Julia Taft Refugee Fund for FY 2020 | DOS CNK FY 20 02

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS CNK FY 20 02

The Julia Taft Refugee Fund for FY 2020 is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity managed by the U.S. Mission to Guinea (U.S. Embassy Conakry) that supports small, community-driven projects designed to quickly and visibly improve local living conditions. Although the title references the Julia Taft Refugee Fund, the posted notice is presented in the format of the Embassy Conakry small grants program and emphasizes practical, high-impact community development interventions that can be implemented in a short time frame and benefit a large number of people. Funding is explicitly contingent on availability, and the U.S. government notes it may reject any or all proposals and is not responsible for any costs applicants incur while preparing submissions.

In terms of what the program funds, the focus is on projects that strengthen basic economic and social conditions at the community level. Competitive proposals are expected to be “high impact” and “quick implementation,” with meaningful participation from the community itself, including contributions such as cash, labor, and materials. Illustrative project areas include income-generating activities, general community development initiatives, improving access to potable water, vocational and educational training, health and nutrition activities, and agriculture or nature-focused improvement projects. The overall intent is to back practical solutions that are feasible for local organizations to carry out and that can demonstrate clear community benefits within the grant period.

Eligibility is geared toward local, registered entities in Guinea that can show they are recognized organizations and can manage grant funds responsibly. The opportunity invites applications from self-help groups, community-based organizations, local NGOs or civil society organizations, village associations, and women’s groups, and it underscores the importance of having a bank account in the organization’s name. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible. The source data for this opportunity lists eligible applicants as nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), reflecting an emphasis on locally rooted organizations rather than U.S.-registered charities.

The notice also draws clear boundaries around what it will not fund. Ineligible activities include partisan political work, fundraising campaigns, lobbying, scientific research, projects that duplicate existing efforts, and support for specific religious activities. It also excludes private commercial enterprises and generally discourages the purchase of sophisticated equipment (such as vehicles and computers) unless an applicant can convincingly demonstrate the ability to maintain it. Certain cost types are also restricted; the budget rules state grant funds may not be used for personnel salaries, travel, fringe benefits, or alcoholic beverages. Large construction is generally not supported, though limited rehabilitation or low-risk, minimal construction tied to community facilities (like canteens or community centers) may be considered if it remains modest in scope.

On award size and timing, the source listing for the Julia Taft Refugee Fund FY 2020 indicates an award ceiling of up to $25,000 and anticipates about 2 awards, with an original closing date of January 6, 2020. The embedded Embassy Conakry small grants statement describes typical small grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, with an anticipated 5 to 8 awards and projects lasting between 2 and 12 months, generally completed within 12 months or less. In practice, applicants should treat the posted ceiling, expected award count, and closing date in the official opportunity listing as the controlling details for the specific FY 2020 competition, while recognizing that the program narrative is aligned with the Embassy’s broader small grants approach.

The application process is relatively straightforward but documentation-heavy, and applicants are expected to follow instructions closely because noncompliant proposals can be ruled ineligible. There is no single mandatory proposal format, but an optional template is available through the Embassy or by contacting ConakrySSH@state.gov. Submissions must include a cover sheet (with organization name, project title, dates, and a short purpose statement) and a proposal narrative of no more than 7 pages. The narrative is expected to explain the problem being addressed, define clear and measurable goals and objectives, describe activities in detail, and include a monitoring and evaluation plan that uses indicators and milestones to track progress and results. Applicants must also address sustainability, including how benefits will continue after the grant ends, and identify risks with a practical mitigation plan. A project schedule is required, along with identification of key personnel, their qualifications, roles, and the time they will dedicate to the project.

Budget requirements are strict. Applicants must submit a detailed one-page budget that shows the total amount requested and breaks costs into categories such as equipment, supplies, other direct costs, and indirect costs, along with pro-forma invoices or similar price documentation for planned purchases (for example, materials or equipment). An SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) is required, and applicants are encouraged to include supporting attachments such as resumes/CVs for key staff, letters of support from partners or community leaders, and any official permissions needed to carry out activities. Proposals under $10,000 may be submitted in English or French, but final grant agreements are issued in English. Any request over $10,000 must be submitted in English.

Applications first go through a basic eligibility and technical screening, and then an Embassy committee reviews and scores proposals against specific criteria. The committee looks closely at organizational capacity and performance history (including financial management systems and having an established bank account), the quality and feasibility of the program design and timeline, the clarity and measurability of goals and objectives, the realism and reasonableness of the budget, the strength of monitoring and evaluation, and the likelihood that results will last beyond the grant period. The final decision may also incorporate a site visit and any other available information about the organization.

If selected, the award is formally issued and administered by a Grants Officer, and organizations cannot start charging costs to the project until the official start date on the signed award document. Payments are generally made in at least two installments, either as advances or reimbursements depending on project needs and arrangements. Grantees must submit both programmatic and financial reports on a schedule defined in the award agreement. Questions about the process are directed to ConakrySSH@state.gov, with the reminder that the Embassy does not provide pre-consultation beyond what is already answered in the notice, and that officials cannot discuss proposals with applicants during the review period.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Guinea in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Julia Taft Refugee Fund for FY 2020" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.517.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 26, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 06, 2020. (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 $25,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for DOS CNK FY 20 02

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: