The Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants programme has received over 300 entries for its 2014 edition, setting an all-time record in the number of projects competing for their share of the $100,000 grants, according to a statement.
The response has come from individuals, community groups and NGOs in all participating countries, indicating the ever-growing popularity of one of the largest corporate initiatives of its kind in the region, the
statement points out.
The Ford Grants makes available a total of $100,000 to help fund existing environmental and conservation projects in the Middle East. For the first time this year, the programme has been extended to Yemen, taking the number of participating countries to 10.
Non-profit and ongoing environmental initiatives from Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Yemen needing extra funds to expand the scope of their work or ensure continuity are qualified to apply.
“We are pleased with the number of applications received this year, which shows that more and more grassroots environmental projects are initiated by concerned citizens and community groups as they act to preserve the environment,” said Kalyana Sivagnanam, director of Ford Middle East & North Africa. “This level of response is encouraging and clearly indicates the growing popularity of Ford Grants as it nears its 15th anniversary next year.”
Over $1mn has been granted to more than 150 projects since the initiative first started in 2000. Ford’s green initiative has helped support projects to study and conserve the region’s rich biodiversity, support recycling schemes and green building initiatives, as well as raise conservation and sustainability awareness.
Individuals, community and non-profit groups that have projects currently running in the areas of preservation of the natural environment, environmental education or conservation engineering can apply for a share of the $100,000 grants.
Winners are chosen by an independent panel of jurors consisting of academics and experts from environmental organisations. The judge, who are selected in association with Unesco Doha based on geographical coverage, age and gender equality, look for initiatives that demonstrate a well-defined sense of purpose, a commitment to maximising available resources and a reputation for meeting objectives and delivering planned programmes and services. This year’s winners will be announced in mid-November.
The Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants has seen support from various government and non-government environmental authorities from around the Middle East, including the World Wide Fund for Nature, Emirates Wildlife Society, Arab Forum for Environment & Development and Unesco Doha.