KINGSTON, Jamaica, April 15, 2011 – The World Bank in Jamaica is inviting civil society organizations in Jamaica working to keep youth, especially boys, out of risk, to submit applications for the Civil Society Fund (CSF) 2011.
“We are pleased to be able to offer grants once again this year, to support local NGOs and other CSOs who are working to keep youth out of risk and to support at-risk youth to move from vulnerability and risk to resilience,” said Badrul Haque, World Bank Special Representative in Jamaica. “Last year the response from local civil society organizations was very encouraging and the results from projects which were funded demonstrated fully the commitment and hard work needed to work effectively with youth. The World Bank looks forward to supporting new and even better projects in Jamaica this year.”
Youth, and particularly male youth, face a wide range of challenges in Jamaica. Youth unemployment currently stands at more than double the national average in the island. Crime and violence is a national problem and young males from 15–29 years of age are disproportionately represented, both as victims and perpetrators of violence. Young men are also at risk of dropping out of school early and underperforming in school. The additional challenges of weak parenting, weakened social values and domestic violence all contribute to putting more Jamaican youth, particularly boys and young men, at risk of behaviours and actions which lead to crime and violence.
The small grants program funds activities that empower citizens to take initiatives to enhance and influence development outcomes. The activities supported 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 in Jamaica 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:
- 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.
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 be a substitute for regular World Bank programs.
All applicants must be Jamaican registered civil society organizations in good standing and have a record of achievement in the community and a record of financial probity. Priority will be given to organizations that do not typically attract international funding and are not supported by other World Bank funds.
The Civil Society Fund is administered out of the World Bank Jamaica Office. Proposals, guidelines and application forms are available on the World Bank Jamaica 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. The deadline for submitting applications is May 13, 2011.
Grants will be awarded by a CSF 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.
