Can my USAID mission set aside funds for FBO partnering?
No. While the ADS allows for exceptions to competition when partnering through small grants or with new entrants (ADS 303.3.6.5), favoritism specifically to faith-based organizations would violate the neutrality principle under-girding the Faith-Based and Community Initiative and USAID regulations. USAID programs should not discriminate against qualified secular groups. Back to Top ^ Question 16: To what extent can I show an interest in the nature or scope of an organization’s religion? Answer: What matters is whether the group is qualified to fulfill its obligations under an agreement with USAID. What is not of interest is the organization’s religious beliefs, practices or denominational affiliation. No religion or denominational sub-category should be favored or disfavored, and no organization should be disqualified because it is “too religious” or non-religious. Back to Top ^ Question 17: What about the environment in which services are rendered? Answer: A religious organization nee
