USAID funds more than 35 programs to strengthen Georgia's resilience to malign influence, consolidate democratic gains through enhanced citizen responsive governance, and enable high-value employment through increased economic growth.
Current Programs:
Agriculture Program
Partner: CNFA
USAID’s Agriculture Program co-invests with key Government of Georgia ministries and an array of private sector partners to increase agricultural production capacity, efficiency, and compliance with international standards of quality. The activity supports agricultural value chains that show the most potential to generate revenue and create high-value jobs in rural Georgia, focusing on the production and processing of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other horticulture products. USAID assistance enables producers and processors to add value through modern production, processing, storage, and distribution techniques, while building linkages with domestic and international markets.
Assistance to the Public Defender’s Office
Partner: Public Defender’s Office
USAID supports the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia through a Government-to-Government (G2G) direct support program. USAID supports the Public Defender’s Office, a major Georgian independent human rights and oversight institution, to strengthen human rights protection in Georgia. Program activities bolster the Public Defender’s Office’s internal capabilities while communicating the U.S. Government’s commitment to democracy and human rights. USAID support enables the Public Defender’s Office to expand its presence in rural communities and strengthen its ability to monitor and respond to human rights violations throughout the country.
Basic Education
Partner: RTI International
USAID’s Basic Education program promotes innovative approaches to learning, building on the successes of previous U.S. Government investments in Georgia’s education system. The activity supports the implementation of sustainable, inclusive, and student-centered education reforms in line with the priorities of the Government of Georgia. Through the activity, USAID aims to support all primary school students and teachers in Georgia’s public schools, emphasizing interactive learning methods to help students develop skills in reading, mathematics, critical thinking, and problem-solving to establish a foundation for lifelong success.
Bridging the Gap: People to People Initiatives for Conflict Resolution
Partner: Cultural-Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi” (FS)
USAID’s Bridging the Gap activity fosters the resolution of Georgia’s conflicts by facilitating people-to-people interaction between members of key target groups: youth, civil society, entrepreneurs, and healthcare workers. Through Bridging the Gap, USAID promotes civic activity, private sector engagement and business linkages, and access to quality healthcare services. The activity has four key components: 1) facilitating cooperation between civil society organizations and women’s initiative groups; 2) engaging youth from Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Tbilisi-administered territory in conflict resolution activities; 3) facilitating economic interaction across the Administrative Boundary Lines; and 4) facilitating access to quality healthcare services.
Business Development Service Program
Partner: Gazelle Fund LP
USAID’s Business Development Service Program helps SMEs strengthen their ability to attract future private sector investment through improved business planning, financial management and reporting, and marketing. USAID partners with Gazelle Finance to support beneficiary SMEs through a combination of zero-interest loans, grants, and direct technical assistance from Gazelle Finance. USAID and Gazelle Finance will create 400 new full-time jobs and leverage over $15 million in private equity capital. This is USAID/Georgia’s first-of-its-kind partnership with a fund like Gazelle.
Capacity Building the State Audit Office of Georgia
Partner: Government Accountability Office
Georgia’s Public Finance Management oversight institutions ensure that Government of Georgia agencies practice transparency and accountability in their use of public funds, with trustworthy public institutions being a necessary condition for further democratic development. Through this USAID-facilitated activity, the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s Center for Audit Excellence supports the State Audit Office of Georgia to adopt approaches and methodologies for quantifying and estimating the potential or actual effects of its findings, strengthening its ability to conduct oversight of Government of Georgia institutions.
Civic Education Program
Partner: Project Harmony International
USAID’s Civic Education Program exemplifies how USAID catalyzes civic education development. Through the program, USAID strengthens Georgia’s civic education by: 1) improving student-led civic and democratic engagement in schools; 2) promoting private sector engagement in civic education at the school level; and 3) improving students’ ability and proficiency to responsibly use and harness technology to participate in civic activities and public discourse about important issues in Georgian society.
Civil Society Engagement Program
Partner: East-West Management Institute
USAID’s Civil Society Engagement Program supports Georgia's civil society sector to become stronger and more sustainable, and better able to promote civic engagement and advance citizen-centered democratic processes in Georgia’s diverse communities. By partnering with civil society to give Georgia’s citizens more opportunities to address the issues that affect their communities, USAID fosters improved governance and greater citizen participation in democratic processes.
Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program
Partner: DAI
USAID supports the Government of Georgia and critical infrastructure entities to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities. USAID, through the Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program, supports the full implementation of Georgia’s Law on Information Security and the alignment of cybersecurity legislation with European Union directives. USAID also helps develop the human capital of Georgia’s cybersecurity professionals through management training and tabletop exercises. In addition, USAID supports policy reforms to allow critical infrastructure entities to utilize cloud and off-premises data storage for disaster recovery and backup, strengthening information security.
