The USAID/Guatemala Locally Led Development Annual Program Statement (APS) aims to engage local actors in advancing Guatemala’s development by empowering indigenous peoples, women, and youth, primarily in areas affected by high irregular migration. Issued by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Guatemala, this APS serves as a framework to outline upcoming funding opportunities and partnerships that will be formally issued through future addenda. These addenda will specify the programmatic focus areas, eligibility criteria, and submission requirements for organizations interested in collaborating with USAID to address key development challenges in Guatemala. Although this APS does not request concept papers or funding proposals directly, it provides detailed information on USAID’s strategic priorities for the country and the mechanisms through which future projects will be supported.

The overall goal of USAID’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for 2020-2025 is to connect marginalized groups, such as indigenous peoples and youth, to opportunities that enhance their ability to live prosperous, secure, and dignified lives within Guatemala. The APS aligns with USAID's localization approach, which emphasizes putting local actors at the forefront of development initiatives by providing the resources and decision-making power necessary to design and implement solutions that directly impact their communities. Through these efforts, USAID aims to tackle the root causes of irregular migration by improving economic opportunities, enhancing governance and security, and fostering resilience in regions with high out-migration rates.

Funding under this APS, which totals an estimated $95 million, will be made available through specific addenda that fall within key thematic areas, including: local capacity strengthening, security and justice, economic growth, environmental sustainability, food security, education, health and nutrition, and HIV/AIDS. Each addendum will detail specific activities, such as improving governance and security, fostering economic development, and providing essential services in regions that exhibit the highest levels of irregular migration. These areas of focus reflect USAID’s commitment to addressing systemic issues, including economic insecurity, corruption, lack of justice, environmental degradation, and insufficient access to education and healthcare, which contribute to migration pressures.

Eligible applicants for future awards will include both U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, with a priority on local Guatemalan entities that demonstrate the capacity to implement projects in collaboration with USAID and other key stakeholders. USAID’s approach encourages co-creation and shared responsibility, meaning that selected organizations will work closely with USAID in developing and refining project designs to achieve the best possible outcomes. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in each addendum and comply with the guidelines stipulated in Part 200 of Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which governs administrative requirements and cost principles for federal awards.

Submission requirements for concept papers and applications will vary by addendum but generally involve presenting a clear approach to addressing one or more of USAID’s development objectives, including supporting local economic growth, enhancing governance, improving justice and security, or addressing health and environmental challenges. Interested organizations are encouraged to regularly check www.grants.gov for updates on addenda and submission deadlines. All submissions must be made in English, as it is the official language of the solicitation process, although translations of key documents may be provided for courtesy purposes.

Evaluation of concept papers and applications will focus on alignment with USAID’s priorities, the applicant's ability to implement sustainable and impactful solutions, and the potential for collaboration with local stakeholders. USAID’s emphasis on sustainability and capacity building is central to the APS, meaning that selected projects must not only achieve immediate development results but also contribute to long-term growth and autonomy for local communities. Proposals that integrate considerations for gender equality, indigenous rights, and private-sector engagement are likely to be prioritized, as these factors are critical to ensuring inclusive and equitable development in Guatemala.

The deadline for questions about this APS is September 25, 2023, and the APS remains valid until August 27, 2024. Prospective applicants are advised to participate in informational sessions and monitor www.grants.gov for future updates, as USAID will issue specific addenda during the validity period, detailing the exact funding opportunities and submission guidelines. Organizations seeking further clarification can contact USAID/Guatemala directly at the provided email address.