Grants
Our Grants Process
IBR’s grants process is intentionally iterative and streamlined. Depending on the solicitation type, the grants process may involve a one-stage or two-stage process. The one-stage process is typically used when grant program requirements can be clearly defined up front or when a specific methodology is needed for an activity to meet the stated grant objectives. One-stage processes are generally used when the solicitation type is a Request for Applications (RFAs). The two-stage process is typically used when IBR seeks innovative or creative approaches from a wide range of eligible applicants in achieving the stated grant objectives. Two stage-processes are generally used when the solicitation type is a Request for Concepts (RFCs) or when Annual Program Statements (APS) are used. IBR will list which grant process will be followed for each solicitation. More information about the one-stage and two-stage process is provided below.
For all grants processes, the IBR grants team will ensure fairness, equity, and transparency in each step of the application process. All apparently successful applicants (ASA) will be required to pass IBR’s due diligence procedures, which include cost verification, organizational capacity assessments, and environmental compliance reviews in line with the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) rules and regulations. Concept notes and applications will be independently reviewed by a Technical Evaluation Committee, who will recommend concept notes and applications for shortlisting or award. All grant awards must be approved by USAID.
Because grant activities contribute significantly to IBR’s overall impact and long-term success, we commit to working with partners to ensure data is gathered beyond the grant period and through the end of the IBR Activity in July 2027. Many IBR grant awards will be performance-based, meaning grant disbursements will be made against agreed upon achievement of targets, indicators, or results agreed to at the award stage.
One-Stage Process
The one-stage process begins with the submission of a full application in response to a Request for Application, or RFA. Applications are then pre-screened to ensure the applicant meets all of the RFA requirements. The application is then scored by a technical evaluation committee (TEC). The TEC deliberates the technical merits of each eligible application prior to making a recommendation for award. The apparently successful applicant (ASA) is then invited to co-design the pre-award application with IBR. All ASAs must complete IBR’s due diligence process, which includes a pre-award survey, cost verification and cost reasonableness review, organizational capacity assessment, organizational vetting, and an environmental procedures review. All grants must be approved by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) prior to award agreement signing. Once the grant agreement is duly signed, implementation begins.
Please note that submission of an application from co-design and the completion of all due diligence procedures does not guarantee award. All grant awards must be approved by USAID. Due to the volume of applications received, IBR is not required to provide detailed descriptions of why an application was not awarded.
Two-Stage Process
The two-stage process begins with the submission of a simplified concept note in response to a Request for Concepts (RFC) or an Annual Program Statement (APS). An RFC will generally be ‘Live’ for 30-60 days, with concept notes evaluated after the established due date(s). An APS will generally be ‘Live’ for 6-12 months with concept notes evaluated on a rolling basis.
Once a concept note is submitted, the IBR Grants Team conducts an initial review (pre-screen) to determine whether the concept note meets the full requirements as stipulated in the RFC or APS. Eligible concept notes will move forward for technical review. DAI performs a cursory due diligence review to ensure organizations are suitable to receive USAID funding.
DAI’s Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) evaluates and scores each eligible concept note against the established criteria and makes a recommendation to invite the applicant to Stage 2 of the process (Request for Application, RFA), where the applicant and IBR co-develop a more complete application. Prior to issuing an RFA, DAI may conduct a short call with the shortlisted applicant to obtain additional details about the concept note and the organization.
If the information from the applicant satisfactorily responds to the grant requirements, DAI will issue the RFA and work with the applicant to co-develop their technical and cost application. The apparently successful applicant (ASA) will complete DAI’s due diligence process (pre-award survey), including an environmental procedures review. Once the co-development and due diligence process is complete, the ASA will submit the complete application for review by an independent TEC. The TEC will evaluate and score the application following the selection criteria set forth in the RFA and make a recommendation for award. All grants must be approved by USAID and any final co-design of the application will be completed prior to signing any grant agreement. Upon USAID approval, the grantee and DAI sign the award agreement and implementation begins.
Please note that submission of an application from co-development or co-design and the completion of all due diligence procedures does not guarantee award. All grant awards must be approved by USAID. Due to the volume of applications received, IBR is not required to provide detailed descriptions of why an application was not awarded.