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BUREAU FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH, PARTNERSHIPS, AND INNOVATION
LOCAL, FAITH, AND TRANSFORMATIVE PARTNERSHIPS HUB
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Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships |
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Colleagues,
As we bear witness to multiple, heart-rending crises across the globe, I am exceedingly grateful for the positive impact our partners are making to build bridges in the face of unspeakable hardships. Whether you are providing life-saving assistance to those in need, contending for peace in fragile communities, or strengthening sustainable climate outcomes to benefit generations to come - thank you for all you do.
In this fall newsletter, you can learn about USAID’s conflict response in the Middle East, our recent engagement with Ukrainian religious leaders, and how the Agency commemorated International Religious Freedom Day last month. You’ll also be able to watch a powerful excerpt from USAID’s Local Capacity Strengthening Forum, and catch up on our most recent partner workshop.
Amanda Vigneaud
Acting Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
USAID
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USAID Response in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza |
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The United States is steadfast in support of the people of Israel in the aftermath of Hamas’ terrorist attack and in addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has left Palestinian families without access to clean water, medical treatment, and safe shelter. USAID is committed to responding to the humanitarian needs of those impacted by the conflict and to the safety of our staff and partners.
The United States continues to work around the clock with partners to increase the flow of life-saving, sustained humanitarian assistance – including food, water, and medical supplies. Much more is urgently needed to alleviate suffering in Gaza. Following a November 4 meeting with humanitarian partners working in Gaza, Administrator Samantha Power reiterated that "we will not rest until we have a proper humanitarian pipeline flowing into Gaza." Given the scale of need and extent of the human suffering as a result of the conflict, Administrator Power and USAID have continued to emphasize the importance of protecting civilians, humanitarians, and civilian infrastructure; securing significantly expanded delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in need; restoring communications, electricity, water lines, and fuel to Gaza; and achieving substantial humanitarian pauses.
To learn how you can help, visit USAID’s Center for International Disaster Information website. For the latest updates on USAID’s response, visit the link below.
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USAID Leadership Hosts Delegation from All Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations |
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USAID meets with delegation from All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations to discuss USAID’s humanitarian response in Ukraine.
Last month staff from across USAID met with the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, a delegation of religious leaders representing more than 95 percent of Ukraine’s religious communities. With Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Jewish, and Muslim communities represented, the leaders discussed the impact of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion on their communities, the role that faith-based organizations play in providing essential services, including mental health and psychosocial support services, and the impact of Russia’s aggression on religious freedom in Ukraine. Staff from USAID’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and Bureau for Inclusive Growth, Partnerships, and Innovation hosted the delegation and reiterated the Agency’s unwavering support of Ukraine. To learn more about USAID’s response in Ukraine, visit the link below.
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Commemorating International Religious Freedom Day |
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In a press statement issued on October 27, Administrator Samantha Power reaffirmed USAID’s commitment to supporting other governments in safeguarding religious freedom, while leading the global community in condemning religious freedom violations. Administrator Power also noted that faith communities are some of USAID’s most critical partners in providing assistance to religious and ethnic minorities and advancing peaceful, pluralistic societies.
As we reflect on this important day, Nury Turkel, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), generously allowed FBNP to feature his story as a survivor of religious persecution and a champion for international religious freedom.
Five months before Nury Turkel was born in 1970, his mother was detained in a reeducation camp and his father was sent to a forced labor camp. They had broken no laws, committed no crimes—but as Uyghur Muslims during China’s Cultural Revolution they were guilty by association, and their faith was not welcome. Turkel was born in a re-education camp. Though he was released from the camp when he was a child, he and his family still experienced discrimination and hardship. So, when Turkel was accepted to a graduate study program in the United States, he left the country—never to return. Turkel’s father died just last year, forced to attend daily “re-education” sessions despite his age and poor health. Until the People’s Republic of China will allow his mother to be reunited with her American family, Turkel fears he will never see her again.
Today, Turkel serves on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and has dedicated his life to advocating for religious freedom. In testimony to Congress this March, Turkel characterized the fight for Uyghur Muslims to practice their religion and live freely as “truly a battle for what type of world our children will inherit, a struggle to preserve the dignity of human life and rights associated because of each person’s innate worth.”
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USAID Commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act |
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The U.S. Institute of Peace commemorates the 25th anniversary of the International Religious Act.
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This year, International Religious Freedom Day marked the 25th anniversary of the bipartisan International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). Signed into law in 1998, the legislation elevated the protection and promotion of religious freedom as a key priority in U.S. foreign policy. USAID’s Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships participated in various events across Washington, DC to commemorate the day. On October 23, FBNP staff joined the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) as it hosted U.S. government representatives, civil society leaders and human rights advocates for an event which called attention to individuals and communities persecuted for their religion or belief and shared reflections on the impact of IRFA and next steps for U.S. foreign policy.
On October 31, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) gathered US government representatives and international religious freedom advocates, including every former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and current U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain, for a discussion on how IRFA helped create a U.S. mandate for promoting international religious freedom, the successes and lessons of IRFA’s implementation across multiple administrations, and the mission’s ongoing relevance to global peace and security.
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USAID Hosts Local Capacity Strengthening Policy Learning and Feedback Forum for Local Partners |
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USAID Counselor Clinton White hosts Marcia Haywood, Regional Coordinator for Caritas Antilles, for a fireside chat during opening plenary of the LCS Policy Learning and Feedback Forum.
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One year after the launch of the Local Capacity Strengthening Policy, USAID hosted the first annual LCS Policy Learning and Feedback Forum, which took place virtually from October 10-19, 2023. During the Forum, local actors, development and humanitarian stakeholders, and USAID staff discussed the progress that has been made so far around the implementation of the LCS policy and provided ideas and feedback to guide future implementation. The Forum provided space for mutual learning around technical advancements in capacity strengthening through the sharing of evidence, innovative and best practices. Throughout the event, USAID also raised awareness of available tools, resources, and sector implementation guidance for development partners.
During the opening plenary session, USAID Counselor Clinton White joined Marcia Haywood, Regional Coordinator for Caritas Antilles, for a discussion on USAID’s localization agenda and the impact of the LCS policy. During the conversation, Counselor White and Ms. Haywood also discussed USAID’s new Strategic Religious Engagement Policy and the unique role of faith-based organizations in fostering locally-led development. Ms. Haywood elaborated on faith-based organizations distinctive contributions saying, “Faith-based organizations have what we call historical presence. They have been there for a long time [and] they are able to build trust and confidentiality on the part of the participants. To be able to work with faith-based organizations, of all different denominations, is really key to understanding the context of the environments that we operate in.” Counselor White and Ms. Haywood ended the session with reflections on how USAID can continue to improve its partnerships with local organizations, including faith-based organizations, to achieve sustainable and inclusive development results.
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Building Bridges in Development:
Cultivating Partnerships that are Built to Last
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Sr. Program Analyst Katie Thompson presents during a workshop session at the OneAccord Conference.
In October, FBNP’s Acting Director Amanda Vigneaud and Senior Program Analyst Katie Thompson attended the OneAccord Conference in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Hosted by the Accord Network, the conference is an annual gathering for Christian nonprofit organizations working in international development and humanitarian relief. Vigneaud and Thompson led an interactive workshop titled “Building Bridges in Development: Cultivating Partnerships that are Built to Last” during which they heard from development practitioners about opportunities and barriers to partnerships with USAID and provided an overview of practical tools and resources for working with the Agency. In addition to highlighting USAID’s new Strategic Religious Engagement Policy, the workshop also included a tutorial on navigating WorkwithUSAID.gov. To find funding opportunities and events, connect with other development practitioners, and discover new resources, visit WorkwithUSAID.gov.
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NEW TOOLKIT: Last month, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, in cooperation with federal agency Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and diverse faith leaders, released a new resource “Allied Against Hate: A New Toolkit for Faith Communities”. The toolkit equips faith communities to stand in solidarity with other religious communities to combat anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate. Find the full toolkit here. |
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ICYMI: WorkwithUSAID.org is now WorkwithUSAID.gov Can you believe it? WorkwithUSAID has been online for two years! Additionally, it has transitioned from WorkwithUSAID.org to WorkwithUSAID.gov. This change will help to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the website. Check out November funding opportunities and more under the new Find Funding tab. On Thursday, December 7th at 10:00 am ET, USAID will host a FY 2024 First Quarter Business Forecast and Partner Update webinar. Register here to attend. |
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CALL FOR FEEDBACK If you have utilized the WorkwithUSAID.gov Sub-Opportunities Portal, the USAID Industry Liaison team would love to hear your feedback. They are continually seeking to improve their process to help connect prime partners with organizations looking for subcontracts and sub-awards. Please send your thoughts to the Industry Liaison team at IndustryLiaison@usaid.gov. A reminder to current USAID prime partners, you can continue to submit your sub-opportunities here. |
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NEW RESOURCE: The U.S. Department of State seeks to strengthen, expand, and diversify partnerships with faith-based actors – both domestic and international – to advance shared objectives in U.S. foreign policy and deliver for the American people. The Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF) leads the Department’s effort to ensure equitable and meaningful inclusion of faith actors as an essential part of our broader engagement with civil society around the world. Check out the State Department’s new webpage on Engaging Faith-Based Actors to learn more about the IRF Office and the Department’s efforts to partner with faith-based actors around shared goals. |
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: USAID's American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) initiative is happy to announce that their FY 2023 RFA is live on grants.gov. Phase 1 applications are due by December 28, 2023 at 4:00 pm ET. ASHA provides assistance to schools, libraries, and medical centers outside the United States that serve as study and demonstration centers for American ideas and practices. ASHA programs must have an emphasis on public diplomacy and ASHA awards must strive to cultivate mutual understanding between citizens of the United States and other nations. ASHA funds support the procurement of commodities and/or construction/renovation. |
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FOLLOW US: Interested in learning more about USAID’s engagement with faith-based and community organizations? Follow the Local, Faith, and Transformative Partnerships Hub’s X account, @USAIDConnects, for frequent updates on events, opportunities for partnership, success stories, and more! |
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The Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is part of the Local, Faith, and Transformative Partnerships (LFT) Hub.
The LFT Hub focuses on strengthening USAID’s ability to partner with non-traditional and diverse actors including local, faith-based, and community organizations; schools and hospitals; minority-serving institutions; foundations; diaspora communities; cooperatives; and volunteer organizations. Learn more about how LFT is harnessing the power of partnerships through the following:
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