Request for Applications: PDSP Small Grants

USAID PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES SUPPORT PROGRAM (PDSP)

DAI, on behalf of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from prospective partners to implement activities that support the objectives of the USAID Persons with Disabilities Support Program (PDSP).  These activities will contribute to improving health services, educational opportunities, and livelihoods support for people with disabilities (PWDs) and children with disabilities (CWDs). Preference will be given to applications for programs in the following provinces:  Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Quang Nam, Thai Binh, Thua-Thien Hue, and Binh Dinh. 

DAI anticipates awarding up to 10 grants to fund successful applications submitted. Proposals are due by Dec 31, 2014. Registered U.S. and non-U.S. non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) and other local Vietnamese organizations, and for-profit organizations willing to forego profit may apply.

The following is an illustrative list of activities that may be appropriate in grant applications:

  • Support the empowerment and organization of PWDs:  includes establishment of formal and legally registered Disabled Persons Organizations; networking of DPOs in different regions; building capacity of DPOs in specific areas (e.g. organizational development, fund-raising, financial management, etc.);
  • Increase livelihood development for and employment of PWDs: includes creating new employment opportunities for PWDs; developing and testing innovative models of livelihood improvement; supporting businesses to hire and train PWDs; supporting expansion of businesses run by PWDs; implementing micro-credit activities for PWD enterprise development;
  • Increase educational support for and school enrollment of CWDs: includes innovative approaches to boosting school enrollment of CWDs; training and other support of informal groups such as associations or groups of parents of CWDs;
  • Expand and improve specialized services for PWDs:  includes expansion of services for PWDs in neglected geographic or technical areas (e.g. management of autism, developmental disabilities, speech therapy, occupational therapy); building capacity at local universities/training institutions to provide ongoing training in services for PWDs; testing models for effective PWD case management and referral at the district and community levels
  • Support advocacy for and awareness raising of the needs and rights of PWDs: includes advocacy for implementation and enforcement of the national disability law; activities to raise awareness of disability issues in the community

The full terms of reference and instructions for completing an application can be obtained by sending an email to [email protected].