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.Apply for DOS CNK FY 20 02
- 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: Julia Taft Refugee Fund (FY 2020) - U.S. Mission to Guinea (Embassy Conakry) Small Grants
1) What is this grant opportunity?
This is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity managed by the U.S. Mission to Guinea (U.S. Embassy Conakry). It supports small, community-driven projects intended to quickly and visibly improve local living conditions through practical, high-impact interventions that can be implemented in a short time frame and benefit many people.
2) Is funding guaranteed if my proposal is strong?
No. Funding is explicitly contingent on the availability of funds. The U.S. government also states it may reject any or all proposals.
3) Will the U.S. government reimburse costs we spend to prepare the application?
No. The notice states the U.S. government is not responsible for any costs applicants incur while preparing and submitting proposals.
4) What types of projects does the program fund?
The program funds projects that strengthen basic economic and social conditions at the community level, especially those that are high impact and quick to implement. Example areas mentioned include:
- Income-generating activities
- General community development initiatives
- Improving access to potable water
- Vocational and educational training
- Health and nutrition activities
- Agriculture or nature-focused improvement projects
5) What does “high impact” and “quick implementation” mean in this notice?
Based on the notice language, it means projects should be practical, feasible for local organizations to carry out, able to be implemented in a short time frame, and able to show clear, visible benefits to a large number of people within the grant period.
6) Is community participation required?
Yes. Competitive proposals are expected to include meaningful community participation and contributions. The notice gives examples of contributions such as cash, labor, and materials.
7) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is geared toward local, registered entities in Guinea that can demonstrate they are recognized organizations and can manage grant funds responsibly. The opportunity invites applications from:
- Self-help groups
- Community-based organizations
- Local NGOs / civil society organizations
- Village associations
- Women’s groups
8) Are for-profit or commercial entities eligible?
No. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible under this opportunity.
9) Does our organization need a bank account?
Yes. The notice underscores the importance of having a bank account in the organization’s name, and organizational capacity (including financial management systems) is part of what reviewers consider.
10) Do applicants need U.S. nonprofit status like 501(c)(3)?
No. The source data lists eligible applicants as nonprofits that do not have 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). The opportunity emphasizes locally rooted organizations in Guinea rather than U.S.-registered charities.
11) What activities are not eligible for funding?
The notice states that the program will not fund certain activities, including:
- Partisan political work
- Fundraising campaigns
- Lobbying
- Scientific research
- Projects that duplicate existing efforts
- Support for specific religious activities
- Private commercial enterprises
12) Are there restrictions on equipment purchases?
Yes. The purchase of sophisticated equipment (such as vehicles and computers) is generally discouraged unless the applicant can convincingly demonstrate the ability to maintain the equipment.
13) Can grant funds be used for salaries or staff compensation?
No. The budget rules in the notice state that grant funds may not be used for personnel salaries.
14) Can grant funds be used for travel?
No. The notice states grant funds may not be used for travel.
15) Can grant funds be used for fringe benefits?
No. The notice states grant funds may not be used for fringe benefits.
16) Can grant funds be used to purchase alcoholic beverages?
No. The notice explicitly prohibits using grant funds for alcoholic beverages.
17) Does the grant fund construction projects?
Large construction is generally not supported. However, limited rehabilitation or low-risk, minimal construction tied to community facilities (such as canteens or community centers) may be considered if it remains modest in scope.
18) What is the maximum award amount?
The source listing for Julia Taft Refugee Fund FY 2020 indicates an award ceiling of up to $25,000.
19) How many awards are expected?
The source listing anticipates about 2 awards for the FY 2020 opportunity.
20) What was the application deadline?
The source listing shows an original closing date of January 6, 2020.
21) I saw different award sizes and award counts mentioned elsewhere in the notice. Which details should we follow?
The narrative includes a general Embassy Conakry small grants description (often $5,000 to $15,000, with 5 to 8 awards, and projects lasting 2 to 12 months). However, applicants are advised to treat the posted ceiling, expected award count, and closing date in the official FY 2020 opportunity listing as the controlling details for that specific competition.
22) How long can projects last?
The Embassy small grants narrative describes projects lasting between 2 and 12 months, generally completed within 12 months or less.
23) Is there a required proposal format?
There is no single mandatory proposal format stated, but an optional template is available through the Embassy by contacting ConakrySSH@state.gov.
24) What are the required components of the application package?
Based on the notice, submissions must include:
- A cover sheet (organization name, project title, dates, and a short purpose statement)
- A proposal narrative of no more than 7 pages
- A detailed one-page budget
- Price documentation for planned purchases (such as pro-forma invoices)
- An SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
25) What should the proposal narrative cover?
The narrative is expected to include:
- The problem being addressed
- Clear and measurable goals and objectives
- A detailed description of activities
- A monitoring and evaluation plan with indicators and milestones
- A sustainability plan (how benefits will continue after the grant ends)
- Key risks and a practical mitigation plan
- A project schedule
- Key personnel, their qualifications, roles, and the time they will dedicate
26) How strict is the page limit?
The notice states the proposal narrative must be no more than 7 pages. It also notes that applicants are expected to follow instructions closely and that noncompliant proposals can be ruled ineligible.
27) What budget format and documentation are required?
The notice calls for a detailed one-page budget showing the total amount requested and breaking costs into categories such as equipment, supplies, other direct costs, and indirect costs. Applicants must also include pro-forma invoices or similar price documentation for planned purchases (for example, materials or equipment).
28) What attachments are encouraged (but not necessarily required)?
The notice encourages including 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.
29) What language should the application be written in?
Proposals under $10,000 may be submitted in English or French. Any request over $10,000 must be submitted in English. Final grant agreements are issued in English.
