By: Ashwood Heffern
In recognition of the increasing role diasporas are playing in addressing global challenges, the International diaspora Engagement Alliance (IdEA) launched the Sustainable diaspora Goals (SdG) Challenge, an initiative dedicated to scaling up diaspora-focused or diaspora-driven partnerships and activities that are positioned to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
On October 12, 2016, the U.S. Department of State and USAID, on behalf of IdEA, announced an open call for Statements of Interest, encouraging diaspora groups to submit their concept papers online through www.grants.gov (search keyword “Diaspora”). Statements of Interest will be evaluated based on the quality of program idea, inclusivity of diaspora communities, program planning, ability to achieve objectives, and institutional capacity of the implementing organization. A review panel from the U.S. Department of State will evaluate Statements of Interest, based on the criteria above, and selected applicants will be invited to expand their ideas into full proposal applications.
Applicants may use the web-based tool found at http://sdgfunders.org/wizard/ to determine how applicant’s Statement of Interest relates to the SDGs.
The U.S. Department of State anticipates making awards in amounts of $50,000 to $100,000 for one-year programs that leverage diaspora communities to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Funded partnerships will be announced at the Global Partnerships Week (GPW) event in Washington, D.C., on March 6, 2017.