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New Fund Will Address Toxic Pollution in the Developing World

Blacksmith Institute or Rockefeller Foundation
Following a conference in Bellagio, Italy, sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation and organized by Blacksmith Institute, an international consortium of environmental ministers, researchers, and representatives from non-governmental organizations agreed to launch the Global Pollution Remediation Fund. The Fund will be dedicated to combating toxic pollution in over 400 highly polluted locations in the developing world and seeks to pool $400 million for this purpose. Projects will be implemented by local stakeholders with technical and monetary assistance provided by the Fund. The Fund is currently in the fundraising stage..

Nontraditional Program Model Succeeds in Mozambique

Christian Science Monitor
Stephanie Hanes, a correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor—a non-religious international daily newspaper published by the First Church of Christ, Scientist—examines the work of the nonprofit organization Care for Life in the village of Inhamizua, Mozambique. The organization did not offer “handouts” (monetary donations, food, or services such as building houses) but instead worked with the villagers to organize together to undertake improvements utilizing their own resources and manpower. The organization uses a “Family Preservation Program, an organizational structure that involves a network of households, villages, and field workers all dedicated to goals chosen by the community.” The article looks at how this system, as opposed to more traditional methods of support, has benefited the village.

Series on Development Communications Now in Progress

BBC World Service Trust
The BBC World Service Trust aims to use the creative power of media to reduce poverty and promote human rights by inspiring people to build better lives. The Trust has launched a new series of research reports on communications for development, which will be disseminated by the Trust's Research and Learning group. Development communications is a concept of using media and technology to share information in order to create change. The themes of the series include impact research, formative research, innovative research, and good practice. Several reports are currently available, and more will be published in the coming months.

Conferences and Trainings

Conference Addresses Community Health across the Globe

Global Health Council's 35th Annual International Conference
The Global Health Council is the world's largest membership alliance dedicated to saving lives by improving health throughout the world. The theme of the Council's 35th Annual International Conference is “Community Health: Delivering, Serving, Engaging, Leading.” The conference will also address key issues of global health that are at the heart of the Council's work around the world, such as women's and children's health, HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, and emerging threats. The conference seeks to bring together partners who are committed to improving the lives of the world's poor to share and learn from each other. At the conference, the Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights, the Excellence in Media Award for Global Health, and the Best Practices in Global Health Award will be presented (see “Funding Opportunities” below for more information on these awards). The Gates Award for Global Health will also be presented. The conference takes place May 27-31, 2008, in Washington, DC.

Young Activists Gather to Celebrate Youth-Led Development

4th World Youth Congress
The 4th World Youth Congress, “ReGeneration 2008,” is organized by Peace Child International, which seeks to empower young people to take responsibility for peace, human rights, and the environment through education, leadership development, and direct participation in the events that shape the world community. The Congress will welcome 600 young activists (ages 18-30) from 120 countries who are committed to rise to the generational challenge of sustainable development. Congress themes include empowerment; contribution to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals; emphasizing model programs; selflessness, integrity, and the global family; co-management between youth and elders; partnerships, dialogue, and cooperation; and sustainable development. In addition to programming and events, the Congress invites young people around the world, especially in the world's least-developed countries, to propose innovative youth-led development projects for their communities in the months leading up to the event. The best of these projects will be funded from a central funding pool and funds raised locally and overseas by schools, colleges, and other groups. The registration deadline for the congress has been extended to December 31, 2007, for potential participants from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The Congress will be held August 10-21, 2008, at Laval University in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

Funding Opportunities

Projects Addressing Pollution and Other Environmental Issues Supported

Blacksmith Institute, Main and Application Information
Blacksmith Institute's vision is a clean planet for the world's children. The Institute supports people and organizations that are intent on solving specific pollution-based environmental problems, with a focus on problems in the least developed countries. The Institute supports pollution remediation activities and also works with governments and local non-governmental organizations to raise awareness about pollution, create a sound knowledge base on environmental quality through monitoring and research, and strengthen legislation and legal frameworks to curb polluting practices. Types of support include technical research, strategic assistance, assistance with networking capabilities, and core financial support. Grants range from US $5,000 to $10,000. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Support Provided for International Producers to Create Programming for U.S. Audiences

