Partnerships for Giving Activity | 72016521RFA00004

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72016521RFA00004

The USAID Partnerships for Giving Activity is a discretionary funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 72016521RFA00004) run by USAID-Skopje in North Macedonia under CFDA 89.001. It is designed to strengthen the country s overall self-reliance by making philanthropy a more normal, rewarding, and sustainable way for businesses, communities, and individual citizens to contribute to solving local development challenges. Rather than relying primarily on external assistance, the activity focuses on building local habits, systems, and incentives for giving so that more resources for public benefit are generated and managed inside the country.

USAID plans to make one award through a cooperative agreement, with an award ceiling of USD 750,000. A cooperative agreement typically signals that USAID expects to remain substantially involved during implementation, working alongside the recipient on key aspects of the program. The opportunity was posted on January 22, 2021, with an original application deadline of March 8, 2021 at 4:00 pm Skopje time. Eligibility is listed as "Others," with further clarification expected in the full eligibility section of the official notice.

The core purpose of the activity is to increase philanthropic giving and to strengthen the systems that make giving easier and more impactful. USAID is seeking a local implementing partner to deliver four interconnected results. First, the partner would help create a stronger enabling environment for philanthropy, with emphasis on legal and tax frameworks that encourage and reward corporate, community, and individual giving. This implies work such as reviewing current policies, identifying barriers, proposing reforms or improvements, and helping stakeholders understand and use available incentives.

Second, the activity aims to raise the actual volume of philanthropic funding mobilized by local stakeholders, specifically targeting companies, communities, and private individuals. In practice, this means moving beyond awareness campaigns and into measurable increases in funds or in-kind support directed toward development priorities, likely through coordinated giving initiatives, matched funding approaches, campaigns, or structured mechanisms that make it easier for people and firms to contribute.

Third, the program would support companies in building more intentional and effective corporate philanthropy. The local partner would help businesses develop clear corporate philanthropy strategies and the operational plans needed to carry them out. This typically includes defining focus areas, setting goals and budgets, establishing decision-making processes, creating transparent grantmaking or sponsorship procedures, and monitoring results so that corporate giving becomes more strategic and credible rather than ad hoc.

Fourth, USAID wants to catalyze sustainable fundraising platforms and tools. This points to the creation or strengthening of mechanisms that can continue generating resources over time, such as digital donation platforms, community foundations, workplace giving models, pooled funds, or other fundraising systems that reduce transaction friction and build trust. The emphasis on sustainability suggests these platforms should have realistic long-term business or governance models so they remain useful after the award ends.

Overall, the Partnerships for Giving Activity is structured to shift philanthropy in North Macedonia from occasional, informal donations toward a more organized ecosystem where incentives, corporate practices, and modern fundraising tools work together to increase local financing for development and strengthen the country s path toward greater self-reliance.

• The Agency for International Development, Macedonia USAID-Skopje in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Partnerships for Giving Activity" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 89.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jan 22, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 08, 2021 by 4pm Skopje Time. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $750,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for 72016521RFA00004

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