Rotary forms new alliance for water, sanitation projects
By Janis Young
Rotary International News -- 18 March 2009
Sara Lucena, a member of the Rotary Club of Puerto Plata Isabel de Torres, Dominican Republic, installs a water filter in a home in Aguas Negras.
Rotary Images/Alyce Henson
Rotary International and USAID have launched a collaborative effort to implement water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in the developing world.
The International H2O Collaboration was formally announced 18 March at the World Water Forum in Istanbul, in conjunction with World Water Day, 22 March.
Focusing on Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the alliance will develop its inaugural projects in 2009-10 in Ghana, the Philippines, and the Dominican Republic -- countries where Rotary clubs and districts and USAID missions have the demonstrated ability to carry out effective water and sanitation projects. After the initial phase, the alliance will evaluate its work and strategically consider expanding into other countries.
The Rotary Foundation and USAID will share the project funding. Each organization will distribute funds separately and independently, keeping budgeting, expenditures, and reporting mechanisms separate.
Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants will support Rotary club and district involvement with these projects. Both Rotary and USAID will provide technical expertise and on-the-ground support.
"We intend these projects to be models for future projects with strategic partners and in this way to enhance our contribution to world understanding, goodwill, and peace," says Past RI President William B. Boyd, chair of the RI-USAID Steering Committee. He underscores the need for Rotary to meet the challenges of today’s world, citing the Future Vision Plan and strategic partnerships as ways to focus and strengthen service.
USAID is a government agency that provides economic, development, and humanitarian assistance in support of U.S. foreign policy goals. Its Global Development Alliance model promotes partnerships with prominent private-sector partners in the nongovernmental, foundation, and corporate arenas.
"Through this important collaboration, the service ethic and commitment of hundreds of thousands of Rotarians around the world will be joined with the global development expertise and technical leadership of USAID to yield a significant, sustainable increase in water supply and sanitation coverage for the planet’s poorest and most vulnerable populations," says USAID Acting Administrator Alonzo Fulgham.
Deadlines
Rotary clubs and districts will have until 30 June to submit grant proposals. The deadline for grant applications is 15 August. Approved projects will receive funds in April 2010. The Foundation intends to fund $500,000 in projects in each focal country in the 2009-10 Rotary year through 3-H grants.
For more information