Independent Television Service (ITVS)
The Independent Television Service (ITVS), a U.S.-based organization, seeks to bring high-quality, content-rich programs created by a diverse body of independent producers to local, national, and international audiences. The ITVS International Call program is designed to showcase international documentaries with powerful global stories that inform, inspire, and connect Americans to the world at large. The program provides production funds for independent producers who are non-U.S. citizens, helping them create documentaries for American television. Through International Call, storytellers from other countries introduce U.S. audiences to their global neighbors, opening a window into unfamiliar lives, experiences, and perspectives. In addition to production funding and support, ITVS International will premiere funded programs on U.S. public and commercial television, engaging viewers and maximizing impact through national promotion and educational outreach campaigns. Funding amounts vary by project. The application deadline is February 1, 2008.

Water Resource Development Activities Supported

African Water Facility
The African Water Facility (AWF), a special fund managed by the African Development Bank, seeks to finance water resources development activities in Africa. AWF focuses on fostering integrated water resources management at the national level and transboundary water resources management at the local level. Support is provided for capacity building at a national and regional level; national human resources development, including applied research and formal education as well as regional and sub-regional institutional capacity building activities; and policy, legal, and institutional reform processes. Grants range from €50,000 to €5,000,000. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Artists Provided Opportunities for International Tours and Professional Development

Australia Council for the Arts: Playing the World and Flying Start Programs
The Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Government's arts funding and advisory body, seeks to enrich the lives of Australians and their communities by supporting the creation and enjoyment of the arts. The Council's Playing the World program helps Australian theatre artists develop international markets and reach new audiences overseas by supporting international tours of highly innovative Australian theatre productions as well as other international market development opportunities. The Flying Start program provides professional development grants for new artistic directors and general managers; supported activities could include mentorship programs, travel costs for meeting with peers and attending industry events, and skills training. Grants range up to AU $3,000. The deadline for both programs is December 31, 2007.

Competition Offers Awards in Dance

Barcelona Dance Awards 2008
The Barcelona Dance Awards 2008 is one of the largest and most important amateur dancing events in Europe. The competition is divided into different categories which recognize the best groups, talents, choreographers, and teachers. The program seeks to encourage cultural growth through dance as a universal language and will especially serve to stimulate friendship, solidarity, respect, and mutual understanding. The application deadline is February 10, 2008; the competition will be held in Costa Brava, Spain, March 20-24, 2008.

Funding Provided for Community Environmental Projects

EcoAction Community Funding Program
Environment Canada's EcoAction Community Funding Program supports projects developed by community groups in Canada that have measurable, positive impacts on the environment. Areas of interest consist of climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions; clean water, including conservation and the diversion and reduction of pollutants; nature, including wildlife and habitat conservation; and clean air, including air toxics issues and reducing emissions that lead to smog. Grants range up to C $100,000. Application deadlines are February 1 and October 1, annually.

Fund Seeks to Reduce and Prevent Conflict and Weapons Use

Ploughshares Fund
The Ploughshares Fund makes grants to support initiatives aimed at preventing the spread and use of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and other weapons of war, and to prevent conflicts that could lead to the use of weapons of mass destruction. The Fund invests in a wide range of innovative and practical programs, from scientific research to media, behind-the-scenes dialogue, grassroots organizing, and even lobbying. The Fund supports both organizations and individuals, and has no geographic restrictions. Grants in 2005-06 ranged from US $500 to $190,000. The next proposal deadline is February 15, 2008.

Support Provided for Cooperation and Exchange between Countries

International Visegrad Fund
The International Visegrad Fund seeks to promote the development of closer cooperation among the Visegrad Group countries (the Czech Republic, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Poland, and the Slovak Republic). The Fund's standard grants program supports projects in the fields of cultural cooperation, scientific exchange and research, education, exchanges between young people, cross-border cooperation, and promotion of tourism. The strategic program supports longer-term projects of strategic character which link institutions of all four Visegrad Group countries. Standard grants range upward from a minimum of €4,000, and strategic program grants have averaged €50,000 in previous grant cycles. Strategic program grant applications are due February 15, 2008, and standard grant applications are due March 15, 2008.

