USAID launches $24-M grant facility for dev’t NGOs in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - The United States Agency for International Development on Monday launched a $24-million grant-making facility, which is open to non-government organizations (NGOs) supporting the initiatives of USAID in the Philippines.

The USAID has awarded the Gerry Roxas Foundation a five-year contract to manage and implement the grant facility called the Philippine-American Fund (Phil-Am Fund).

The foundation is one of the oldest institutions in the country, having been established by the late Sen. Gerry Roxas in 1958.

The Phil-Am Fund will finance the activities of local NGOs focused on supporting economic growth, good governance and environmental conservation.

“The role of civil society is important to the Philippines. They help Filipinos reach their economic aspirations,” said US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. during the launch at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

The Phil-Am Fund will provide grants to local NGOs that support inclusive and sustainable growth under five broad categories: the development of small and medium enterprises, governance and transparency initiatives, prevention of human trafficking, introduction of innovative solutions to promote literacy and biodiversity conservation.

The fund will also build the capacity of grantees through trainings in project and financial management.

“We are working in partnership with the Philippine government, the private sector and civil society to help put the Philippines in an accelerated growth path that benefits the majority of the population,” USAID mission director Gloria Steele said.

Steele noted that the US is aware of the Philippine government’s commitment to good governance and achievement of inclusive growth.

The fund is open to private for-profit and non-profit NGOs, including universities, research organizations, professional associations, community organizations and other relevant special-interest organizations.

“This is a good time to show the world that there are good and legitimate NGOs in the Philippines,” Victoria Garchitorena, Phil-Am Fund’s chief of party, said.

“We thank USAID for their trust. This will make NGOs in the Philippines more strategic and developmental,” she said.

The Phil-Am Fund will use a two-tiered approach in evaluating proposals. These are concept paper review and full proposal evaluation.