Opportunity Information: Apply for RFI 624 18 LW
USAID/West Africa is circulating a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Building Locally-Owned, Self-Reliant, and Effective Private Sector Associations." The key point is that this posting is not a grant competition and not a funding opportunity announcement. It is strictly an information-gathering step that USAID sometimes uses to learn from the market, test assumptions, and shape a future program design before releasing a formal solicitation.
Because it is only an RFI, USAID is not accepting applications for financial assistance under this notice, and it will not accept any applications submitted ahead of a future Notice of Funding Opportunity. If USAID decides to move forward, the actual competitive announcement would be released later as a Request for Applications (RFA) on Grants.gov, and interested organizations are expected to monitor Grants.gov for updates rather than attempting to apply under the RFI itself.
The opportunity is associated with USAID's West Africa platform (USAID-Ghana), and the posting provides both English and French versions of the description in attached documents. In the source data, the opportunity is listed as discretionary, with an "Other" instrument type and "Other" activity category, indicating it is not being slotted neatly into a single standard grant program label at the RFI stage. The CFDA (assistance listing) reference is 98.001, which broadly corresponds to USAID foreign assistance.
Administrative details in the notice include the funding opportunity number (RFI 624 18 LW), an original closing date of November 23, 2018 (which, in the context of an RFI, typically reflects the deadline to submit information or responses rather than an application deadline), and an "award ceiling" figure of $6,000,000. That ceiling should be read cautiously: since this is not a funding announcement and the expected number of awards is listed as 0, the dollar figure is best understood as an indicative planning parameter that may inform the scale of a future activity, not a promise of funding or an amount available for immediate award.
In practical terms, the RFI signals USAID's interest in strengthening private sector associations in West Africa in ways that promote local ownership, self-reliance, and effectiveness, but it does not yet provide a pathway to funding. Organizations that might eventually want to compete would use the RFI period to share relevant insights, evidence, capacity statements, and recommendations (following the instructions in the attachments), while preparing to respond to the eventual RFA once it is formally posted on Grants.gov.Apply for RFI 624 18 LW
- The Agency for International Development, West Africa USAID-Ghana in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "USAID/West Africa’s Building Locally-Owned, Self-Reliant, and Effective Private Sector Associations" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
- This funding opportunity was created on Oct 23, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 23, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $6,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: USAID/West Africa RFI - Building Locally-Owned, Self-Reliant, and Effective Private Sector Associations
1) What is this USAID posting?
This posting is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by USAID/West Africa titled "Building Locally-Owned, Self-Reliant, and Effective Private Sector Associations." An RFI is an information-gathering step used to learn from the market, test assumptions, and help shape a potential future program design.
2) Is this a grant competition or a funding opportunity announcement?
No. The notice explicitly states it is not a grant competition and not a funding opportunity announcement. It is strictly an RFI intended to collect information and feedback.
3) Can we apply for funding under this RFI?
No. USAID is not accepting applications for financial assistance under this notice. The agency will not accept applications submitted ahead of any future Notice of Funding Opportunity.
4) If it is not funding, what should organizations submit?
Because it is an RFI, organizations would typically provide information such as insights, evidence, capacity statements, and recommendations relevant to strengthening private sector associations in West Africa. The specific instructions for what to submit and how to submit it are contained in the attached documents referenced by the posting.
5) What is the deadline and what does it mean in an RFI context?
The notice lists an original closing date of November 23, 2018. In an RFI context, that date generally functions as the deadline to submit RFI responses (information), not a deadline to submit a grant application.
6) Where is this opportunity being managed from?
The opportunity is associated with USAID's West Africa platform (USAID-Ghana), which is the operating unit referenced in the posting information.
7) Are there English and French materials available?
Yes. The posting indicates that both English and French versions of the description are provided in attached documents.
8) What is the funding opportunity number for this RFI?
The administrative details list the funding opportunity number as RFI 624 18 LW.
9) The notice shows an "award ceiling" of $6,000,000. Does that mean funding is available now?
No. The posting is not a funding announcement. The $6,000,000 figure should be read cautiously as an indicative planning parameter that may inform the possible scale of a future activity, rather than money available for immediate award under this RFI.
10) How many awards will be made under this notice?
The expected number of awards is listed as 0, which aligns with the fact that this is an RFI and not a solicitation that makes awards.
11) What type of opportunity is this listed as?
In the source data, the opportunity is listed as discretionary, with an instrument type of "Other" and an activity category of "Other." This reflects that, at the RFI stage, it is not being presented as a standard grant program label or a conventional assistance mechanism.
