Locally Led Development Annual Program Statement (LLD-APS)

This Annual Program Statement (APS) offers USAID Operating Units (“OUs'' also referred to as Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices) a mechanism to advance localization, which calls for intentional changes to USAID’s policies, processes, staffing, and funding decisions to support partnerships and programs that equitably empower local actors, strengthen local systems, and facilitate local leadership so that development and humanitarian assistance is more effective and sustainable. It also aligns with USAID’s Local Capacity Strengthening Policy, which recognizes USAID’s commitment to collaborating with local partners to define their own vision for success; strengthen their ability to be effective and relevant actors within their local communities and contexts; and elevate local ownership in sustaining development results. Furthermore, this APS builds upon Agency policy, guidance, and emerging practice in the areas of systems thinking, collaboration, learning, and adaptive, contextually informed design and management. It prioritizes diversity and encourages approaches that shift decision-making power to local people who have traditionally been marginalized, such as women, youth, religious and ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+, and gender diverse people. It enhances USAID’s capability to work with diverse local partners, to learn from these engagements, and to share this learning broadly.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ: This Locally Led Development APS is not a Request for Applications (RFA) or a Request for Proposals (RFP), and this APS does not serve as a general request for locally led development concepts. Interested Applicants must respond to specific documents that share USAID priorities in a specific country(ies) called “addenda” that may be issued throughout the year on grants.gov. These addenda, when added, can be found on grants.gov under “Related Documents” on the Locally Led Development APS page. Please visit this page periodically for opportunities that may be relevant to your country and focus areas. Concepts emailed to [email protected] or submitted via grants.gov will not be accepted.

Note: This APS was updated with Amendment #1 on 01/29/2025