Small Grants & Ambassador’s Fund Program

Region-wise analysis of applications received during the 9th quarter reflects the highest flow of applications from Punjab and KP (26 each), followed by Sindh (15). Sector-wise analysis of applications received during the reporting quarter indicates that maximum applications were received for health and education (25 each), followed by economic growth (19). A total of 91 applications were assigned for desk review during the quarter. Cumulatively, 1,014 cases (93% of the total applications received so far) have been brought under desk review by the end of December 2012. While 981 applications (97% of the total applications received) have been fully processed and are out of the system. Non-compliance letters were sent to 121 applicants during the reporting quarter after preliminary screening of the applications. SGAFP field staff conducted institutional assessment of 13 applicant organizations at the applicants' level. SGAFP's Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) reviewed 16 cases during October-December 2012 and recommended 16 cases for award. USAID reviewed 18 cases during the quarter and awarded 16 cases, whereas 31 cases are still in the process at USAID. During the reporting quarter, USAID has approved funds amounting to US$ 1.34 million, taking it to a total of US$ 7.29 million as of December 2012 under the US Ambassador's Fund Program. SGAFP disbursed US$ 1.04 million during the reporting period; cumulatively, US$ 5.08 million (70% of the total funds approved) has been disbursed among 68 grantees as of December 2012. Capacity building events were organized for grantees in collaboration with ASP-AiD. The SGAFP in collaboration with the Assessment and Strengthening Program (ASP), implemented by the Associates in Development (AiD), organized a second 2-day training workshop entitled "The SGAFP Compliance Training Workshop" in Karachi from October 17-18, 2012. A total of 42 representatives from 21 grantee organizations (10 from Ambassador's Fund Program and 11 from Small Grants Program) belonging to Sindh and Balochistan attended the workshop. The training sessions focused on outputs matrix, work-plans, milestones, progress and financial reporting, procurement processes, and USAID branding and marking requirements. Grantees Progress Review Meetings were held by SGAFP's M&E unit. These meetings were attended by the Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team, Grant Implementation Section, Finance Section, and other concerned staff of SGAFP at the central office, while the provincial/regional teams participated through Skype. During the reporting quarter, the Monitoring and Evaluation section organized these meetings for thorough review of the progress as reported by the grantees of each ongoing project and proposed necessary follow-up actions pertaining to the implementation. SGAFP also organized an orientation session on "Wildlife Conservation" for grantees. The session aimed to educate grantees on the importance of wildlife conservation and the role they can play in protecting the environment. The session was well-received by the grantees, who appreciated the opportunity to learn about this critical issue.