ABU DHABI // Grants of up to Dh25,000 for organisations that combat child abuse or protect its victims are now available from the Emirates Foundation. The Government-funded philanthropic organisation is inviting bids from bodies that work on family and children's projects and are licensed by a federal ministry. The total budget for the new Family Challenges grants is Dh2 million (US$545,000). Winning bidders will receive up to Dh25,000, spread over two years.
Both new and existing projects would be considered, said the foundation, and should demonstrate an ability to address issues of neglect and of physical, sexual and psychological abuse of children. Dr Mona al Bahar, the senior executive adviser for the foundation's social development programmes, said the scheme would help "support organisations, schools and practitioners working on issues of child abuse in the UAE".
"Child abuse is not an unpreventable condition, and the resources to effect its elimination are within our hands," she said. "Worthy competition winners will receive funds to carry out valuable projects, working towards the elimination of child abuse nationwide." The foundation yesterday invited applicants to send a covering letter describing their credentials and a two-page proposal summary with a budget outline. The closing date for initial applications is August 30. The foundation's previous initiatives include a study conducted last April into finding ways of defining and measuring corporate responsibility.
It also commissioned recent research by the UAE University on the challenges confronting Emiratisation. Last March, it launched a Dh5m grant scheme for organisations that help people with disabilities. The Emirates Foundation, launched in 2005, offers financial and technical support to projects that aim to improve the quality of Emirati lives. Its funding comes from annual donations and an endowment fund supported by the Abu Dhabi Government and private companies.
hhassan@thenational.ae
