Small Grants Help Armenian Communities Make Big Changes
On February 29, 2008, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan hosted the eighth bi-annual Community Self Help Fund (CSHF) Grants award ceremony. Launched in November 2003, CSHF is a U.S. Embassy program designed to assist local communities implement grassroots projects to improve their economic and social conditions. The program, which is managed by USAID and implemented through Save the Children, represents an innovative approach to community activism and international development by rewarding community groups who prove they can garner local resources and volunteer efforts to help improve their neighborhoods. As a program requirement, local communities provide at least 20 percent of the project’s resources.
The Fund has selected five projects for the eighth round and will provide total of $108,397 assistance, with the communities contributing more than 52 percent of the total project costs. The five projects will directly benefit 3,033 people and will support the renovation of a kindergarten in Arzakan village (Kotayk marz), improvement of drinking water system in Vahagni village (Lori marz), reconstruction of drinking water system in Lernakert village (Shirak marz), renovation of water and sewage systems in Chambarak (Gegharkunik marz), as well as the purchase of equipment for the Children’s Development Center in Ijevan (Tavush marz).
During the prior seven rounds, the program received 1,150 applications and provided $949,000 in grants to 61 programs, directly benefiting over 75,000 people. Program-supported projects include renovations of educational, health and cultural facilities as well as the reconstruction of potable and irrigation water pipelines in villages throughout Armenia.
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| The CSHF 8th award ceremony was attended by representatives from the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Armenia, and Save the Children, as well as members of regional communities and the media |
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