Economic Governance Program
Partner: Deloitte Consulting LLP
USAID’s Economic Governance Program promotes improved economic governance and regulation in Georgia. Through the activity, USAID strengthens Georgia’s ability to attract private sector investment by bolstering economic reform processes and promoting reforms to make Georgia’s business environment more transparent, predictable, consistent, inclusive, and cost-effective. This increased capacity and commitment to attracting private sector investment provides Georgia with more economic resources to drive prosperity and job creation.
Economic Security Program
Partner: DAI Global LLC
USAID’s Economic Security Program supports Georgia’s economic sectors with the highest long-term potential to drive prosperity. These include intellectual services, light manufacturing, creative industries, and tourism. Through the activity, USAID provides technical assistance and cost-share grants to enhance growth and productivity in these four target sectors. This assistance helps develop value chains; enhances the viability of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises; supports a more skilled workforce; and facilitates public-private partnerships. The activity leverages local resources and facilitates collaboration between government and the private sector to help Georgia build the capacity to plan, finance, and implement its own solutions to development challenges
Educating the Future Program
Partner: Chemonics International
USAID’s Educating the Future Activity provide capacity building and policy support so that front-line educators (including school administrators and teachers) and the education system’s middle managers (education resource center staff) can more effectively strengthen the learning process at the school level to benefit all children on an equitable basis.
Elections and Political Processes Support
Partner: Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS)
USAID supports citizen-centered democratic political processes to ensure that the needs and interests of Georgian citizens are well-represented through political processes. USAID supports the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening to build the capacity of political parties, citizen groups, municipal governments, and Georgia’s election administration to promote and engage in citizen-centered political processes, solidifying the foundation for democratic politics and governance in Georgia.
Facilitating Accountability, Integrity and Reforms in Elections (FAIR)
Partner: ISFED
USAID contributes to free and fair electoral and political processes in Georgia by promoting accountability and integrity in elections. With USAID support, ISFED advances a robust electoral framework through comprehensive recommendations and evidence-based advocacy for electoral reforms. USAID also supports ISFED to provide the public with independent and impartial assessments of elections and related political processes through sophisticated and innovative methods, while building public confidence in electoral processes through timely detection and reaction to electoral irregularities and tracking the handling of violations by the election administration and relevant agencies.
Free, Fair and Equal Electoral-Political 2019-2022 Cycle in Georgia
Partner: Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA)
USAID’s Free, Fair and Equal Electoral-Political 2019-2022 Cycle in Georgia project implemented by the Georgian Young Lawyers Association promotes competitive and transparent electoral processes in Georgia. With USAID support, GYLA conducts monitoring and research of political-electoral processes between, during, and after elections, and addresses problems through robust advocacy, awareness raising, and strategic litigation to shape the regulatory environment towards a fairer and more equal electoral environment.
Financial Innovation Program
Partner: Palladium International, LLC
USAID’s Financial Innovation Program aims to increase the flow of diversified investment resources and innovative financial products to Georgia's private sector to help businesses expand, create jobs, and attract additional private investment. Through the program, USAID focuses on expanding access to finance for enterprises with high potential for employment generation. To strengthen and diversify Georgia’s financial system, USAID also partners with non-traditional finance providers to establish an investment mobilization platform that encourages investment and innovation.
Human and Institutional Capacity Development
Partner: The Kaizen Company, LLC
USAID’s Human and Institutional Capacity Development (HICD) Activity in Georgia aims to achieve lasting results in the human and institutional capacity development of key strategic partner institutions in Georgia. Participating institutions include governmental, non-governmental, and private sector entities that play key roles in Georgia’s democratic development and prosperity. USAID technical assistance under this contract will increase the organizational integrity, operational effectiveness, and long-term viability of these key partner organizations.
Independent Living Program (ILP)
Partner: McLain Association for Children (MAC Georgia)
USAID’s Independent Living Program helps Georgian society build on the progress it has already made protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, promoting the independent living model so that persons with disabilities can participate more fully in Georgian society. USAID works with local governments in six Georgian municipalities to build capacity, deliver improved public services, and promote independent living as a development objective for supporting persons with disabilities. USAID also promotes the independent living model of support in other municipalities around Georgia.
Industry-Led Skills Development Program
Partner: International Executive Service Corps
The USAID Industry Led Skills Development Program supports professionals and job seekers to obtain skills demanded by Georgia’s private sector. Working with private sector partners, USAID co-invests and co-establishes training programs designed to lead directly to employment opportunities. Through the program, USAID plans to train roughly 5,000 individuals, incentivize 30 businesses to develop long-term partnerships with training providers, mobilize $7 million in cost-share from the private sector, and ensure that at least 35% of trainees come from rural areas and/or ethnic minority communities, and that at least 45% are women.
