Abu Dhabi // The Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy is offering new grants of up to Dh500,000 (US$136,000) to organisations working in education or social development, particularly in rural areas. The foundation said it was open to licensed civil society organisations, including charities and other non-government bodies, seeking to expand existing projects, launch new ones or strengthen their organisations.
Up to Dh500,000 spread over two years would be given to each successful applicant. "Priority will be given to civil society organisations working in rural areas," said Dr Mona al Bahar, head of the social development programme, as the scheme was announced yesterday. Foundation sources say rural areas have in the past received far less attention from social organisations than cities. The money can be used for training, improving services, institutional strengthening and in other ways that contribute to the effectiveness of the organisation.
In the first half of the year, the foundation provided 39 grants to social organisations. Eleven grants were also provided to universities, 71 to teachers, 84 to researchers and 144 to postgraduate students. Between 2005 and 2007 the foundation awarded 35 grants, rising to 107 last year. The foundation announced earlier this month that it intends to expand its annual spending on development projects from Dh179m to Dh238m within three years.
hhassan@thenational.ae
