USAID/India’s Economic Development of Tibetan Settlements (EDOTS)

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in India is seeking concept papers and later on full applications from institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations and commercial organizations under the Economic Development of Tibetan Settlements (EDOTS) program to: (1) support the development of organic agriculture, for the Tibetan exile settlements in India, Nepal, and Bhutan; and (2) build a workforce among Tibetan youth remaining in the settlements. The development hypothesis is that economic opportunities will encourage youth to remain in the settlements. Economic vibrancy in the Tibetan communities will keep the communities together and allow Tibetan identity, and cultural and linguistic traditions to be passed through the generations. The estimated level of funding for this results oriented assistance is estimated to be $2 million over 2 years.