Information Integrity Program
Partner: Zinc Network Limited
USAID’s Information Integrity Program helps Georgia build societal resilience to disinformation. USAID partners with the Government of Georgia, civil society, academia, and the private sector to develop a comprehensive, “whole-of-society” approach to protecting Georgia’s information space. Through this activity, USAID cultivates a network of domestic actors who actively combat disinformation to ensure that Georgia’s citizens have access to fact-based information about key issues. By engaging domestic partners, USAID leverages local expertise and ensures domestic ownership of efforts to build societal resilience to disinformation.
Local Governance Program
Partner: Tetra Tech ARD
USAID’s Local Governance Program promotes effective and accountable local governance in Georgia as part of the country’s ongoing decentralization reforms. Through the program, USAID empowers elected officials and civil servants to effectively deliver public services and ensure that local government is accountable to members of their communities. USAID also promotes local civil society and citizen engagement in decision-making at the local level. Through the program, USAID supports implementation of the Government of Georgia’s 2020-2025 Local Government Decentralization Strategy, delivering targeted assistance to 22 municipalities.
Media Program
IREX
The USAID Media Program promotes sustainable quality journalism by building the capacity of Georgia’s media sector to create well-researched, evidence-based content that adheres to journalistic ethics and is relevant and engaging to citizens. To achieve this vision of success, USAID works to foster an environment conducive to press freedom and access to information where journalists can work safely and without harassment. Simultaneously, USAID seeks to develop more effective self-regulation among media professionals and information producers to raise standards of quality and ethics.
Monitoring Electoral Processes in Minority Regions
Partner: Public Movement Multi-National Georgia (PMMG)
USAID’s Monitoring of Electoral Processes in Minority Regions activity promotes the political participation of ethnic minorities in Georgia and builds awareness of minority voters about electoral rights and procedures, electoral systems, and the need for informed participation in electoral processes by ethnic minorities. Supported by USAID, Public Movement Multinational Georgia conducts full-cycle monitoring of electoral processes in the ethnic minority-populated regions of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Kakheti, implements ethnic minority voter educational programs, and studies how ethnic minorities exercise their political and electoral rights.
Monitoring Political Party Finances and Misuse of Administrative Resources during Election Processes
Partner: Transparency International Georgia
USAID’s Monitoring Political Party Finances and Misuse of Administrative Resources During Election Processes program monitors transparency in election campaign funding, political financing, and the use of administrative resources for electoral purposes. With USAID support, Transparency International Georgia tracks developments related to political finance, including assessing the financial reports of political parties, tracking, and assessing any relevant amendments to legislation, and the work of the State Audit Office; conducts Parallel Expenditure Tracking of leading political parties; and publishes reports on the misuse of administrative resources in elections.
National Governance Program
Partner: DAI Global LLC
The purpose of the USAID National Governance Program is to work in partnership with the Government of Georgia to promote citizen-responsive governance based on greater accountability, transparency, and institutional independence. USAID’s program activities strengthen accountability systems, procedures, and mechanisms within both government and independent oversight institutions, and enhances their ability to serve and communicate effectively with the public. This includes strengthening the “demand-side” of citizen-responsive governance, supporting localization efforts, and empowering Georgian civil society and the private sector to demand accountability of governance institutions. These efforts align with the U.S. government’s Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal, a landmark new set of policy deliverables and foreign assistance programs that will significantly expand and update the U.S. government’s work to bolster democracy and defend human rights globally.
National Parks and Eco-tourism Program
Partner: The Department of the Interior (DOI)
USAID’s National Parks and Ecotourism (NPE) Program, implemented by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s International Technical Assistance Program, supports Georgia’s efforts to preserve national parks and protected areas for current and future generations while generating sustainable economic opportunities in surrounding communities. Program activities include technical assistance and training to improve the organizational capacity and economic development of Georgia’s parks, and to build Georgia’s reputation as a regional leader in professionally managed national parks and protected areas.
Partnering for Resilience
Partner: UNDP
USAID’s Partnership for Resilience program is a flagship initiative to address a key challenge in Georgia: creating grassroots opportunities for engagement between people living on opposite sides of the Administrative Boundary Line separating Abkhazia from the rest of Georgia. In partnership with UNDP, USAID delivers critical assistance to Russia-occupied Abkhazia, including lifesaving emergency aid to fight COVID-19, and emphasizes the development of cross-boundary connections, particularly economic linkages. USAID co-created the program with local non-governmental organizations, Government of Georgia partners, and UN organizations with proven expertise and access to Russia-occupied Abkhazia. The resulting program is implemented by UNDP, FAO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women to facilitate durable social, professional, and economic connections between individuals and communities on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line. The connections created will counter malign Kremlin influence and enhance prospects for peaceful reconciliation.
