Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative - Mekong Leadership Program | 72044022RFA00003

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72044022RFA00003

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative - Mekong Leadership Program (YSEALI-MLP) is a USAID/Vietnam funding opportunity aimed at expanding the broader YSEALI platform with a specific emphasis on the Mekong sub-region. The core purpose is to support the creation and implementation of a dedicated leadership program that builds the skills, networks, and leadership capacity of emerging leaders in the Mekong context, using lessons and proven approaches drawn from the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Centers model. In practical terms, the opportunity is structured around establishing a Mekong-focused leadership program that can serve as a hub for leadership development activities and sustained engagement with young leaders across the sub-region.

This opportunity is offered by the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID/Vietnam, under Funding Opportunity Number 72044022RFA00003. It is categorized as a discretionary grant opportunity and will be awarded as a cooperative agreement, which typically means USAID expects to have substantial involvement in the activity’s design oversight, implementation coordination, and performance management compared to a standard grant. The funding activity category is listed under education, reflecting the leadership development and capacity-building nature of the program.

The solicitation anticipates making one award, with an award ceiling of $5,514,000. That ceiling indicates the maximum amount USAID expects to fund for the selected applicant under this announcement. The CFDA (Assistance Listing) number associated with the opportunity is 98.001. The original posting date is May 10, 2022, and the original application deadline is June 20, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. Hanoi time, signaling a fixed submission window and a deadline aligned with the local operating context in Vietnam.

Eligibility is described broadly as “Others,” with additional clarification referenced in the opportunity’s eligibility section (not included in the text provided). In many USAID opportunities, this phrasing often indicates that a range of qualified entities may apply, potentially including non-profit organizations, educational institutions, private entities, and other organizations that can demonstrate the technical capacity, management systems, and regional experience needed to run a complex leadership program. The key takeaway is that USAID is seeking a capable implementer to design and operate a Mekong-centered leadership initiative under the YSEALI umbrella, informed by successful regional leadership center approaches used in other parts of the world.

• The Agency for International Development, USAID-VIETNAM in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative - Mekong Leadership Program" 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 May 10, 2022.
• Applicants must submit their applications by June 20, 2022 (0900 am, Hanoi Time). (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 $5,514,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for 72044022RFA00003

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