USADF's Programs

To permanently end the poverty of all marginalized communities in Africa.

Direct Project Funding to Marginalized Communities

ADF responds to unsolicited applications from African community based small enterprises and cooperatives in eligible countries. The USADF field staff review the application and makes site visits to verify and ensure the application fits with country strategies and broader ADF objectives. If a fit is determined, the local USADF partner organization in each country helps the applicants turn their ideas into viable business and project plans. The partner organization also takes part in representing the applicant during the ADF funding review process and provides technical and managerial support during project implementation. 

The majority of U.S. appropriated dollars are applied to USADF client projects that directly fund expansion and growth activities for small enterprises, farmer associations, cooperatives, and community groups that create jobs and generate better income levels in poor communities. In FY 2009 $20 million of appropriated dollars is budgeted for direct projects grants. USADF will continue to emphasis sustainable economic growth as a key component to all eligible project applications.

Approved project applications are typically funded in one of two following grant assistance mechanisms:

Enterprise Expansion Investments (EEI) – Provides funding up to $250,000 over five years for established enterprises and organizations with a viable growth and expansion plan.

Enterprise Development Investments (EDI) – Provides funding up to $100,000 over two years for improving financial, managerial, and technical capacity, and for limited fixed capital or working capital items. This grant positions the organization to more effectively utilize future expansion funding.

Capacity Development through Partner Organizations

Program funding is also directed toward local partner organizations that deliver local technical services needed by USADF grantees. These partner organizations help ensure the success of USADF investments in local community groups and enterprises. Partner organizations also gain long term capabilities to provide ongoing economic development support within each country not only for USADF activities and programs but also as agents of change for other economic growth and development activities. In FY 2009 ADF will invest over $4 million to develop local partner organizations in 18 African countries.

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