INVEST – Promoting Georgian Exports
Partner: DAI
USAID supports Enterprise Georgia, a legal entity of public law under the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, to promote export diversification by providing export facilitation services between the Government of Georgia, Georgian enterprises, and international buyers. Through the activity, USAID takes a two-phased approach: 1) conducting a rapid assessment of export-ready companies in target markets and sectors identified jointly by USAID and Enterprise Georgia; and 2) linking selected companies and international buyers and facilitating transactions.
Resilient Communities
Partner: CNFA
The USAID Resilient Communities Program promotes socio-economic engagement within and between communities located near the Administrative Boundary Lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia and other regions of Georgia. USAID activities catalyze inclusive, sustained, and private sector-led development while supporting linkages to regional and national markets and ensuring the empowerment of women and youth.
Rule of Law Program
Partner: East-West Management Institute
The USAID Rule of Law Program strengthens the independence, effectiveness, and accountability of Georgia’s judicial institutions and increases access to justice for all of Georgia’s citizens. Through the program, USAID helps Georgia consolidate and build upon its past successful reforms strengthening the rule of law. USAID partners with Georgia’s courts, judges, civil society institutions, and universities to advance the rule of law and the principles of people-centered justice.
Securing Georgia’s Energy Future
Partner: Deloitte Consulting LLP
USAID launched its Securing Georgia’s Energy Future Program in 2021 to bolster Georgia’s ability to ensure safe, stable, affordable, and diversified sources of energy for households, businesses, and public institutions across the country. USAID partners with the Government of Georgia and the private sector to advance reforms in line with Georgia’s obligations under the European Union Association Agreement and its international climate commitments, reduce dependence on external malign actors, build a strong, competitive, and transparent energy market, and build resilience to both natural and manmade risks, including cybersecurity threats.
Small Project Assistance
Partner: Peace Corps
Small Project Assistance is a multi-country collaboration between USAID and Peace Corps to strengthen civil society by building the capacity of local people and organizations. Small Project Assistance impacts individuals, organizations, and communities through training and small grants awarded through an open competition among Peace Corps volunteers and their counterparts. Training activities provide capacity building for Georgian partners in key areas including project design and management, organizational development, and English language for professionals. The small grants scheme allows Peace Corps Volunteers to assist their local community partners to identify community priorities and advance local development through greater civic participation.
Unity Through Diversity
Partner: United Nations Association of Georgia
The USAID Unity Through Diversity Program supports the Government of Georgia, civil society, and the private sector to create a comprehensive national framework for addressing political, social, and societal resilience to malign influence. Through the activity, USAID engages Georgia’s ethnic and religious minorities in national and local policy development and strengthens mutually beneficial social, civic, and economic linkages between minority and majority populations. These activities strengthen Georgia’s civic national identity which celebrates the country’s long history of inclusion of diverse ethnic and religious affiliations.
YES – Georgia - Supporting Youth and Women Entrepreneurship in Georgia
Partner: Crystal Fund
USAID’s YES-Georgia program empowers women to drive prosperity by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability. Through the activity, USAID provides emerging entrepreneurs and professionals with skills development, business training, mentoring, and access to finance. In total, USAID aims to provide more than 2,500 women with business management training, access to legal and accounting services, and mentoring and networking opportunities by the beginning of 2024.
Youth-Led Civic Dialogue and Action
Partner: International Alert
USAID’s Youth-led Civic Dialogue and Action program promotes civic activism and engagement between youth living in the region of Abkhazia and other parts of Georgia; diversifies and strengthens civil society; and promotes the normalization of person-to-person relationships across the Administrative Boundary Line. Through the activity, USAID engages young people interested in building bridges between communities divided by conflict. Activities equip the next generation of civic leaders with tools to transcend existing conflict narratives and forge better futures for their communities.
USAID-WHO COVID-19 Response Program
Partner: World Health Organization
The USAID-WHO COVID-19 Response Program strengthens Georgia’s COVID-19 response through a focus on health and safety, data privacy, and real-time data analysis. USAID, in partnership with the WHO, improves waste management procedures at vaccination sites, especially mass vaccination sites, and introduces safe injection programs in Georgia to reduce needle stick injuries associated with improper waste handling and management. The USAID-WHO COVID-19 Response Program also optimizes Georgia’s Health Information System (HIS) by expanding the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data visualization capacities of the Ministry of Health and National Center for Disease Control and strengthening the security of the HIS system through auditing, identifying vulnerabilities, and strengthened cyber security. These systemic improvements result in improved real-time decision making for infection prevention and control for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.