At USAID, we promote and demonstrate democratic values abroad and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. We deliver humanitarian assistance, promote global health, support global stability, empower women and girls, and catalyze innovation and partnership.

We accomplish this with a global team of more than 9,000 people who work in over 100 countries around the world––and with more than 4,000 partner organizations from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

How We Operate

USAID is funded by the American people. The U.S. Congress sets the budget, and our staff works with Congress and the Executive Office to determine our investment priorities. USAID Missions and Offices then develop country strategies to identify specific programs and activities. Finally, partners compete for funds, which are awarded through contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements.

How We Award Funds

The majority of USAID’s funds are awarded competitively. You can find opportunities through our Business Forecast, which features current and upcoming opportunities. We post solicitations for contracts at SAM.gov, and we post grants and cooperative agreements as a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) at Grants.gov.

USAID also accepts unsolicited proposals and applications. We review every submission, but approve only a small number. Read our guidance before submitting an unsolicited proposal or application.

Requirements to Work with USAID

To work with the U.S. Government, including USAID, all organizations must secure a DUNS identification number and a CAGE code (for U.S.-based organizations) or NCAGE code (for non-U.S.-based organizations). They also must register in SAM, the System for Award Management. SAM is the U.S. Government’s portal for managing the processes for contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. Registration in these systems is free, but it takes preparation and time to complete each registration correctly. Start the process well before your application deadline!