The Cooperative Development Program (CDP) is a USAID initiative designed to support cooperative enterprises as trusted, democratic institutions that enhance social and economic development. This funding opportunity invites concept papers from U.S. cooperatives or organizations with substantial links to U.S. cooperatives that have at least five years of experience managing overseas cooperative development programs. The program seeks to strengthen cooperative governance, improve cooperative enabling environments, and apply project learning to the broader development community.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based cooperatives and organizations that are financially or structurally linked to recognized U.S. cooperatives. New partners are encouraged to submit concept papers for five-year awards, while existing CDP partners—those that received funding in the 2021 CDP cycle—may submit for three-year awards aimed at expanding their programs. The funding is not open to individuals.

The funding scope is designed to enhance cooperative business models through three main categories: strengthening cooperative capacity, improving enabling environments for cooperatives, and fostering project learning within the development community. Activities may include leadership training, improving market linkages, developing regulatory frameworks, and facilitating knowledge-sharing initiatives. USAID has earmarked up to 18.5 million dollars annually for these activities, though additional funding may be available from individual USAID Operating Units. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to provide a 20 percent cost share from other sources.

The application process consists of multiple steps. First, applicants must submit a concept paper, with a maximum length of five pages, via email, following the format outlined in the APS. If the concept paper is selected, applicants will be invited to co-design a full application with USAID. Full applications include a technical application and a cost or budget proposal, which should be prepared according to federal regulations. Key requirements include an implementation plan, a monitoring and evaluation framework, and a sustainability strategy. Applicants must also be registered in SAM.gov before submitting a full application.

Applications will be evaluated based on three main criteria: alignment with USAID’s strategic priorities and expected development impact, sustainability of results beyond USAID funding, and innovation, learning, and dissemination of cooperative development tools. Proposals must demonstrate how they align with USAID’s Country Development Cooperation Strategies or regional development objectives, integrate gender considerations, and provide clear, measurable results.

The deadline for submission of concept papers was February 17, 2023, with rolling submissions for full applications until January 20, 2024. However, amendment four, issued on January 29, 2025, has closed this APS early in compliance with a presidential executive order that calls for a review of USAID’s foreign assistance programs. Therefore, no further applications will be accepted.

For further details, applicants were instructed to contact cdp-aps@usaid.gov or review USAID’s official guidance documents.