In support of America's foreign policy, the U.S. Agency for International Development leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises and progress beyond assistance.
USAID's Civic DEFENDERS program is designed to support qualified entities through a Leader with Associate (LWA) cooperative agreement. The goal is to select an applicant that can best meet the objectives of enhancing civic engagement, with a specific focus on defending civil liberties. Eligibility for this award is not restricted, encouraging a wide array of applicants to bring diverse solutions and perspectives. The program aims to guide and fund projects that align with its broader objectives, emphasizing merit and a thorough review process to ensure alignment with the program's goals and USAID's mission.