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The Future of the USAID STEP Program: A Vision Worth Pursuing

We recently supported preparations for the launch of USAID’s Strengthening Transformative and Equitable Partnerships (STEP) program—a bold, forward-thinking initiative aimed at reimagining how development is led and delivered. Although the contract has since been canceled, the vision behind STEP is too valuable to set aside. Its goals and potential impact still resonate deeply and offer a blueprint for locally led, community-driven progress around the world.


This four-year initiative was designed to build locally led development by:

  • Empowering local leaders;
  • Enhancing USAID’s impact on the ground;
  • Evaluating and improving outcomes based on local priorities; and
  • Helping communities strengthen long-term resilience.

Initial STEP efforts were set to focus on peacebuilding in the West Bank and Gaza, peer-learning exchanges in Cameroon, Iraq, Malawi, and Madagascar, regional workshops for Feed the Future stakeholders, and event planning for electoral integrity initiatives.

In support of this initiative, TM Design developed a brand and visual identity to elevate awareness of its goals while engaging diverse audiences. We also created design templates for reports, PowerPoints, and social media outreach to help STEP communicate its values, accountability, and impact effectively.

Though the program will not proceed as originally planned, its potential remains undeniable. If revisited in the future, STEP’s foundational ideas could drive meaningful, locally led change—empowering communities, fostering collaboration, and aligning development efforts more closely with the priorities of those they aim to serve.

Despite the uncertainty, we remain hopeful that initiatives like STEP will continue to receive the support they need to create lasting, positive change. No matter what comes next, we are committed to helping our clients deliver the skills and resources that communities worldwide can use to build better futures.

To see more USAID work, visit tmdesigninc.com/usaid.