In a strategic partnership, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and BRAC officially launched the Bangladesh America Maitree Project on Thursday. This collaborative initiative is designed to provide direct funding and training opportunities to grassroots-level non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh, fostering the implementation of development programs at the community level.
USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman and BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh jointly announced the Maitree Project, accompanied by representatives from local NGOs across the nation. The project introduces a competitive grant-making facility, enabling local NGOs to apply for grants to undertake projects in critical areas such as health, education, agriculture, climate resilience, and other community development needs.
Beyond financial support, the Maitree Project emphasizes capacity-building by providing training to local organizations. This training will focus on enhancing skills in proposal writing, project design, and operational capacity, empowering NGOs to collaborate effectively, build networks, and devise local solutions to address development challenges.
“Locally-led development is the cornerstone of USAID’s philosophy, and we are excited to partner with BRAC to help smaller NGOs enhance their development programs and foster a more vibrant civil society,” expressed USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman.
Md Saidur Rahman, Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau at the Prime Minister’s Office, welcomed the project, emphasizing the significance of public-private collaboration for the country’s progress.
BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh highlighted the importance of localization, stating, “Localization is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end. Local NGOs must devise their own solutions to address specific challenges instead of relying on donor-driven approaches.”
The Maitree Project is poised to empower local NGOs at the grassroots level, providing them with resources for innovation and growth. Supported by USAID, the initiative aims to transform the local partner ecosystem, promoting collaboration, coalition-building, and advocacy at various levels. The ultimate goal is to create a more resilient and dynamic civil society, contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s journey toward becoming a middle-income country.
As Bangladesh eyes graduation, this initiative is expected to facilitate local NGOs and civil society organizations in adopting innovative program design methods, forming partnerships with the private sector, and enhancing organizational strengths. The Maitree Project stands as a pivotal step towards fostering a robust civil society that aligns with Bangladesh’s broader economic progress. Stay tuned for updates on the transformative impact of this collaborative effort.
