Message-ID: <852565DB.005D2D86.00@DAI_NT4.DAI.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 12:06:34 -0500 From: Matthew Buzby <mailto:Matt_Buzby@DAI.COM> Subject: Microenterprise Grant Funds Available To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
MICROENTERPRISE BEST PRACTICES (MBP) GRANT FACILITYMicroenterprise Best Practices (MBP), a project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is pleased to announce the following grant programs:
1998 Capacity-Building and Innovation Grant Program for Africa
The objective of this grant program is to support the on-going efforts of microenterprise organizations and networks operating in Africa to promote industry-wide best practice and encourage innovation in microfinance and business development services. Capacity-Building grants support training, product or systems development, and other activities that improve the technical skills and knowledge base of organizations and networks providing services to microentrepreneurs. Innovation grants support the field testing of innovative programs, technologies, and methodologies that are new to the microenterprise field and have the potential to improve the delivery of services to microentrepreneurs. Microenterprise organizations and networks operating in African countries where USAID has a presence are eligible to receive grants, as are U.S. organizations and organizations of OECD-member countries working in conjunction with local organizations in those countries. Pre-proposal are required; the deadline for pre-proposals is June 15, 1998.
1998 Exchange Visit Grant Program
MBP's exchange visit grant program assists microenterprise organizations to link with others to find solutions to their "front-burner" issues, share know-how, and develop specific technical skills to improve programs. Applicants must define their own exchange topics and identify a mentor or host organization from which to lean and share experiences. Priority is given to proposals that clearly identify the issue to be addressed and explain how specifically the proposed visit is expected to help the applicant address the issue. Microenterprise organizations and networks operating in countries where USAID has a presence are eligible to receive grants, as are U.S. organizations and organizations of OECD-member countries working in conjunction with local organizations in those countries. 1998 deadlines for proposals are June 30; September 30; and December 30.
For more information on both programs, including guidelines and application forms, visit USAID's Microenterprise Innovation Project web site at http://www.mip.org/grants/gr-def.htm.
You can also contact Jimmy Harris, MBP Grants Administrator, at tel. 301-718-8204, fax 301-718-6567, and e-mail <mailto:jimmy_harris@dai.com>.