Why does USAID provide assistance?
The U.S. provides substantial economic assistance to developing countries through USAID. Sometimes this is purely humanitarian in nature, such as aid for disaster relief and emergency food programs. In other instances, it is due to special historical or security relationships. But most often, economic assistance is just one element of U.S. relationships with developing countries – relationships that also include mutually-beneficial trade and investment flows and educational and cultural exchanges. USAID programs are financed by American taxpayers. Many Americans believe that the U.S. has a responsibility to help developing countries achieve better lives for their people. Providing development assistance helps the U.S. build closer ties with developing countries. The U.S. also benefits economically because economies that are developing and growing are better trade and investment partners.

How does the USAID program work in Nepal?
To decide on the amount and types of aid to be requested, the USAID Mission in Kathmandu consults extensively with the Nepali government, the U.S. Embassy, the non-governmental organization community, the private sector, and other stakeholders. The Mission then formulates a strategic plan that proposes how the aid will be used and the levels of funding needed. This plan is reviewed by USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C., and incorporated into the President’s annual foreign assistance budget submitted to the U.S. Congress. Once Congress passes the appropriations bill, USAID/Nepal and the appropriate Nepali government official(s) negotiate the agreements required to release USAID funds. The members of the USAID Mission work closely with their Nepali counterparts at all stages of implementing USAID-funded activities. Teams monitor progress, conduct site visits, and conduct evaluations and audits to ensure that activities are being implemented as planned.

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How can I or my organization receive funding from USAID?
Overall, priority areas for USAID assistance are determined in conjunction with the Nepalese Ministry of Finance and USAID. They are then implemented by appropriate agencies of the national and local governments, non-governmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, businesses and civic organizations. Funding decisions regarding specific contracts and grants are made through a competitive procurement process to support specific objectives of USAID’s current program activities. While there are many worthy causes, USAID generally does not have discretional funding to support unsolicited proposals or requests from individuals and organizations. Over the years, however, every region in Nepal has benefited directly from USAID’s assistance.

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Does USAID fund higher education, conferences, training and research in Nepal, other countries, or the United States for Nepalis?
USAID/Nepal has no program, guidelines or funds available to provide scholarships, grants or loans directly to individuals for education, training, conferences, seminars and research in Nepal, other countries, or the United States.

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Can USAID help me obtain visas to the U.S.?
As a development agency, USAID has no jurisdiction over the application, review, or approval process of obtaining visas or other entry documents to the United States for either American or Nepali citizens. Please contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu directly for information and assistance in this matter.

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How can I get a job with USAID/Nepal?
All vacancies are advertised in major Nepali newspapers. If you have Nepali citizenship and you wish to apply for an announced Foreign Service National job, please follow the instructions in the advertisement. If you are a U.S. Citizen and are interested in a long-term career with USAID, please contact the Office of Human Resources Management (M/HR), Recruitment Branch, United States Agency for International Development, Second Floor, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Ronald Reagan Building, Federal Triangle Area, Washington, D. C. 20523, USA. You can also find additional information on the Employment Opportunities page of the Agency's website.

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How can I do business with USAID/Nepal?
USAID-funded activities in Nepal are implemented out through contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with American, Nepali, and international non-governmental organizations and contractors. For more information on available opportunities, please visit our Business Oppurtunities page.

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Could you send me some general information on USAID activities in Nepal?
All our information is available on this website. We urge you to browse the site, print whatever you deem appropriate, and ask only that you attribute USAID-produced materials to USAID if you use them for other audiences. If you are still in need of further information, please feel free to Contact Us.

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