Locally led development is the process in which local actors – encompassing individuals, communities, networks, organizations, private entities, and governments – set their own agendas, develop solutions, and bring the capacity, leadership, and resources to make those solutions a reality. Read more here.

Local Works was launched in 2015 in response to legislation enacted by Congress to integrate locally led development practices into Agency operations and programs. Local Works provides funding to competitively-selected USAID Missions on an annual basis, which means only USAID Missions can apply to Local Works. USAID Missions selected for Local Works are then able to issue notices of funding opportunities to grants.gov and SAM.gov.

Additionally, a portion of Local Works funds is reserved to support unsolicited proposals or applications that advance locally led development. Applicants apply directly to the US4LLD program by submitting a concept using this form to unsolicited-solutions4LLD@usaid.gov and carbon copy unsolicitedproposals@usaid.gov.

By funding locally led unsolicited submissions across the globe in any sector, US4LLD enhances USAID’s ability to empower local actors to take the lead in addressing their own development challenges​. This supports the Agency to shift more power to and partner directly with more local actors while learning more about effective locally led development approaches. Read more about localization at USAID here.

US4LLD supports locally led solutions to locally defined development challenges across all sectors in which USAID works. Strong US4LLD submissions demonstrate clear evidence of the guidelines of advancing locally led development, the core program eligibility criteria for the US4LLD program. While drafting your concept, consider asking yourself some of the questions in Step 3 on our How to Apply page. The questions can help guide you to ensure your concept is advancing locally led development.

It can be useful to review the Mission’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). While concepts are not required to align with a Mission’s CDCS, reviewing it can help you better understand the priorities of the Mission you are seeking to partner with, and how your concept may align.

In general, competitive submissions are those that take unique approaches to solving pressing, locally defined challenges through locally led solutions.

First, the US4LLD program team reviews all applications to ensure they meet the basic requirements for consideration. Then, the US4LLD program team shares eligible concepts with the relevant USAID Mission that will review and decide whether to move forward. USAID only funds unsolicited applications on an exceptional basis. The US4LLD application must:

• Be significantly innovative and unique
• Align with Mission interests
• Present an approach that clearly advances locally led development

If your concept is not selected for funding, this does not mean it’s not good work! We encourage you and/or your organization to continue exploring opportunities to work with USAID by periodically monitoring Grants.gov for assistance awards, SAM.gov for acquisition awards, or sub-opportunities posted by other USAID implementing partners on WorkwithUSAID.org. Monitoring USAID’s Business Forecast can help to stay aware of potential future funding and partnership opportunities at USAID that are still in the planning phase. Lastly, exploring the Partner Directory can help you network and establish connections with organizations working in your geographic area or sector.

No. US4LLD submissions may stand alone outside of the Mission strategy, address previously unaddressed local priorities, initiate programming in a new region, pilot activities, inform a new Mission strategy, and more. However, it is ultimately up to the USAID Mission where the proposed activities are to be implemented to decide whether or not to move forward with a concept. It may be the case that a Mission is most interested in submissions that will support its ​Mission CDCS; reading the country’s CDCS is a great way to gain an idea of what kind of work the Mission is already interested in supporting and may help you to craft a stronger proposal. You can find the CDCS for the Mission in your country here. 

All applicants must submit an application by email to unsolicited-solutions4LLD@usaid.gov with unsolicitedproposals@usaid.gov included in carbon copy.

US4LLD accepts submission at any time. There is no deadline for submission.

No, unfortunately US4LLD does not accept more than one application at a time. We kindly request that you wait for a final status update on your initial submission before submitting another concept – even if other notional submissions propose activities taking place in different countries.

The application can be in English or in the official language(s) of the country in which your concept is based. Please note that applications are judged by the content and quality of their proposal, not by English fluency.

Explore the resources at the bottom of the main US4LLD page.

Of course! US4LLD especially encourages applications from those who have never worked with USAID. Since USAID has certain requirements for partnership, it may be useful to complete the confidential Pre-Engagement Assessment to better understand your organization’s readiness to work with USAID.

No, the US4LLD program only provides support to established and registered entities.

No. US4LLD can only fund activities that will take place where USAID works. See the main US4LLD page for other currently ineligible countries.

Multi-country or regional concept submissions are eligible, but they may be less likely to be awarded funding. Multi-country concepts are most often accepted when:

• There is a regional USAID Mission that covers all countries in which the activities are proposed; and/or
• The applicant has strong connections to local communities in all proposed countries.

If there is no regional USAID Mission, any independent USAID Mission implicated would need to approve the multi-country work.

In short, the concept is eligible, but it is more uncommon and creates additional complexity.
 

US4LLD funding cannot be used for activities primarily focused on construction.

The maximum award is $2 million USD. Budgets should not exceed this award cap.

Throughout the process, you will receive periodic notifications of your application status. Check our How to Apply page for estimated timelines and from who to expect communication next. If you have a pressing question, please email unsolicited-solutions4LLD@usaid.gov.

If your concept successfully passes the initial due diligence review, this means that the US4LLD program team determined that it meets the minimum eligibility requirements for funding. The concept will be shared with the USAID Mission, who will ultimately make the decision on whether to move forward to co-create an award. See here for more about the application process.

If your concept is ineligible for US4LLD funding, you will be notified of why it is ineligible.

If your concept is eligible for US4LLD funding but is not accepted by the USAID Mission, you will receive technical feedback.

In both cases, the US4LLD program team will share resources to support your understanding of other opportunities to partner with USAID in the future.

If your concept is not selected for funding, this does not mean it’s not good work!  We encourage you and/or your organization to continue exploring opportunities to work with USAID, including by periodically monitoring Grants.gov for assistance awards or SAM.gov for acquisition awards, or sub-opportunities posted by other USAID implementing partners on WorkwithUSAID.org. You may also wish to monitor USAID’s Business Forecast to stay aware of potential future funding and partnership opportunities at USAID that are still in the planning phase, and explore the Partner Directory to network and establish connections with organizations working in your geographic area or sector.