Sri Lanka Social Cohesion and Reconciliation (SCORE) Activity | NFO72038318B00001

Opportunity Information: Apply for NFO72038318B00001

The Sri Lanka Social Cohesion and Reconciliation (SCORE) Activity is a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) grant opportunity designed to support Sri Lanka in strengthening social cohesion and advancing reconciliation, particularly in communities affected by conflict and long-standing divisions. The overall aim is to reinforce efforts that bring different groups together under a more cohesive national identity, while also addressing practical barriers that can fuel tension, such as unequal economic opportunities, uneven access to services, and unmet psychosocial needs.

The opportunity is structured around three connected objectives. First, SCORE intends to promote a cohesive Sri Lankan identity by supporting initiatives led by both government and non-government actors. This focus suggests programming that builds shared civic values, encourages inclusive public participation, improves coordination across institutions, and helps communities engage constructively across ethnic, religious, linguistic, or regional lines. The emphasis on both governmental and non-governmental initiatives signals an interest in broad-based approaches that can operate at policy, institutional, and community levels rather than relying on a single channel.

Second, SCORE aims to reduce socio-economic disparities by supporting sustainable economic development and improved service delivery among marginalized and conflict-affected communities and populations. In practice, this objective points to interventions that help close gaps in livelihoods, local economic participation, and access to basic services, especially where historical exclusion or conflict impacts have left certain groups behind. The inclusion of both economic development and service delivery indicates that the activity is not limited to income generation alone, but may also address the systems and local capacities required to deliver public or community services more effectively and equitably over time.

Third, the activity seeks to enhance community resilience through psychosocial support and by building the capacity of women and youth to serve as peace leaders. This objective reflects the idea that reconciliation is not only political or economic, but also social and psychological, requiring support for individuals and communities to recover from trauma, rebuild trust, and develop nonviolent ways of resolving conflict. By explicitly highlighting women and youth as peace leaders, SCORE is signaling that these groups are expected to play central roles in local reconciliation efforts, community organizing, and resilience-building, rather than being treated solely as beneficiaries.

Administratively, this is a discretionary funding opportunity issued by USAID under Funding Opportunity Number NFO72038318B00001. The funding instrument type is a Cooperative Agreement, which typically means USAID expects a more hands-on partnership with the recipient during implementation compared to a standard grant, including substantial involvement in planning, coordination, or oversight. The activity is categorized under Community Development and is associated with CFDA Number 98.001. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is open to a wide range of applicant types, with the caveat that applicants must still meet any specific eligibility conditions described in the full notice.

The opportunity was created on October 27, 2017, with an original closing date of January 17, 2018. USAID anticipated making one award, with an award ceiling of $10,000,000. Taken together, this points to a single, relatively large implementation award intended to support an integrated national or multi-region effort, rather than multiple smaller, separate grants.

• The Agency for International Development in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Sri Lanka Social Cohesion and Reconciliation (SCORE) Activity" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 27, 2017.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 17, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

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