USAID/Pakistan Inclusive Partnerships for Climate Resilience (IPCR) Activity | 72039124RFA00001

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72039124RFA00001

USAID/Pakistan Inclusive Partnerships for Climate Resilience (IPCR) Activity is a USAID-Islamabad funding opportunity designed to strengthen how Pakistani universities respond to climate risks, with a specific emphasis on water management that is both climate-resilient and gender-inclusive. The central idea is that universities can play a frontline role in helping Pakistan adapt to climate impacts by producing applied research, training the next generation of practitioners, and convening networks that link government, communities, and technical experts. This activity focuses on building the capacity of Pakistani public universities so they can lead practical, inclusive solutions in the water sector while also advancing gender equity and broader social inclusion.

A key feature of the activity is the partnership model between U.S. and Pakistani higher education institutions. USAID intends to leverage the expertise of U.S. universities to help Pakistani counterparts strengthen their technical, institutional, and collaborative capabilities. The opportunity highlights that universities are not just education providers; they can be hubs for innovation, problem-solving, and evidence-based policy and practice. In that context, the activity aims to help Pakistani universities develop stronger programs and initiatives that address water challenges under climate stress, while also ensuring women and underserved or marginalized groups are meaningfully included in planning, leadership, and benefits.

The activity also emphasizes building networks and communities of practice, especially those that support underserved groups. This suggests efforts beyond campus boundaries, such as linking universities with local stakeholders, community organizations, practitioners, and potentially public-sector entities involved in water governance. The intended result is a stronger ecosystem where academic institutions help drive inclusive, climate-resilient approaches to water management, and where knowledge and leadership opportunities are expanded for groups that are often excluded from decision-making and technical fields.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a continuation opportunity funded through a cooperative agreement, which typically means substantial involvement by USAID during implementation compared to a standard grant. The funding opportunity number is 72039124RFA00001, and it is listed under CFDA 98.001. The award ceiling is USD 1,500,000, with USAID expecting to make one award. The opportunity was created on 2024-06-07, and the original closing date for applications is 2024-08-09.

Eligibility is narrowly defined. While the work is centered on strengthening Pakistani public universities, the prime applicant must be a U.S. higher education institution. USAID notes that this restriction follows ADS 303.3.6.5 and applies to the IPCR addendum, meaning U.S. universities must lead the application and presumably structure formal partnerships with Pakistani institutions to carry out the capacity-building and inclusive climate resilience objectives in water management.

• The Pakistan USAID-Islamabad in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "USAID/Pakistan Inclusive Partnerships for Climate Resilience (IPCR) Activity" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-06-07.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-08-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

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