KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 25, 2010. – The World Bank invites civil society organizations in Jamaica working to keep youth, especially boys, out of risk, to submit applications for the Civil Society Fund 2010.
“Youth at risk present social, political, cultural and economic challenges for Jamaica,” said Badrul Haque, World Bank Special Representative in Jamaica. “We encourage local civil society organizations who are already working to positively engage youth in the country to apply.”
Jamaica has the third highest per capita murder rate in the world, and crime and violence have increased over the last year. Young men between the ages of 15 and 29 are most at risk for homicide, and over half of all major crimes are committed by males from 15 to 24 years of age. Early drop-out and poor performance in school, lack of strong parental influence and social values, and high incidences of domestic violence all directly increase the possibility of youth engagement in risky behaviors such as crime and violence.
The small grants program funds activities that empower and enable citizens to take initiatives to enhance and influence development outcomes. The activities should strengthen mechanisms for inclusion, accountability and participation of youth.
The program is open to registered Jamaican civil society organizations, including non-governmental organizations, community-, school- or faith-based organizations, and other grassroots organizations, working in local communities to address youth at risk as a development issue. Preference will be given to organizations that do not typically attract international funding and whose primary objective is civic engagement of vulnerable and marginalized youth.
Activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Workshops and seminars to enhance civic engagement skills and/or knowledge.
- Communication campaigns to influence policymaking or public service delivery.
- Innovative networking efforts to build the capacity of youth.
- Programs that empower youth to come together, build social capital, and speak for themselves and their communities through conflict resolution, team building, life skills training, and youth advocacy training. These activities could be community- or school-based.
Grants are given in the range of US$3,000 to US$5,000. Applicants must indicate a willingness to match an equivalent amount. This could be in-kind contribution or leveraged through partnerships with other civil society organizations. The activity should be completed within one year of the date the grant is awarded.
Please note that these grants will not fund research programs, formal academic training programs, operational projects, provision of basic services, ongoing institutional core support (such as salaries, overhead costs, general office supplies or equipment), scholarships, fellowships, study programs, computer equipment and installation, construction of facilities, individuals applying on their own behalf, or non-legal entities. Proposed activities should not compete with or substitute for regular World Bank programs.
The Civil Society Fund is administered out of the World Bank Jamaica Office. Proposals, guidelines and application forms are available on the World Bank website and at the World Bank Jamaica Office, 6 St. Lucia Ave., Kingston 5. Applicants are advised to read the criteria and the application form carefully before submitting an application. Applications are due by April 20, 2010.
Grants will be awarded by a Civil Society Fund Grants Committee, convened in the World Bank Jamaica Office. Applications will be screened and reviewed to ensure that the criteria are met. The Civil Society Fund gives full consideration to all proposals.
