Small Grants & Ambassador’s Fund Program 23rd Quarterly Performance Report April – June 2016

The program aims to support community-led development initiatives, with a focus on vulnerable populations, social entrepreneurship, and disaster preparedness. During the reporting quarter of April-June 2016, SGAFP received 63 new applications, with the majority coming from Balochistan, followed by Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sector-wise analysis of applications indicates a high inflow of applications for vulnerable populations, social entrepreneurship, and disaster preparedness and small-scale energy solutions. The USAID Grants Review Committee (GRC) convened meetings for the initial review of 106 applications and cleared 47 for further processing. SGAFP conducted institutional assessments of 31 applicants cleared by GRC, and submitted fully processed grant summaries of 21 applicants, recommending 9 cases for award and 12 cases not-for-award. Cumulatively, SGAFP has submitted 467 fully processed grant summaries to USAID. USAID GRC reviewed 35 fully processed grant summaries and approved 12 grants, bringing the total number of approved grants to 182. Out of these, 131 are completed or closed, while 45 grants are at various stages of implementation. Grant agreements for recently approved 6 grants are in process at SGAFP. During the reporting period, SGAFP received approval of 12 grants worth USD 574,619. Against total approved grant funds of US$ 14.449 million, SGAFP disbursed US$ 784,672 during April-June 2016, cumulatively disbursing US$ 11.416 million among 171 grantees. SGAFP extended facilitation for budget realignment of 8 grants, no-cost extension of 4 grant projects, and conflict resolution for 6 grantees. SGAFP staff made 69 monitoring visits to 48 grants to monitor work quality and ensure transparency in fund utilization. The organization also organized a two-day staff retreat in Nathia Gali on May 26-27, 2016, attended by the entire SGAFP team, including field staff. This retreat aimed to enhance team cohesion and improve program implementation. The program's progress is aligned with the USAID/Pakistan Mission Strategic Framework, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations and promoting social entrepreneurship. Immediate impacts of SGAFP grants include improved livelihoods, increased access to education and healthcare, and enhanced community resilience.