The Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects or GGP aims to provide financial assistance to NGOs, local government authorities, hospitals, primary schools, and other nonprofit associations to implement development projects that have a direct impact on the well-being of grass-roots communities. The majority of projects approved under the GGP scheme aim to improve primary health care, primary education, poverty relief, public welfare, and the environment. Under this scheme, the Government of Japan has provided financial assistances to various projects in the Republic of Palau since 1999.
To apply, an organization must submit an application form accompanied by a detailed budget of the project, a map showing the project site, a feasibility study for the project, estimates from three different suppliers for the goods and services to be purchased by the grant, a brochure and copy of the organization’s regulations, and the annual budget of the organization. In selecting projects for funding, the Government of Japan places a high priority on the impact and sustainability of the project. In this regard, the applicant must convince the Embassy that the applying organization can manage a project well.Once an application is received, the project is examined by the Embassy with particular attention directed on the objectives, socioeconomic impact, and cost of the project. A site visit follows to allow Embassy staff to further asses the potential of the project and to determine whether to provide financial assistance for the project or not. Once the project is determined to be favorable and in line with the objectives of GGP, the Embassy will forward the grant application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Japan for final approval.With the approval of MOFA, a grant contract between the Embassy and recipient organization will be signed. The grant contract specifies the title and objectives of the project, the name of recipient organization, the rights and obligations of each party, the maximum amount provided for the execution of the project, the submission dates of interim and final reports, and the completion date of the project. After the grant contract signing, the disbursement of grant funds will follow based on the recipient organization’s request for payment. Upon disbursement of grant funds, implementation of the project must proceed in a timely manner and in conformity with the agreed upon timetable which in principle, is within one year. For brochures, application forms, and further information regarding Japan’s GGP for FY 2009, please contact Ms. Ai Ueda of the Embassy at 488-6455/6456 or email to [email protected].
