The People-to-People Partnership for Peace Fund Grants Activity, issued by USAID West Bank and Gaza, is a funding opportunity designed to support initiatives that promote peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and cooperation between diverse communities. This grant aligns with USAID's broader objectives to foster long-term reconciliation and stability in the region through cooperative engagements and shared development goals. The funding is intended to encourage innovative solutions that bridge divides and create sustainable partnerships among communities impacted by conflict.

Eligible applicants include legally registered U.S. or non-U.S. organizations, whether nonprofit or for-profit. Individuals and informal or unregistered organizations are not eligible to apply. USAID encourages applications from new partners who have not received USAID funding as a prime partner in the past five years. To ensure equitable participation, applicants may be subject to pre-award risk assessments that evaluate financial and managerial capacities. Local entities are particularly encouraged to apply, with additional provisions for transition awards aimed at strengthening the capacity of smaller sub-recipients to receive direct USAID funding in the future.

USAID anticipates awarding multiple grants totaling between fifteen and twenty million dollars, with awards falling into two primary categories. Cooperative agreements will range from seven hundred fifty thousand to five million dollars, where USAID retains substantial involvement in program oversight. Fixed amount awards will range from two hundred fifty thousand to seven hundred fifty thousand dollars and are primarily for smaller-scale projects with clear milestone-based deliverables. The funds are intended for peacebuilding and reconciliation activities, including but not limited to community engagement, leadership training, and cross-border collaborations. However, all expenditures must comply with U.S. regulations, and cost-sharing is not required.

The application process follows a three-phase approach. First, applicants must submit a seven-page concept paper outlining their proposed project via email. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a co-creation phase, where they collaborate with USAID to refine project details. If selected, applicants must submit a full application, which includes a technical and cost application along with a budget narrative, certifications, and compliance documentation.

Applications will be reviewed based on technical merit and organizational capacity. The technical approach is the most important criterion, requiring proposals to demonstrate a realistic, sustainable, and effective strategy to achieve the program’s peacebuilding objectives. Institutional capacity is also a key consideration, with applicants needing to show a track record of successfully managing projects of similar scale or the potential to do so. Financial and risk assessments will be conducted to evaluate financial stability, compliance history, and overall feasibility before awarding funds.

The annual program statement was issued on January 6, 2025, and will close on January 5, 2026. The first round of applications has key deadlines, including January 30, 2025, for submission of questions and March 4, 2025, for concept paper submissions, with a cutoff time of 5 PM Eastern Standard Time. USAID will notify applicants of any further amendments or additional rounds based on funding availability.

USAID emphasizes co-creation and shared responsibility, meaning applicants will have opportunities to refine and develop their proposals collaboratively with USAID throughout the selection process. Recipients must comply with USAID branding and marking requirements, annual financial audits, and environmental impact assessments where applicable. For further details, applicants should refer to the official USAID West Bank and Gaza funding announcement and carefully follow all instructions to ensure compliance with application requirements.