By Marten Youssef, Staff Reporter
Published: August 19, 2008, 23:32
Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the UAE Government, announced that it would be giving out grants totalling Dh2.5 million in an initiative to encourage social and educational non-profit organisations. Published: August 19, 2008, 23:32
"The foundation has established this programme to strengthen the presence of non-profit organisations working towards social and educational development in the UAE. Funds can be used for training, improved services, new programmes, project expansion, institutional strengthening, analysis and other activities that contribute to the effectiveness and sustainability of the organisation," the foundation announced in a press release.
While the money is not meant to go towards purchase of land or funding endowments, it is aimed at existing organisations' efforts in social and educational projects.
Eligibility for the grant will be directed at those who are already licensed through a ministry. A two-page proposal outlining the objectives, activities, organisational capacity and budget requirements must be handed in to the Emirates Foundation no later than September 15, 2008. Those who are shortlisted by the foundation will be asked to complete a detailed application form. The maximum amount of funding for each submission is Dh500,000 over a two-year period.
"This programme will allow an important upgrade to the non-profit sector in the UAE by evaluating future potential and sustainability of the applicants and empowering those organisations that have recognised competency in an area of social or educational development.
"Organisations with the right expertise can benefit the most from funding in order to improve and expand the work they are doing," Ahmad Ali Al Sayegh, Managing Director of the Emirates Foundation, said in the statement.
