PVO Registration Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a PVO and a NGO?
As defined by USAID, a private voluntary organization (PVO) is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit entity that is tax exempt, solicits and receives cash contributions from the general public and is engaged in, or intends to become engaged in, development and humanitarian activities.
The term nongovernmental organization (NGO) encompasses any private or nonprofit organization that is formed or organized independently from a national or local government entity.
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What is the purpose of registration?
Registration serves to-
Identify PVOs that engage in, or intend to engage in, voluntary foreign aid operations;
Determine whether PVOs meet certain general operating guidelines and accountability standards; and
Approve registration of those PVOs eligible to apply for USAID assistance
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Who needs to register?
If your organization meets USAID's definition of a PVO, your organization must register with USAID.
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Why does my organization need to register?
PVOs are required to be registered in order to be eligible to compete for development assistance grants and cooperative agreements.
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What documents will we need to complete the registration process?
All new applicants are required to submit the following documents and information:
Audited financial statements (Statements must be for the most recently ended fiscal year or for the fiscal year that ended no more than 15 months before the date of the applicant's submission.)
Annual report or similar document for the same fiscal year as the financial statements
Articles of Incorporation or charter, and amendments
Bylaws
List of board members
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Are new applicants required to submit audited financial statements?
Yes. All new applicants are required to submit financial statements that are audited by a certified public accountant and prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP).
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How much time after its fiscal year end does my organization have to complete the registration process?
A new applicant must complete the registration process within 15 months of its fiscal year end.
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We are a new applicant and the audit for our most recently ended fiscal year is not final. Can we submit audited financial statements from the previous fiscal year?
Yes, if your application is completed within 15 months of the end of the previous fiscal year.
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How does my organization register?
New applicants should review the PVO New Applicant Registration page. The page provides a link to the online registration Web site, where you can request a Username and Password.
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What if we don't have an e-mail address?
An applicant must have an e-mail address to access the online registration system. Most Internet service providers include one or more e-mail accounts with their connection services. You can also set up a free e-mail account with any of a number of Web-search services.
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After submitting as a new applicant, how long will it take before we know our registration status?
You should receive notification of your organization's registration status within eight weeks from the date that your application is complete.
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When is my organization's annual submission due?
A registered PVO's annual submission is due nine months after the end of its fiscal year. You can find your PVO's annual submission due date with the Due Date Calculator.
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Is there a separate registration process for international PVOs?
No. The registration process for both U.S. and international PVOs is the same.
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Where can I find the required registration forms on the USAID Web site?
The information that was submitted on AID Form 1550-2, AID Form 200-1, and other registration forms is now collected via the online registration system. The paper forms are no longer used. Approximately two months prior to your organization's annual submission due date, your chief financial executive will receive a Username, Password, and link to the registration Web site. At that time, your organization will be able to complete the submission process online.
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Can my organization receive a filing extension due to extraordinary circumstances?
The registration process does not include extensions. If a PVO does not file its annual submission within nine months of its fiscal year-end, it may be removed from the PVO Registry.
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If my organization is removed from the PVO Registry because of an incomplete submission or if it was denied registration, how can it be reinstated?
An organization has 30 days after the receipt of a removal letter to request that its removal be reconsidered. An organization may submit as a new applicant at any time; however, the organization must meet the Conditions of Registration to be registered.
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Is my organization required to be registered to receive a grant? A cooperative agreement? A contract?
PVOs are required to be registered to compete for development assistance grants and cooperative agreements. Certain disaster assistance funding and funding received through subgrants or contracts are not subject to this requirement.
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Is my organization required to be registered to submit a proposal?
An organization that meets the definition of a PVO must be registered to compete for a USAID grant or cooperative agreement.
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How does my U.S. PVO obtain funding?
Registered PVOs are eligible to compete for assistance funds (grants, cooperative agreements, etc.) that are available though USAID. See the Business Opportunities page for additional information. The Business Opportunities page provides links to guidance governing grants, contracts, and other implementing mechanisms used by USAID.
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How does my non-U.S. PVO obtain funding?
Registered international PVOs are eligible to compete for assistance funds (grants, cooperative agreements, etc.) that are available though USAID. See the Business Opportunities page for additional information. The Business Opportunities page provides links to guidance governing grants, contracts, and other implementing mechanisms used by USAID.
A local, or indigenous, PVO (LPVO) is a non-U.S. based PVO that meets the definition of an international PVO, except that it operates only in the same foreign country in which it is organized. LPVOs are not required to register with USAID/Washington. However, USAID Missions may require some other eligibility method when making awards. See the USAID Mission Directory for contact information.
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Is it possible to purchase or obtain a printed copy of the VolAg Report?
USAID does not sell the VolAg Report. See the below Publications and Resources page to download a pdf copy of the most recent VolAg Report. You must have a pdf reader to view the document. (Free pdf readers are available online.) You can print the document, if necessary, once it's on your system.
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PVO Registration Information Links
PVO Database
To search for USAID registered PVOs, including links to their homepage, countries where they work and other information, see the following links:
U.S. PVO Registry
International PVO Registry
Contact Person:
PVO Registration Coordinator, e-mail: pvoregistry@pvo.net
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