30) What happens after we submit an application?
Applications first undergo a basic eligibility and technical screening. Then an Embassy committee reviews and scores proposals using criteria described in the notice.
31) What criteria are used to evaluate and score proposals?
The committee considers factors including:
- Organizational capacity and performance history (including financial management systems and an established bank account)
- Quality and feasibility of the program design and timeline
- Clarity and measurability of goals and objectives
- Realism and reasonableness of the budget
- Strength of monitoring and evaluation (indicators and milestones)
- Likelihood that results will be sustained beyond the grant period
32) Will there be a site visit?
Possibly. The notice states the final decision may incorporate a site visit and other available information about the organization.
33) If selected, when can we start spending money on the project?
Organizations cannot start charging costs to the project until the official start date shown on the signed award document.
34) Who issues and administers the award?
If selected, the award is formally issued and administered by a Grants Officer.
35) How are grant funds paid out?
Payments are generally made in at least two installments. The notice indicates payments may be advances or reimbursements depending on project needs and the arrangements made.
36) What reporting is required after an award is made?
Grantees must submit both programmatic and financial reports on a schedule defined in the award agreement.
37) Can Embassy staff discuss my proposal while it is being reviewed?
No. The notice states officials cannot discuss proposals with applicants during the review period.
38) How can we ask questions or request the optional template?
Questions and requests for the optional template are directed to ConakrySSH@state.gov. The notice also reminds applicants that the Embassy does not provide pre-consultation beyond what is already answered in the notice.
39) Can a proposal be rejected even if it meets basic requirements?
Yes. The U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and selection is based on committee review and scoring as described in the notice.
40) What are common compliance pitfalls implied by the notice?
The notice emphasizes that instructions must be followed closely because noncompliant proposals can be ruled ineligible. Based on the stated requirements, examples of avoidable issues include exceeding the 7-page narrative limit, missing the SF-424, failing to provide a one-page detailed budget, not providing price documentation for purchases, requesting prohibited cost types (salaries, travel, fringe benefits, alcohol), or submitting a request over $10,000 in French instead of English.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Community Development
Next opportunity: Strengthening Care and Support Services in Cote d'Ivoire for People Living with HIV/AIDS and Their Families through Surveillance and Program Evaluation under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
Previous opportunity: FY 2020 - Jovenes en Accion Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DOS CNK FY 20 02
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DOS CNK FY 20 02) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Julia Taft Refugee Fund 2019 Apply for DOS HAR FY2020 Funding Number: DOS HAR FY2020 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| U.S. EMBASSY ABIDJAN FY 2020 Julia Taft Refugee Fund Apply for DOS ABJ FY20 01 Funding Number: DOS ABJ FY20 01 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Cote d Ivoire Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| U.S. Ambassador's Special Self Help Fund 2020 Apply for DOS MSU SSH FY20 Funding Number: DOS MSU SSH FY20 Agency: Department of State, U. S. Mission to Lesotho Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Section 4 Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing Grants (Section 4) Apply for FR 6300 N 07 Funding Number: FR 6300 N 07 Agency: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Category: Community Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Inter-Community Activity Apply for 72026320RFA00002 Funding Number: 72026320RFA00002 Agency: Agency for International Development, Egypt USAID-Cairo Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| FY 2020 Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Program Apply for NGA POLECON GR FY20 001 121919 Funding Number: NGA POLECON GR FY20 001 121919 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Nigeria Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Conakry, Annual Program Statement Apply for DOS CONAK FY20 07 Funding Number: DOS CONAK FY20 07 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Guinea Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| Technical Assistance Grant Apply for 693JK320NF0003 Funding Number: 693JK320NF0003 Agency: Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Admin Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Sources Sought Notice-New Alternative Development Partnership Opportunity Apply for 72052720RFI00002 Funding Number: 72052720RFI00002 Agency: Agency for International Development, Peru USAID-Lima Category: Community Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pacific-American Partnership Fund (PACAP) Apply for 72088720 PACIFIC RFI 00002 Funding Number: 72088720 PACIFIC RFI 00002 Agency: Agency for International Development, Philippines USAID-Manila Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2020 NACA Program Apply for CDFI 2020 NACA Funding Number: CDFI 2020 NACA Agency: US Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year 2020 CDFI Program Apply for CDFI 2020 FATA Funding Number: CDFI 2020 FATA Agency: US Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Democracy Commission Small Grants Program Apply for STI40020GRXXXX Funding Number: STI40020GRXXXX Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Tajikistan Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| YouThink Activity Apply for 72016520RFA00002 Funding Number: 72016520RFA00002 Agency: Agency for International Development, Macedonia USAID-Skopje Category: Community Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| USAID/Kosovo- Request for Concept Papers Apply for 72016720RFA001 Funding Number: 72016720RFA001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Kosovo USAID-Pristina Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Roma inclusion Activity Apply for 72016520RFA00001 Funding Number: 72016520RFA00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Macedonia USAID-Skopje Category: Community Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund, U.S. Embassy Lilongwe Apply for DOS MWI ASSHF FY19 Funding Number: DOS MWI ASSHF FY19 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Malawi Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| FY 2020 Bank Enterprise Award Program Application Apply for CDFI 2020 BEA Funding Number: CDFI 2020 BEA Agency: US Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| R16AP00201 Mod 005 - NTUA Liaison O&M Apply for BOR UC 20 N002 Funding Number: BOR UC 20 N002 Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $144,332 |
| Youth Resilience Activity (YRA) Apply for 72051420RFA00011 Funding Number: 72051420RFA00011 Agency: Agency for International Development, Colombia USAID-Bogota Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $50,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DOS CNK FY 20 02", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.