The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) is seeking concept notes for humanitarian assistance activities targeting Afghan returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Afghanistan, as well as Afghan refugees and stateless persons in Pakistan. Concept notes should address critical humanitarian needs across multiple sectors, including health, livelihoods, education, protection, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).
For Afghanistan, projects should focus on vulnerable groups such as female-headed households and persons with disabilities. Priority areas include primary and secondary healthcare (especially maternal and child health), mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), economic empowerment, and protection services to prevent gender-based violence (GBV). Programs must align with regional response plans, demonstrate experience working in Afghanistan since August 2021, and include risk mitigation strategies to navigate complex operating conditions under Taliban governance. Programs may be implemented in areas with high returnee populations, such as Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Kunduz.
In Pakistan, concept notes should target Afghan refugees and other vulnerable populations, with an emphasis on women and girls. Priority sectors include sustainable education, mental health integration within national health systems, livelihoods and entrepreneurship, and protection for underserved groups such as LGBTQI+ individuals and stateless persons. Programs must align with the 2024-2025 Regional Refugee Response Plan for Afghanistan and include contingency plans to address challenges like the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP). Activities are encouraged in regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh provinces.
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and overseas non-profit organizations, international organizations, and NGOs registered in their countries of operation. Cost sharing is not required, though proposals may highlight additional funding sources to complement PRM support. Concept notes may cover up to two years of programming, with annual funding limits of $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 for Afghanistan and $1,000,000 to $2,500,000 for Pakistan.
Organizations can submit one concept note per country, but may also participate as part of a consortium. Concept notes must include a brief problem statement, program description, measurable outcomes, organizational experience, and a one-page budget summary. For Afghanistan submissions, an additional five-page risk annex is required. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by December 23, 2024.
PRM anticipates selecting up to six awards, with a total funding allocation of $16,500,000, divided approximately into $9,000,000 for Afghanistan and $7,500,000 for Pakistan. Selected concept notes will advance to the full proposal stage, with organizations notified within approximately two months of submission. Full proposals will be due 30 calendar days after notification. Programs are expected to begin in August or September 2025.
