USAID Opportunity: Institutional Capacity Building for Local Research and Academic Institutions in Public Health and WASH

This USAID opportunity, officially titled 'Institutional Capacity Building for Local Research and Academic Institutions in Public Health and WASH,' is a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability of local health and water systems. The call for proposals, with a deadline of August 15, 2026, aims to strengthen the core capacities of universities, research centers, and non-governmental organizations that are already active in public health and WASH but need support to enhance their institutional effectiveness. The funding is part of USAID's localization agenda, which recognizes that local institutions are best positioned to address their own development challenges, but often lack the systems, skills, and resources to do so effectively. The program will provide grants ranging from $1 million to $5 million over a period of three to five years, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed activities. Eligible activities include curricula development, faculty training, laboratory upgrades, establishment of research ethics committees, and strengthening of financial and human resource management systems. The overarching goal is to create a cadre of strong, self-reliant institutions that can conduct high-quality research, train the next generation of health and WASH professionals, and influence policy with evidence. The call is open to institutions in any USAID partner country, but priority will be given to those in countries with substantial USAID health and WASH portfolios, such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Peru. The application process requires a concept paper initially, followed by a full proposal for selected applicants. Key evaluation criteria include the applicant's institutional capacity, the quality of the project design, the integration of gender and climate considerations, and the plan for sustainability. The deadline is firm, and late submissions will not be accepted. For organizations that have never managed a USAID grant, this opportunity represents a significant milestone, and it is highly recommended that they invest in capacity building themselves, such as through GSLI's short courses, before applying. The strategic context of this funding opportunity must be understood in light of the global health crises of the past decade, including the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have exposed the weaknesses in many countries' health systems and the critical role of local research and academic institutions in generating evidence and training the health workforce. USAID has recognized that building the capacity of these institutions is a high-impact investment that yields returns for decades. The call is also aligned with the U.S. government's commitment to the Global Health Security Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, the donor emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policy. Thus, proposals that include a strong M&E component and plan for disseminating research findings to policymakers will be viewed favorably. The opportunity also encourages innovation, such as the use of digital technologies for training and data collection, and partnerships with the private sector to leverage resources. For institutions that are successful, the benefits extend beyond the grant period: they gain credibility, attract additional funding, and contribute more effectively to their country's development. Therefore, investing time in preparing a robust proposal is well worth the effort. Finally, the call for proposals is highly competitive, with an estimated success rate of 10-15% for full proposals. To stand out, applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the local context and the specific capacity gaps they intend to address. They must also present a clear theory of change that links capacity-building activities to improved health and WASH outcomes. Involving stakeholders, such as ministry officials and community representatives, in the design process can significantly strengthen the proposal. Additionally, applicants should consider forming consortia with complementary institutions to cover multiple areas of capacity building. For example, a university specializing in public health might partner with a research institute strong in WASH and an NGO with community outreach experience. Such synergies not only enrich the proposal but also demonstrate a collaborative approach. It is also advisable to include letters of support from government partners and other donors to show that the project is well-integrated into the national strategy. The proposal should avoid jargon and be written in clear, concise language, with a logical flow that addresses each evaluation criterion. By following these guidelines and leveraging GSLI's training resources, applicants can significantly enhance their chances of success.

