USAID Local Initiatives 2017

Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem in bringing about concrete, sustainable and locally-owned change. In line with its long-time commitment to supporting Palestinian civil society, USAID West Bank/Gaza (USAID/WBG) intends to fund a select group of activities to be implemented by Palestinian CSOs in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. USAID/WBG refers to this group of activities as Local Initiatives 2017 (LI17). Broadly speaking, the activities to be funded under these awards will support Palestinian civil society efforts to hold the public sector and private sector accountable. Activities may focus on the following areas: 1. Enhance rights of marginalized groups including children, people with disabilities and vulnerable communities. 2. Combat gender-based violence.3. Increase transparency, accountability, and citizen oversight of nationally-provided services.4. Youth empowerment in communities. 5. Support the freedom and independence of the press. 6. Strengthen women's participation in the public and private sectors (especially leadership positions); increase women’s access to justice; and decrease gender gaps in political and economic participation.