Expanding Partnerships And Advancing Localization (EPAL)

The "Expanding Partnerships and Advancing Localization" Annual Program Statement (APS) (APS No: 72052222APS00002) by USAID/Honduras is a funding opportunity aimed at fostering local leadership in development. This APS, issued by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), aligns with the U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America and USAID’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). Its purpose is to empower local organizations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to lead initiatives that support economic growth, education, citizen security, and governance. This funding is structured to prioritize localization, where local entities guide development strategies, implement projects, and adapt solutions relevant to their specific challenges. An estimated budget of up to $300 million will be distributed to local organizations that align with USAID's priorities. The APS seeks concepts from local actors who demonstrate an understanding of the unique development needs of their communities. Eligible applicants include locally established entities, such as civic groups, NGOs, colleges, universities, faith-based organizations, and private businesses. Organizations must be legally based in the host country and led by nationals. U.S.-based organizations are not eligible to apply as primary awardees. This funding mechanism encourages applicants to combine USAID resources with local or other non-donor contributions to enhance sustainability, local engagement, and post-project continuity. Key approaches within this APS include the Whole Community Approach, which promotes systemic changes by engaging all community actors, including civil society, local government, businesses, and other institutions. Local Capacity Strengthening is a second core strategy, aiming to build the organizational capacity of local actors to design, implement, and adapt solutions for community challenges. Lastly, the Inclusive Development approach emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility, with particular attention to youth, women, indigenous groups, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Funding under this APS will be issued through targeted “addenda,” each detailing specific development challenges, approaches, and intended results. Local organizations may submit concept proposals in response to these addenda, which will be announced periodically on grants.gov. Proposals must include an outline of the proposed approach and align with USAID’s principles of localization. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a co-creation process, in which USAID and local stakeholders collaboratively design project specifics to ensure they meet local priorities effectively. The concept submission process involves multiple steps, starting with the submission of a brief proposal or concept paper. USAID/Honduras will evaluate submissions based on eligibility, adherence to localization principles, and project scalability. Applicants selected for further consideration will collaborate with USAID to refine project details before a potential formal application stage. USAID prioritizes merit criteria in evaluating proposals but will also consider cost-effectiveness and organizational readiness for USAID funding. This APS also requires applicants to be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and have a unique entity identifier (UEI) for eligibility. For successful applicants, specific reporting requirements and compliance measures will be determined collaboratively post-award. The program encourages potential applicants to explore resources on WorkwithUSAID.org, which offers tools, readiness assessments, and a partner directory to facilitate connections and prepare organizations for USAID funding opportunities.