the eligibility of your organization
To advance our locally-led development objectives, USAID might issue solicitations that are open only to local organizations or entities. According to our Agency policy, a local entity in Honduras is an organization that fulfills all these conditions: (a) it’s legally organized under the laws of Honduras; (b) has its principal place of business or operations in Honduras; (c) it’s majority owned by Hondurans (citizens or permanent residents); and (d) has a governing body composed by a majority of Hondurans (citizens or permanent residents).
7 - Make strategic decisions
Make a strategic decision about whether to respond to a USAID funding opportunity. Consider key factors, such as your ability to meet deadlines for concept notes or proposals, and your ability to manage a USAID award in the terms, conditions and scope specified in the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).
8 - Get registered at sam.gov!
All organizations that seek to work with USAID need to be registered at sam.gov The registration has no cost, but it requires a significant amount of time and work. Organizations intending to apply to USAID’s funding opportunities are strongly encouraged to start the registration process well in advance of the deadline for the submission of the concept note or application. Check this section for helpful resources.
9 - Find partners
In many cases, USAID may make awards to consortia of organizations. Verify the requirements of the relevant solicitations to see if consortia are eligible. While USAID enters into a legal relationship only with the prime partner, the other partners can add significant value to the interventions and gain substantial experience in USAID programming. Seek partners that complement the strengths of your organization and contribute to fully complying with the requirements of solicitations.
10 - Learn and improve
If you don't have success with a funding opportunity, don't give up! Take steps to increase your knowledge, improve your preparedness, and reassess your alignment with USAID strategic priorities.
GET ENGAGED!
Centroamerica Local
Learn about the principles that underpin USAID’s efforts to promote locally-led development
Co-creating with USAID
Learn about USAID’s commitment to increase the capacity of local partners
Funding opportunities
Learn about open opportunities for local organizations in Honduras
How to apply to USAID funding
Learn how you can prepare competitive applications
Resources
Review useful how-to guides and videos that will help you prepare your applications