RAPID ACTION AGAINST IMPUNITY IN NIGERIA (RAIN) | 72062024RFA00001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the RAPID ACTION AGAINST IMPUNITY IN NIGERIA (RAIN) Addendum?

The RAIN Addendum is a USAID/Nigeria (USAID-Abuja) funding opportunity focused on confronting the links between corruption, weak justice outcomes, and ongoing violence in Northern Nigeria. This addendum specifically highlights Plateau and Kaduna states and targets how corruption and patronage networks can undermine investigations, prosecutions, and resolution of violent crime.

Which agency is offering this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by USAID/Nigeria (USAID-Abuja).

What problem is this opportunity trying to address?

The opportunity is designed to reduce corruption and impunity connected to violent crime. It is based on the idea that when people perceive security and justice systems as unfair, inaccessible, or compromised, trust in government erodes and communities may turn to informal or illegal retaliation (including mob justice). Over time, that can fuel cycles of revenge, injustice, impunity, and continued violence.

What is the core purpose of the RAIN Addendum?

The core purpose is to reduce corruption and impunity specifically connected to violent crime, by improving the integrity and credibility of the systems responsible for security and justice. In practical terms, this means strengthening the conditions under which violent crime cases are handled transparently and professionally and improving public confidence that justice processes cannot be bought or derailed.

What are the main objectives of the RAIN Addendum?

The opportunity lists three main objectives:

1. Increase accountability for corruption related to violent crime cases (including actions that expose or deter bribery, case manipulation, or abuses of authority that block investigations or prosecutions).
2. Increase public advocacy against corruption within the security and justice systems (emphasizing civil society and community voices demanding more responsive institutions).
3. Facilitate justice solutions for individuals affected by violent crime in Plateau and Kaduna (supporting victims and survivors to navigate the justice system, pursue remedies, and reduce reliance on extra-legal responses).

What geographic areas does this addendum focus on?

This addendum focuses on Plateau and Kaduna states in Northern Nigeria.

What types of corruption issues are relevant to this opportunity?

The opportunity points to corruption risks that can interfere with violent crime case outcomes, including bribery, case manipulation, and abuses of authority that obstruct or derail investigations and prosecutions.

How does USAID connect corruption and violence in this opportunity?

USAID frames corruption as a central driver that weakens institutional performance and allows perpetrators to avoid consequences. When wrongdoing goes unpunished, it can encourage further violence and deepen public distrust in formal justice channels.

Why does the opportunity mention mob justice and retaliation?

The opportunity notes that when communities see public systems as unfair or compromised, they may turn to informal or illegal retaliation, including mob justice. The program aims to reduce reliance on these extra-legal responses by strengthening confidence in legitimate justice processes.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

This funding is issued as a discretionary Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under a Cooperative Agreement.

What does it mean that the award is a Cooperative Agreement?

A Cooperative Agreement typically involves substantial involvement by the agency during implementation compared with a standard grant. This indicates USAID expects to be more actively engaged as the program is carried out.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 72062024RFA00001.

What is the activity category and CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services, and the CFDA is 98.001.

How many awards does USAID anticipate making?

USAID anticipates making up to two awards.

What is the maximum funding amount per award?

The award ceiling is USD 863,750 per award.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on 2024-01-05.

What was the original closing date for applications?

The original closing date for applications was 2024-02-19.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is strictly limited to local Nigerian organizations.

Are non-Nigerian organizations eligible to apply?

No. Applications from non-Nigerian entities are not accepted under this call.

Are individuals eligible to apply?

No. Individuals are not accepted under this call.

Are other organization types outside local Nigerian organizations eligible?

No. The opportunity states that eligibility is strictly limited to local Nigerian organizations, and applications from other organization types are not accepted under this call.

What does the eligibility restriction suggest about USAID's approach?

The restriction indicates a strong emphasis on locally led implementation and locally grounded approaches in Plateau and Kaduna, with Nigerian organizations expected to design and carry out activities that address corruption risks and justice barriers tied to violent crime.

What kinds of results is the opportunity aiming to achieve?

Based on the stated purpose and objectives, the opportunity aims to strengthen accountability related to corruption in violent crime cases, expand public advocacy against corruption within security and justice systems, and improve access to justice solutions for victims and survivors in Plateau and Kaduna.

Does this opportunity focus on violent crime generally or a specific subset?

The addendum focuses on corruption and impunity specifically connected to violent crime, especially where corruption and patronage can distort how institutions investigate, prosecute, and resolve violent crime cases.