Strategic Overview

This USAID opportunity, officially titled 'Institutional Capacity Building for Local Research and Academic Institutions in Public Health and WASH,' is a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability of local health and water systems. The call for proposals, with a deadline of August 15, 2026, aims to strengthen the core capacities of universities, research centers, and non-governmental organizations that are already active in public health and WASH but need support to enhance their institutional effectiveness. The funding is part of USAID's localization agenda, which recognizes that local institutions are best positioned to address their own development challenges, but often lack the systems, skills, and resources to do so effectively. The program will provide grants ranging from $1 million to $5 million over a period of three to five years, depending on the scope and scale of the proposed activities. Eligible activities include curricula development, faculty training, laboratory upgrades, establishment of research ethics committees, and strengthening of financial and human resource management systems. The overarching goal is to create a cadre of strong, self-reliant institutions that can conduct high-quality research, train the next generation of health and WASH professionals, and influence policy with evidence. The call is open to institutions in any USAID partner country, but priority will be given to those in countries with substantial USAID health and WASH portfolios, such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Peru. The application process requires a concept paper initially, followed by a full proposal for selected applicants. Key evaluation criteria include the applicant's institutional capacity, the quality of the project design, the integration of gender and climate considerations, and the plan for sustainability. The deadline is firm, and late submissions will not be accepted. For organizations that have never managed a USAID grant, this opportunity represents a significant milestone, and it is highly recommended that they invest in capacity building themselves, such as through GSLI's short courses, before applying. The strategic context of this funding opportunity must be understood in light of the global health crises of the past decade, including the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have exposed the weaknesses in many countries' health systems and the critical role of local research and academic institutions in generating evidence and training the health workforce. USAID has recognized that building the capacity of these institutions is a high-impact investment that yields returns for decades. The call is also aligned with the U.S. government's commitment to the Global Health Security Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, the donor emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policy. Thus, proposals that include a strong M&E component and plan for disseminating research findings to policymakers will be viewed favorably. The opportunity also encourages innovation, such as the use of digital technologies for training and data collection, and partnerships with the private sector to leverage resources. For institutions that are successful, the benefits extend beyond the grant period: they gain credibility, attract additional funding, and contribute more effectively to their country's development. Therefore, investing time in preparing a robust proposal is well worth the effort. Finally, the call for proposals is highly competitive, with an estimated success rate of 10-15% for full proposals. To stand out, applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the local context and the specific capacity gaps they intend to address. They must also present a clear theory of change that links capacity-building activities to improved health and WASH outcomes. Involving stakeholders, such as ministry officials and community representatives, in the design process can significantly strengthen the proposal. Additionally, applicants should consider forming consortia with complementary institutions to cover multiple areas of capacity building. For example, a university specializing in public health might partner with a research institute strong in WASH and an NGO with community outreach experience. Such synergies not only enrich the proposal but also demonstrate a collaborative approach. It is also advisable to include letters of support from government partners and other donors to show that the project is well-integrated into the national strategy. The proposal should avoid jargon and be written in clear, concise language, with a logical flow that addresses each evaluation criterion. By following these guidelines and leveraging GSLI's training resources, applicants can significantly enhance their chances of success.

Who is it For?

This funding opportunity is designed for a broad spectrum of local research and academic institutions based in USAID partner countries. Eligible entities include universities (both public and private), research institutes, think tanks, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have a demonstrated track record in public health and/or WASH research and capacity building. Specifically, the call targets institutions that are locally registered and operate within the target country, with a mission to advance scientific knowledge, train health and WASH professionals, and inform policy. Applicants must show evidence of existing infrastructure, such as laboratories, libraries, or field stations, and a minimum of five years of experience in relevant programs. The initiative also encourages consortia of multiple local institutions, provided the lead applicant assumes administrative and financial responsibility. Entities that have previously received USAID funding are welcome, but those with a history of non-compliance or audit findings are advised to address these issues in their proposal. Importantly, international organizations are not eligible as prime recipients; they may serve as sub-awardees or technical partners only. This restriction underscores USAID's localization agenda, aiming to channel resources directly to local actors to build sustainable capacity. The profile of the ideal applicant includes a strong governance structure, a clear vision for institutional growth, and a commitment to gender equality and social inclusion. The funding seeks to empower institutions that can demonstrate how strengthening their core functions—such as research methodology, grant management, and stakeholder engagement—will lead to improved health and WASH outcomes in their communities. Additionally, institutions in fragile or conflict-affected states are particularly encouraged to apply, given the critical need for resilient health systems and WASH services in these contexts.

