The U.S. Agency for International Development has issued a Call for Concept Notes for the Digital Invest program. This program was launched to catalyze investment in internet service and digital finance.

USAID expects to build four public-private partnerships with up to $500,000 in grant funding plus an equal or greater amount of private sector resources. Concept Notes are due by April 15, 2024.

Eligibility

This funding opportunity is open to:

• U.S. and non-U.S. nonprofit organizations
• U.S. and non-U.S. for-profit businesses
• U.S. and non-U.S. colleges and universities

Objectives

Objective 1

Support the sustainable growth and expansion of competitive internet service providers (ISPs) and related telecommunications infrastructure companies in emerging markets. Potential partners include:

• ISPs
• Network infrastructure & equipment providers
• Financing partners

Objective 2

Support the sustainable growth and expansion of competitive and inclusive digital financial services in emerging markets. Potential partners include:

• Financing partners
• Service providers for the digital finance sector

Submission Process

Step One

Applicants must first send an email to digitalinvest@usaid.gov and copy pscp@usaid.gov. They are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. This email should include:

• A 100 word essay summarizing the proposed partnership
• A description of their business or organization
• What they hope to achieve through this partnership
• Why they’re interested in working with USAID on this project.

After review, the Digital Invest team may reach out to schedule an initial phone call.

Step Two

After the introductory call, the team will work with some applicants to discuss the potential partnership and refine the concept. From these discussions, they will invite certain applicants to submit a concept note. Only those who have already connected with and been invited by the team will be accepted.

Step Three

Concept notes must be submitted in the provided template by April 15, 2024.