Award Available for Practitioners in Health and Human Rights

Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights
The Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights, sponsored by Association François-Xavier Bagnoud, CARE, Doctors of the World, John Snow, Inc., and the Global Health Council, seeks to highlight the vital link between health and human rights. The award is bestowed annually to a leading practitioner in health and human rights and comes with a substantial financial reward to allow its recipients a measure of freedom to pursue their work. Nominations are due by January 15, 2008.

Award Honors Journalists Covering Global Health Issues

Excellence in Media Award for Global Health
The Excellence in Media Award for Global Health, administered by the Global Health Council, is awarded to a journalist who has, in the prior year, most effectively captured the essence of a major issue in global health and conveyed it to a broad audience. Award categories include Newspaper, Magazine, and Major Print Publication; Broadcast, Television, and "New Media"; Photojournalism; and Community Media. Selection is based on the quality of the reporting as well as its wide reach among readers and viewers. Nominations are due by February 1, 2008.

Award Recognizes Programs Addressing the Link between Health, Poverty, and Development

Best Practices in Global Health Award
The Best Practices in Global Health Award, administered by the Global Health Council, celebrates and highlights the efforts of a public health practitioner or organization dedicated to improving the health of disadvantaged and disenfranchised populations, and recognizes the programs that effectively demonstrate the link between health, poverty, and development. The programs must address a critical global health issue and be community-based, sustainable, and replicable. Also, the person or organization selected must possess the ability and expertise to share, inspire, and extend best practices for improving health. Nominations are due by February 15, 2008.

U.S. Federal Deadlines
Excerpts from GrantStation’s Listings of Federal Notices

Department of State: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program: Host Family and School Placement
Deadline: December 14, 2007
This program offers an open competition for the placement component of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program. The goals of the program are to promote mutual understanding and foster relationships between the people of Eurasia and the United States, to assist the successor generation of Eurasian countries in developing the qualities it will need to lead transformation efforts in the 21st century, and to promote democratic values and civic responsibility. The program applies only to FLEX students from the following Eurasian countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Department of State: Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement: Humanitarian Demining and Weapons Removal
Deadline: December 14, 2007
This program seeks to advance sustainable development and global interests by providing a humanitarian response to the harmful social and economic effects generated by landmines, unexploded ordnance, abandoned ordnance, small arms/light weapons, and man-portable air-defense systems. Program goals include reinforcing country programs; increasing weapon destruction; expanding mine action and weapons knowledge-base and information exchange; supporting outreach/public awareness; stimulating and rewarding creative thinking; and fusing impact survey data, surveillance data, and land release methodologies. Countries of interest include Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Colombia, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Nicaragua, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Vietnam, and Yemen.

USAID: Local Government-Civil Society Partnerships to Improve Service Delivery and Build Governance Capacity
Deadline: December 17, 2007
This program supports activities that will build partnerships between civil society, state and local governments, and the private sector to improve service delivery and local governance capacity in selected Nigerian states. The program seeks to build demand for local services, enable service delivery partnerships with government and the private sector, and initiate citizen oversight of sub-national governments.

Department of State: Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs: Women's Issues Fund
Deadline: December 18, 2007
This program supports projects that address women's economic empowerment, foster political participation, and contribute to women's and girls' freedom from violence, particularly in countries and sub-regions where poverty and lack of political voice leave women most vulnerable to significant exploitation, including those that are key points of origin for trafficked women.

Department of State: Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders Program
Deadline: December 20, 2007
This program supports rigorous programs of continuous learning to advance reform efforts in the Middle East and North Africa by preparing a core group of future leaders. The program seeks to equip student leaders to facilitate civic engagement and reform in their own communities and across the region. Support is provided for uniquely designed, highly interactive, and thematically coherent programs that emphasize the concepts of individual and civic responsibility, leadership, volunteerism, and community involvement.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Monitoring and Evaluation of Malaria Activities in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Deadline: January 2, 2008
This program seeks to assist with the development of operational research, surveillance, and monitoring and evaluation activities in the Greater Mekong Subregion in conjunction with national malaria programs and other partners in the subregion.

Department of State: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: Future Leaders Exchange Civic Education Workshop
Deadline: January 3, 2008
This program provides support to conduct a spring 2008 Civic Education workshop for students participating in the academic year Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program. The goal of the workshop is to broaden the participants' knowledge and understanding of the democratic concepts that are integral to a civil society and provide them with tools they can take home to utilize as future leaders of their countries. The workshop should include approximately 110 high school students from 11 Eurasian countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan ) who are attending school in the United States during the 2007/08 academic year.