12) What is the CFDA (Assistance Listing) number and what does it indicate?
The CFDA (assistance listing) reference provided is 98.001, which broadly corresponds to USAID foreign assistance.
13) What is USAID trying to learn through this RFI?
The RFI signals USAID's interest in strengthening private sector associations in West Africa in ways that promote local ownership, self-reliance, and effectiveness. RFIs are commonly used to gather market perspectives and recommendations that can influence the design of a later, formal solicitation.
14) Will there be a future opportunity to compete for funding?
Possibly. The notice explains that if USAID decides to move forward, the actual competitive announcement would be released later as a Request for Applications (RFA).
15) Where would a future competitive announcement be posted?
If USAID proceeds, the competitive Request for Applications (RFA) would be posted on Grants.gov.
16) What should interested organizations do now?
Interested organizations can use the RFI period to provide relevant insights and recommendations according to the instructions in the attachments. Separately, they should monitor Grants.gov for any future Request for Applications, since applications are not accepted under the RFI itself.
17) Can an organization submit an application early to get ahead of the process?
No. The notice states USAID will not accept any applications submitted ahead of a future Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Announcement of Availability of Funds for Title X Family Planning Services Grants
Previous opportunity: Head Start and/or Early Head Start Grantee -- Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Nemaha, and Pottawatomie Counties, Kansas
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFI 624 18 LW
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFI 624 18 LW) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: U.S. AMBASSADORS FUND FOR CULTURAL PRESERVATION (AFCP) 2019 LARGE GRANTS COMPETITION Apply for PAS KTM AFCP LARGE FY2019 Funding Number: PAS KTM AFCP LARGE FY2019 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Nepal Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Notice of Funding Opportunity: AFCP Small Grant Competition Apply for PAS KTM AFCP SMALL FY2019 Funding Number: PAS KTM AFCP SMALL FY2019 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Nepal Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Dominican Republic Travel and Logistics Program for Training Support Apply for INL18CA0061 WHPDOMREP TRAVLOG 10262018 Funding Number: INL18CA0061 WHPDOMREP TRAVLOG 10262018 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: CHINA PROGRAMS Apply for SFOP0005462 Funding Number: SFOP0005462 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Jail Mental Health Officer Master Trainer Course Apply for 19JD01 Funding Number: 19JD01 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $18,956 |
| Notice of Intent to Award Apply for USGS 19 FAC 5994 Funding Number: USGS 19 FAC 5994 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Ecuador Countering Transnational Organized Crime Capacity Building Program Apply for INL19CA0006 WHPECUADOR TOC 110218 Funding Number: INL19CA0006 WHPECUADOR TOC 110218 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Bull Trout Recovery Assistance Apply for F19AS00040 Funding Number: F19AS00040 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR U.S. AMBASSADORS FUND FOR CULTURAL PRESERVATION (AFCP) 2019 LARGE GRANTS COMPETITION Apply for PAS EGY AFCP LG 2019 Funding Number: PAS EGY AFCP LG 2019 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Egypt Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR U.S. AMBASSADORS FUND FOR CULTURAL PRESERVATION (AFCP) 2019 LARGE GRANTS COMPETITION Apply for PAS EGY AFCP SG 2019 Funding Number: PAS EGY AFCP SG 2019 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Egypt Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Veteran Informed Care Training on Responsivity – Phase II Apply for 19CS02 Funding Number: 19CS02 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Cooperative Threat Reduction Metrics 2018-2019 Apply for SFOP0005472 Funding Number: SFOP0005472 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $475,000 |
| U.S. Embassy New Zealand PAS Annual Program Statement Apply for PAS NEWZEALAND 2019 01 Funding Number: PAS NEWZEALAND 2019 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to New Zealand Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| AFCP 2019 Small Grants Competition Apply for AFCP 2019 S Funding Number: AFCP 2019 S Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| AFCP 2019 Large Grants Program Apply for AFCP 2019 L Funding Number: AFCP 2019 L Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Montana Arctic Grayling Conservation Apply for F19AS00044 Funding Number: F19AS00044 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| FY 2019 Community College Initiative Program Apply for SFOP0005473 Funding Number: SFOP0005473 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,275,000 |
| WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM Apply for 001 FY2019 Funding Number: 001 FY2019 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| DEMOCRACY COMMISSION SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM Apply for 002 FY2019 Funding Number: 002 FY2019 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| FY 2019 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars Apply for SFOP0005474 Funding Number: SFOP0005474 Agency: Department of State, Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $5,250,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFI 624 18 LW", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.