Priorities

USAID's global priorities for this opportunity center on advancing sustainable development goals through localized capacity strengthening. Key investment KPIs include: (1) measurable improvement in research productivity, measured by the number of peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs produced by partner institutions within the grant period; (2) enhanced quality of teaching and training, evidenced by updated curricula and the number of faculty trained in evidence-based public health and WASH; (3) improved institutional governance, including the adoption of financial management systems, procurement policies, and anti-fraud controls; (4) increased gender equality and social inclusion, with at least 50% of training participants being women and targeted outreach to marginalized groups; and (5) strengthened M&E capacities, with partners able to independently collect, analyze, and report on programmatic data. The donor also prioritizes climate-sensitive interventions, requiring applicants to integrate climate adaptation strategies into WASH and health programming—for example, designing water systems that withstand extreme weather or conducting disease surveillance that accounts for changing vector patterns. Furthermore, USAID emphasizes the use of digital technologies to enhance reach and efficiency, such as mobile data collection for field surveys or e-learning platforms for distance training. In terms of financial stewardship, the donor expects co-financing or in-kind contributions from applicants, demonstrating local ownership and sustainability. The budget should allocate at least 15% for M&E activities, and the narrative must show how the capacity-building efforts will be sustained beyond the grant period through institutional policies, partnerships, and revenue generation. Finally, proposals that promote South-South learning and regional collaboration will receive favorable review, as they leverage existing expertise and foster networks that amplify impact.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this USAID opportunity is subject to comprehensive financial, spatial, and corporate legal audits. Financially, applicants must have a demonstrated capacity to manage U.S. government funds, evidenced by audited financial statements for the last two fiscal years, a proven system of internal controls, and no history of significant audit findings or debarment. Organizations with annual budgets less than $500,000 are encouraged to submit, but they must outline a strategy for financial capacity building within the first year. Spatially, the applicant must be legally registered to operate in the target country, with a physical office or campus that can serve as the hub for project activities. The funding does not support creating new institutions but rather strengthening existing ones. Corporate legal audits require that the applicant possess a valid registration certificate, tax identification number, and evidence of compliance with local laws, including labor and environmental regulations. Furthermore, the applicant must demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination and gender equality in their policies and practices. For consortia, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining roles, responsibilities, and financial flow is mandatory. Sub-awards to international partners are capped at 30% of the total budget. Applicants that have previously received USAID funding must include a performance history summary, highlighting achievements and any corrective actions. Those without prior USAID experience are required to attend a pre-application webinar and, if possible, obtain a letter of support from a reputable local or international organization. The eligibility criteria also require that the proposed activities do not duplicate existing USAID investments; a mapping of current capacity-building initiatives in the same geographic area is necessary. Finally, applicants must affirm their adherence to USAID's policies on terrorism, trafficking in persons, and child safeguarding, with corresponding training for staff and partners within the first three months of the award.

Path to Success

To successfully capture this USAID opportunity, organizations should follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI's expertise in professional development. Step 1: Institutional Readiness Assessment (Months 1-2). Conduct a self-assessment of institutional strengths and weaknesses in research capacity, financial management, and M&E. Use tools like the Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool (OCAT) to identify gaps. GSLI can facilitate this process through its 'Grants Management' and 'Monitoring & Evaluation' short courses, which equip teams with the skills to design capacity-building plans that meet donor standards. Step 2: Stakeholder Engagement and Needs Analysis (Months 2-3). Engage with government ministries, community leaders, and end-users to validate priorities and ensure alignment with local health and WASH strategies. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the proposal but also demonstrates local ownership. GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' course offers techniques for incorporating stakeholder feedback into logical frameworks and theories of change. Step 3: Proposal Development and Budgeting (Months 3-5). Assemble a multidisciplinary team to draft the technical narrative, ensuring it addresses all evaluation criteria: institutional capacity, project design, sustainability, and gender equality. The budget should be detailed, with clear cost allocations for personnel, equipment, training, M&E, and indirect costs. GSLI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' courses provide guidance on cost-sharing, leveraging, and budgeting for USAID compliance. Step 4: Pre-submission Quality Checks and Submission (Months 5-6). Submit the proposal for internal and external review, including a peer review by a technical expert in public health and WASH. Verify all attachments, such as audit reports, registration documents, and letters of commitment from consortium partners. GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' course includes a checklist for USAID submissions and tips for avoiding common pitfalls. Additionally, consider enrolling in 'Procurement & Supply Chain' to ensure your institution can manage the logistical aspects of the grant, such as procuring laboratory equipment or WASH supplies. Throughout the process, leverage GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' course to keep the team on track and meet the August 2026 deadline. Integrating these trainings into your proposal will strengthen your capacity statement and increase the likelihood of an award.

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Deadline: 2026-08-15

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal