In recognition of the increasing role diasporas are playing in addressing global challenges, the International diaspora Engagement Alliance (IdEA) is launching the Sustainable diaspora Goals (SdG) Challenge, an initiative dedicated to scaling up diaspora-focused or diaspora-driven partnerships and activities that are positioned to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The submission of a Statement of Interest (SOI) is the first step in a two-part process. Applicants must first submit a SOI by 11:59pm EST on November 30th, which is a concise, 3-page concept note designed to clearly communicate a program idea and its objectives before the development of a full proposal application. SOIs should reference the specific SDGs indicator(s) that their proposed program addresses. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants the opportunity to submit program ideas for S/GP to evaluate prior to requiring the development of full proposal applications. Upon review of eligible SOIs, S/GP will invite selected applicants to expand their ideas into full proposal applications. SOIs should have a direct and lasting impact by advancing solutions that applicant organizations develop with other private sector partners to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the 17 Global Goals, to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. High preference will be given to cutting edge, innovative, creative, entrepreneurial program concepts that are responsive to emerging trends in developing countries, and that leverage partnerships with additional private sector entities to maximize project effectiveness. S/GP strongly encourages applications from diaspora organizations that are engaged with communities in their region or country of affinity. Applicants are highly encouraged to make themselves aware of ongoing initiatives related to the SDG goal(s) they intend to address in a specific region or country to avoid duplication of existing efforts. Applicants may use the web-based tool found at http://sdgfunders.org/wizard/ to determine how applicant’s program idea relates to the SDGs.

U.S. Department of State & United States Agency for International Development (USAID)