Volunteers for International Security and Prosperity (VISP)

Quick Facts

Managed by
USAID Office of Local Sustainability (E3/LS)

Launched
2017

Who is eligible?

USAID welcomes concept papers from any type of organization that has the capability to carry out international development programs utilizing volunteers.  While not an exhaustive list and provided for illustrative purposes only, the following types of organizations are encouraged to participate:

  • U.S. and non-U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Foundations
  • Cooperatives
  • Local organizations
  • U.S. and non-U.S. colleges and universities
  • Civic groups
  • Regional organizations
  • U.S. and non-U.S. private businesses
  • Business/trade associations

USAID encourages applications from potential new partners. All applicants must be legally recognized organizational entities under applicable law. An individual cannot apply.

The VISP APS can be found here.

Volunteer service is an American tradition. USAID’s tagline “From the American People” aptly emphasizes that foreign assistance has always been driven by an American humanitarian concern to help others, as well as by foreign policy and economic interests. We are now deepening that commitment with a new program focused on using the power of volunteers.

What is VISP

The Volunteers for International Security and Prosperity Annual Program Statement (VISP APS) was created to help USAID mobilize the creative capacity of volunteers in support of USAID’s development objectives. The APS invites organizations to identify and suggest ways that they, through the use of volunteers, will address key challenges in the developing world in a manner that advances mutual interests and achieves USAID development objectives.

The VISP APS is not a Request for Applications or a Request for Proposals; it invites concept papers from a wide variety of non-governmental and voluntary service organizations for assistance awards that achieve development impact in USAID focus areas. Based on these concept papers, USAID will determine whether to co-create an activity or set of activities with any applicant and then request a full application. Since this program will be managed at the USAID Operating Unit (USAID OU—USAID Mission, Regional Bureau, or Independent Office) level, applicants are encouraged to research the priorities, objectives and strategies of the specific OU they would like to support and reach out to the OU prior to submitting a concept paper.  

How it works

  • Eligible organizations will contact USAID OUs to discuss their organization’s proposal. 
  • Following these discussions, the organization may submit a brief concept paper.  Volunteers must comprise at least 30 percent of the total labor level of effort within any activity funded through the VISP APS.  Concept papers should be submitted directly to the USAID Mission or other OU with a copy to visp-aps@usaid.gov.  DO NOT SUBMIT CONCEPT PAPERS VIA GRANTS.GOV AS THEY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
  • Based on their review of the concept paper, the USAID OU will make a decision whether to co-create the activity with the applicant and to request a full application. Acceptance of the concept paper satisfies competition requirements.

While the APS serves as a general solicitation for VISP concept papers, OUs may issue addenda throughout the year to solicit VISP concept papers related to their specific priorities, objectives, and programs.  These addenda, when added, can be found at on Grants.gov under Operating Unit Addenda to the VISP APS.

For additional information contact: visp-aps@usaid.gov.