This page describes how organizations and institutions become USAID partners. 
It shows where to find guidelines for USAID partnership and funding and provides contact information for other donors working in Rwanda.

What does it take to become a partner of USAID/Rwanda?
First, it is important to note that USAID/Rwanda has limited resources, and there is a certain time period for programming USAID funds. Many excellent groups may not yet have the structure to receive funds directly from USAID. Most funds for a given year may already be allocated. Other groups may have all the right structures but have very different aims from USAID. For example, a group might want to build a giant new stadium but USAID does not see this activity as part of its mandate.
 
If you or your group wants funding from USAID, follow these steps:
 
STEP ONE: Plan your project
Have a very clear idea of what your group wants to accomplish, the timing involved, the personnel and the budget. Be realistic and honest. Your project needs to be grounded in a community and meet the real needs of a community and the nation, not just an individual. Help for project planning can be seen here.
 
STEP TWO: Gather information
Read the information in this Website carefully. Discuss within your group whether or not your project fits with USAID's program. Look at USAID/Rwanda's ongoing activities and partnerships. In what Sector Program would your activity fit? How can it help the overall aims of USAID's program? Are there other sources of funding?
 
STEP THREE: Review the guidelines
Get the guidelines and rules from the USAID.gov website or from the USAID/Rwanda office. Read and discuss them. What needs to be done to conform to these rules? Can your organization comply? If not, can it work with an existing USAID partner?
 
STEP FOUR: Make contact
After carrying out Steps One, Two and Three, contact the appropriate office in USAID/Rwanda for your sector (health, environment, humanitarian assistance). Discussions in person, over the phone or by email will help you decide whether or not you should prepare a project proposal for USAID or a USAID partner. There may be an ongoing project into which your activity can fit.
 
STEP FIVE: Write a proposal
Many people think that writing a proposal is the first step to working with USAID but it is actually one of the last steps! Using guidelines and suggestions from USAID staff and others, write a clear and compelling proposal. Make sure that your proposal-writing process involves everyone who is going to do the work, even if the people cannot read or write! Include all the information called for in the guidelines.
 
Helpful hints
Any proposal to USAID or any other donor will have a far greater chance of being funded if your group is already at work, producing results and building a good reputation in the community. If you have thought already about how your activity can be financially self-sustaining, this is also a big advantage. No donor wants to support a group or an activity forever, or waste resources because there is no plan for how to continue the work after the funding ceases.

Other donor contacts
 
Most activities in USAID's main areas (Humanitarian Assistance, Health, Environment, Democracy and Governance, Economic Growth) are funded by the USAID Rwanda Mission as well as by other multilateral organizations (United Nations Agencies and the European Union - EU) and bilateral donors (Belgium, Canada, Germany, and Italy). Because of the complexity of the situation in the country, this kind of close collaboration between donors help to focus the international community's effort on different development issues.
 
In case you have a project, or need more information, do not hesitate to contact them directly.