Non-government organization (NGO) initiative

The project will emphasize child survival, maternal health and family planning, and primary education, particularly for women. Grants will be awarded to two U.S. NGOs, The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and The Asia Foundation (TAF). A $5 million grant will be provided to TAF; approximately two-thirds of the funds will be for subgrants to mid-size NGOs, which will in turn network with and provide direct assistance to local communities and community-based organizations (CBOs). It is expected that approximately 30 NGOs will receive awards of 12 to 18 months duration. The total number of grants may reach 60, due to the number of follow-up awards. Funds will be provided for grant management and administration, support for the subgrantees to resolve technical issues, training and strengthening staff, completing program reviews and evaluations, and implementing operational improvements. A $2.5 million grant will be provided to AKF for activities within its own system. These will include (1) expansion of an existing health program in poor areas of Karachi, implemented by the Community Health Services Department at Aga Khan University; (2) support to the NGO Resource Center to strengthen local NGO capacity through training, networking, policy research, program analysis, and information dissemination; and (3) operations research. In support of the grants to TAF and AKF, TA will be provided from three Global Bureau projects (Mothercare, Basics, and the Expanded Program of Breastfeeding).