Department of State: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: Algeria Youth Leadership Program
Deadline: January 3, 2008
This program provides support to recruit and select high school students (ages 15-17) in Algeria, and conduct a program in Algeria and the United States approximately six weeks in length that will focus on themes of leadership development, respecting diversity, and civic education. The goals of the program are to develop leadership, civic responsibility, and commitment to community service among youth; strengthen the English language skills of the Algerian participants; foster relationships between Americans and Algerians with a focus on respect for ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious diversity; and promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Algeria.

USAID: Health Service Delivery and Community Outreach in Gaza Province, Mozambique
Deadline: January 7, 2008
This program seeks to increase the use of child survival and reproductive health services in target areas. The grant recipient will work with Gaza Provincial Health authorities, six District Health authorities, community leaders, and other health stakeholders to enhance health service delivery and community outreach programs in the Province.

USAID: Malaria Communities Program
Deadline: January 23, 2008
This program provides support to carry out sustainable malaria prevention and control activities. These efforts are expected to contribute to the development of local and indigenous capacity to address malaria and to promote sustainability of host nations' efforts. Focus countries include Angola, Benin, Ethiopia (Oromiya Region only), Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

Department of State: International Programs to Combat Trafficking
Deadline: February 12, 2008
This program supports projects for protection, prevention, and prosecution related to anti-trafficking in persons. Examples of supported programs include training initiatives on the identification and administration of effective services to trafficking victims; development of service models to meet the short- and long-term needs of trafficking victims; and development of collaborative relationships between service providers and law enforcement to build a sustainable, holistic approach to combating trafficking and assisting victims.

USAID: Food for Peace: Title II Program Policies and Proposal Guidelines
Deadline: Multi-year proposals: January 22, 2008; Single-year proposals: Ongoing until September 30, 2008
This program seeks to address the problem of food insecurity in the developing world, with emphasis on vulnerability—the risk and consequences of, and resilience to, food security shocks—that impedes the achievement of food availability, access, and utilization. The program focuses on populations already food insecure or vulnerable to food insecurity, such as people who are at risk of food insecurity because of physiological status, socio-economic status, political status or physical security, limited or weak governance, or populations whose ability to cope has been temporarily overcome by a shock.

Department of State: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: International Sports Programming Initiative
Deadline: January 25, 2008
This program seeks to enhance and improve the infrastructure of youth sports programs in select countries in Africa, East Asia, the Near East and North Africa, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere. The focus of all programs must be on reaching out to youth ages 8-18. Program themes include training sports coaches, youth sports management exchange, youth with disabilities, and sports and health. The following countries are eligible: in Africa: Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Senegal, or the trans-Sahara for a Francophone regional project (eligible countries included in this regional project must include one country from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia as well as one country from Chad, Senegal, Niger, Mauritania, and Chad); in East Asia: China, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam; in the Near East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank, and Yemen; in South Asia: Bangladesh and India; in the Western Hemisphere: Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Department of State: Office to Monitor/Combat Trafficking in Persons: International Collaborative Partnerships to Combat Trafficking
Deadline: March 3, 2008
This program provides support to U.S. nonprofit and non-governmental organizations for capacity-building programs to assist locally-based organizations abroad working to combat human trafficking. Programs must include mentoring and partnerships concerning such topics as developing models for providing comprehensive and effective services for adult and child victims, training initiatives with a focus on identifying and understanding the complex needs of victims, building working relationships with law enforcement responders and other community stakeholders, and strengthening advocacy skills and public awareness-raising efforts. The program requires a willingness to establish relationships with indigenous non-governmental organizations.

National Institutes of Health: International Extramural Associates Research Development Awards
Deadline: Multiple deadlines. Expires July 30, 2009
This program seeks to produce a cadre of trained academic research administrators in countries with limited resources to facilitate and develop the appropriate administrative infrastructure in their home institutions for the implementation of a more rigorous research program. The program will provide training in NIH policies and procedures through a distance learning and NIH residency program, as well as funding to augment or expand upon existing research administrative infrastructure.