The Climate Smart and Disaster Ready Annual Program Statement Round 2 invites concept notes aimed at enhancing resilience in countries vulnerable to disasters. This funding opportunity, issued by USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, seeks to implement innovative solutions in humanitarian contexts while addressing disaster risks and climate adaptation. The focus areas align with four technical priority areas. The first area supports integrated watershed and landscape-scale natural resource management to improve agricultural resilience, restore ecosystems, and reduce vulnerability to climate hazards such as droughts and floods. Activities are expected to focus on agrarian communities in countries where agriculture plays a critical role in livelihoods and food security.

The second technical priority area focuses on scaling locally-led nature-based solutions to address disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. USAID is particularly interested in solutions that protect ecosystems, mitigate coastal erosion, reduce urban flooding through sustainable infrastructure, and integrate nature-based approaches into humanitarian settlements. The proposed interventions must demonstrate ecological and community benefits.

The third area seeks to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems and climate information services. USAID is looking for approaches that expand access to timely, accurate, and actionable climate forecasts and warnings, particularly for vulnerable populations reliant on climate-sensitive livelihoods. Emphasis is placed on sustainable solutions that link local organizations with national and regional climate monitoring centers.

The fourth area prioritizes capacity strengthening for locally-led disaster and climate risk reduction, including anticipatory action approaches. Activities should enhance disaster preparedness, support community-led adaptation strategies, and integrate early warning and anticipatory action measures into broader climate and disaster management plans. Proposed actions should address the vulnerabilities of at-risk communities and promote sustainable solutions.

Concept notes must demonstrate an emphasis on local knowledge, diverse partnerships, and inclusive approaches that engage marginalized groups, including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and indigenous populations. Applicants are encouraged to prioritize equitable collaboration and climate actions that address root causes of vulnerability. USAID will accept concept notes from U.S. and non-U.S. non-governmental organizations, public international organizations, and new partners who meet eligibility requirements. Cost sharing is not required under this opportunity.

The submission process includes three phases: the initial concept note submission, a co-creation process with USAID for selected applicants, and the invitation to submit full applications. Concept notes must adhere to a specific template and should not exceed five pages, excluding the cover page and resumes of key personnel. USAID will review concept notes based on the quality of the technical approach, the prioritization of local partnerships and knowledge, and the institutional capacity and relevant experience of the applicant.

USAID anticipates awarding multiple cooperative agreements with funding ranging from four to ten million dollars per award, depending on the scope of the project. The performance period will range between two to five years, with an anticipated start date in May 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically, and the deadline for concept note submission is January 31, 2025. USAID reserves the right to fund any or none of the applications submitted.