Small Grants Program
The AWDF Small Grants Program (SGP), currently operates in some selected countries in Africa, namely Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria. The objective of this programme is to support small, community/rural based grassroots women's groups, which are most likely not to have access to any financial support, AWDF'S main funding program. Beneficiaries should, however, be running projects which fall within AWDF's six thematic areas. The SGP also supports emerging or emergency issues, such as community disasters, activities that require a rapid response, and others.
Beneficiaries of the SGP have to meet the following criteria: - They must be women's groups and led by women.
- They should have been in existence for a minimum of three years.
- The groups have to be recommended by the leadership of a larger organization that is one of AWDF's grantees, or a respected member of the community, such as a Member of Parliament.
- They should have basic leadership structures in place.
- They should have a bank account.
- They should include a photocopy of their organization’s certificate of registration.
When to Apply
The AWDF makes grants in three cycles, March, August and November. Applications can be sent in at any time.
Size of Grants
AWDF's small grants are for a specific project or item that the group needs. The grants range from $1,000 - $5,000.
How to Apply Information is required prior to a site visit by AWDF staff to assess the group. We require the following information from interested applicants:
Contact Information
1. Name of Group
2. Address & Location (Physical & Postal)
3. Telephone and Fax Numbers (if any)
4. Group Leaders Name(s)
5. Referee's details
Group's Information - What are the group's goals?
- When was the group formed?
- Who benefits from the group?
- What are the key challenges facing the group at the moment?
- How many members are there in the group?
- What are the major activities of the group?
- What other activities is the group involved in?
- What are the group's plans for the future?
- How much is the group requesting?
- What is the group requesting for?
- How would AWDF's support benefit the group?
The AWDF will not support the following projects: - Women's groups that aim to convert people to any religious belief.
- Political parties or women's wings of political parties.
- Individuals.
- Government departments.
- Scholarships and fellowships for studies.
- Women's groups which are not led by women.
Under the SGP, AWDF has awarded grants for items, such as multipurpose power tillers, palm oil processing equipment, cassava processing equipment and corn mills. Grants have also been awarded towards the construction of a hand dug well, micro-credit programs, crop cultivation and shea butter processing. Further information contact:
The Program Assistant (Small Grants )
The African Women’s Development Fund
25 Yiyiwa St. Abelenkpe
Accra
Ghana
Tel: + 233 21 782502, 780476 / 7.
Tel: + 233 21 782502
E-mail: awdf@awdf.org
