Funding Opportunity Notice: Mitigating Effects of COVID-19 on Latin America and Caribbean Education Sector through Blended Finance
What?
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Notice (FON) is to solicit proposals from interested parties wishing to receive funding from the USAID CATALYZE program (CATALYZE). We are seeking your bold and innovative actionable plans to blend our funding with finance from commercial or other sources to mitigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector in select LAC countries, especially for low-income households.
Tell us how your plan will benefit the non-state education sector with the potential to be financially sustainable beyond our funding. Blended finance mobilized should achieve measurable improved educational outcomes and improve equitable access in basic education. All proposals should primarily focus on serving low- and lower-middle income communities with average income of $3.20 per day or less.
Why?
Despite significant enrollment increases, accessible and affordable quality education remains a huge challenge, especially for low-income communities. School closures and the economic recession due to the COVID-19 pandemic threaten to worsen the ‘learning poverty’ globally, including the LAC region. CATALYZE believes that private sector engagement and blended finance investment in education can mitigate the pandemic’s impact, expand access and improve
learning outcomes.
How?
We will award up to US$3.5 million in total funding to the winning proposal(s), with a minimum eligible bid of US$500,000. Tell us how you will deploy blended finance to deliver scalable and sustainable solutions for quality education. Tell us the multiple by which you will leverage USAID funds to mobilize additional financing and investment. Pitch us your best idea!
Who?
You should demonstrate a proven track record and ability to deliver the solution you propose. Institutions that are not yet partners with USAID are encouraged to apply. You may come from any and all types of organizations including, but not limited to, local, national, regional, or international financial institutions; non-bank financial institutions or companies (NBFIs and NBFCs); microfinance institutions (MFIs); cooperatives, equity, venture capital, or other investment funds; special purpose vehicles (SPVs); investment structures, impact investors, insurance companies; local or national school chains; edtech companies; other types of companies; or a donor-advised fund.
Where?
Your proposal should focus on catalyzing investment in one or more of the following countries in the LAC region, with a regional or single country focus: Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti and Paraguay.
When?
Your submission is due May 3, 2021.