Inclusive Development and Equitable Assistance (IDEA) LWA | 7200AA23RFA00013

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Inclusive Development and Equitable Assistance (IDEA) LWA opportunity?

The Inclusive Development and Equitable Assistance (IDEA) LWA is a USAID funding opportunity focused on strengthening inclusive development across USAID programming. It is designed to place the priorities of marginalized and underrepresented groups and people in vulnerable situations (MUGVPs) at the center of project design and implementation.

What is the main goal of the IDEA LWA?

The main goal is to help ensure that people who have historically been excluded from development efforts can participate meaningfully in programs and benefit equitably from assistance, regardless of identity or lived experience. The opportunity emphasizes intentional, practical inclusion that influences how programs are designed and delivered.

What does “inclusive development” mean in this opportunity?

In this opportunity, inclusive development is treated as an intentional practice integrated into core program functions (rather than added later). The description points to inclusion being built into planning, staffing, outreach, safeguarding, accessibility, monitoring, and learning so that historically excluded communities can shape decisions and access services equitably.

Who is meant by “MUGVPs”?

MUGVPs refers to marginalized and underrepresented groups and people in vulnerable situations. The opportunity frames these groups as those who have historically been excluded from development efforts and whose priorities should be centered in program design and implementation.

Who is the funding agency for this opportunity?

The funding agency is the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

What type of funding instrument is IDEA using?

The opportunity is structured as a discretionary cooperative agreement. This typically indicates a close working relationship between USAID and the recipient during implementation, with substantial involvement through collaboration, technical input, and shared decision-making over the life of the award.

How is a cooperative agreement different from a more hands-off award?

Based on the opportunity description, USAID does not simply fund activities and step back. Instead, USAID generally expects to remain substantially involved through ongoing collaboration and engagement during implementation.

What does LWA stand for, and what does it mean here?

LWA stands for Leader with Associate Award. Under this structure, USAID plans to make one primary, centrally funded “Leader” award. Later, additional “Associate Awards” may be made that align with the same overall framework and goals.

How many awards does USAID expect to make?

USAID expects to make a single award recipient under the Leader award component.

Can there be additional funding later through the same mechanism?

Yes. The LWA structure described indicates that after the Leader award is made, USAID can later complement it with additional Associate Awards that align with the same overall framework and goals.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The program falls under the Community Development activity category.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 98.001.

What is the focus of the proposed work under IDEA?

The proposed work focuses heavily on capacity building for organizations that directly serve MUGVPs. The expectation is to help local and international organizations strengthen their ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate development programming that is inclusive by design.

What does “capacity building” mean in the context of this award?

In this context, capacity building means strengthening the systems, skills, tools, and approaches of service organizations so they can better represent community priorities, meet their missions, and sustain inclusive outcomes over time. The emphasis is not only on reaching historically marginalized communities, but also on improving how organizations operate and deliver inclusive programming.

Does IDEA focus only on direct service delivery to marginalized communities?

The description emphasizes that the award is not only about reaching historically marginalized communities directly. It also prioritizes improving the capacity of organizations and systems that serve these communities, aiming for sustainable inclusive outcomes.

What kinds of program areas does IDEA expect inclusion to be built into?

The opportunity language points to inclusion being intentionally built into planning, staffing, outreach, safeguarding, accessibility, monitoring, and learning, rather than being treated as a late-stage add-on or a compliance checkbox.

What is the award ceiling?

The award ceiling is $99,000,000.

Is eligibility limited to certain organization types?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning the competition is broadly open to any type of entity, subject to any additional clarifications in the official notice.

When was this opportunity published?

The opportunity was published on June 7, 2023.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date was July 17, 2023.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is 7200AA23RFA00013.

What outcome is USAID aiming for through IDEA?

The main outcome described is more equitable participation and benefit-sharing in programs. This is expected to happen through intentional inclusive practices that ensure communities with diverse identities and experiences can shape decisions, access services, and see their needs reflected in assistance design and delivery.

How is IDEA positioned within USAID’s broader work?

IDEA is positioned as a flagship mechanism for advancing inclusion across development and humanitarian assistance, primarily by strengthening the organizations and systems that support communities facing exclusion.