Economic Recovery Grant | SFJ60020GR009

Economic Recovery Grant (SFJ60020GR009) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Economic Recovery Grant (Funding Opportunity Number SFJ60020GR009)?

The Economic Recovery Grant (SFJ60020GR009) is a U.S. Embassy in Fiji public diplomacy grant opportunity intended to help Pacific Island communities rebound economically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is focused on practical, locally driven recovery solutions that also show credible medium- and long-term objectives beyond the grant period.

Who is offering this grant?

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Embassy in Fiji as a public diplomacy grant.

What is the main purpose of this grant opportunity?

The grant supports time-bound, measurable projects that strengthen economic resilience and long-term growth in the Indo-Pacific, with an emphasis on helping communities and local economies adapt after severe disruption caused by COVID-19.

Which countries or communities must benefit from the project?

Projects must benefit communities in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and/or Tuvalu.

What Embassy goal must proposals support?

Proposals must directly support U.S. Embassy Goal #3, which is focused on sustained economic prosperity through open-market economic policies, high-standard investment, improved connectivity, better natural resource management, and free, fair, and reciprocal trading relationships.

What kinds of projects are prioritized?

The Embassy is prioritizing proposals connected to tourism recovery, entrepreneurship, and international trade. Competitive proposals are expected to show creative pathways to economic growth and resilience and include a clear plan for implementation and measurement over time.

What themes can an applicant focus on?

Applicants are encouraged to focus on one or more of the following themes:

• Supporting tourism and the local communities that depend on it
• Improving skills for women and youth in entrepreneurship and tourism-related work
• Developing non-traditional businesses (including new or diversified income streams)
• Strengthening local entrepreneurs' skills in international trade and selling into overseas markets
• Running campaigns that rebuild traveler confidence in tourism

Are digital, online, or virtual tools encouraged?

Yes. Proposals that incorporate online or virtual tools to improve service delivery or help goods reach customers are specifically encouraged, reflecting the need for flexible and modernized business and tourism models after the pandemic.

How much funding can an organization request?

Applicants should request between USD 25,000 and USD 40,000. The award ceiling is USD 40,000.

How long can the project last?

Projects should run from 6 to 18 months.

Who is eligible to apply?

Only local or regional non-profits, NGOs, or associations are eligible. The opportunity particularly emphasizes locally registered organizations with experience managing grants.

Are businesses eligible to apply?

No. The grant will not fund proposals from businesses or proposals designed primarily to generate profit for the applicant.

What types of proposals are not fundable under this opportunity?

Based on the stated restrictions, the grant will not fund:

• Proposals from businesses
• Proposals designed primarily to generate profit for the applicant
• Requests over USD 40,000
• Projects that do not benefit Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and/or Tuvalu
• Proposals that do not align with U.S. Embassy Goal #3 on sustained economic prosperity

What are the overhead/indirect cost limits?

Overhead or indirect costs may not exceed 10% of the total budget unless the organization has a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA).

What is a NICRA and when does it matter for this grant?

A NICRA is a federally negotiated indirect cost rate agreement. For this opportunity, it matters because indirect costs above 10% of the total budget are only allowed if the organization has a NICRA.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are due June 30 (original closing date: 2020-06-30).

How must applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted by email to PDsuva@state.gov.

What required forms must be included in the application?

All applications must include the required SF-424 forms, including the SF-424A budget form. These forms are available through grants.gov.

What registrations or identifiers are required if selected for an award?

If selected, organizations must obtain a Unique Identifier Number (DUNS) and register in SAM.gov before a grant agreement can be finalized.

What application format or structure does the Embassy require?

The Embassy outlines a specific structure that applications must follow, including multiple sections with word limits and required content.

What should be included in the cover sheet?

The cover sheet must include the project title and the organization name.

What is required in the project summary and what is the word limit?

A brief summary (maximum 150 words) is required, explaining the need, the approach, and the intended outcomes.

What contact information must be provided?

Applicants must include a point of contact with full contact details.

What should be included in the project description and what is the word limit?

The project description can be up to 1,500 words and should explain the project structure, objectives, alignment to Embassy Goal #3, a timeline, and the justification for the chosen methodology.

What must be included about target beneficiaries and what is the word limit?

Applicants must include a target beneficiaries section of up to 250 words.

What organizational background information is required and what is the word limit?

A short organizational background (up to 200 words) is required, including accomplishments, resources, and prior grant experience.

What are the budget requirements?

Applicants must submit a budget with line items in the required categories and include the SF-424A budget form. Selected applicants should be prepared to provide additional budget detail later.

Is there an optional section for additional information?

Yes. An additional information section (up to 200 words) may be included to strengthen the case with relevant context or supporting details.

What makes an application more competitive based on the opportunity description?

Competitive applications are likely to: clearly benefit one or more of the eligible Pacific Island countries; align directly with Embassy Goal #3; present realistic implementation plans; include measurable outcomes; show credible medium- and long-term objectives beyond the grant period; and, where appropriate, use digital tools or new delivery models to make recovery more durable.

Does the opportunity emphasize immediate relief or longer-term recovery?

It emphasizes both: projects should respond to immediate challenges while also presenting credible medium- and long-term objectives that indicate recovery efforts can continue beyond the grant period.

How should proposals connect to international trade and the United States?

The opportunity description highlights strengthening regional and international commercial ties, including stronger trade relationships with the United States. Projects focused on building international trade readiness and selling into overseas markets are specifically encouraged.

Is measuring results important for this grant?

Yes. Competitive projects are expected to demonstrate a clear plan for how the idea will be implemented and measured over time.