Discussion question responses and academic engagement

¶ … Financially Worthwhile?

Post the link for the grant you identified. Then describe the type of human services program that might benefit from the grant and explain how. Finally, share an insight you had or a conclusion you drew about identifying available grants.

Grant Funding: Identifying sources for grant funding

One of the identified potential grants is a leadership capacity program funded by the USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development). The grant opportunity is called, "Leadership Initiative for Good Governance in Africa" or LIGGA. This opportunity seeks out leaders who have the potential to further strengthen their leadership skills and qualities through programs that aim "to promote a culture of good governance and leaders of integrity who eschew corruption in Africa" (Full announcement, p.4). The grant opportunity is open to legally recognized for-profit and non-profit organizations and agencies and colleges and universities. Prior to a full application, USAID will first require applicants to submit a concept paper demonstrating the applicant's technical implementation plan for their proposed LIGGA program. Applicants and leadership participants must be implemented within sub-Saharan African countries. Duration of proposed programs is between 24 to 60 months, with a minimum budget of USD 200,000 and maximum budget of USD 1,500,000.

Considering the LIGGA grant opportunity, there are two major human services program that can be developed and can be aligned with the LIGGA objectives. The first human services program is recruitment of local representatives in every implementation area that will be identified in the program. For example, if the organization is interested in proposing for a program in Kenya, the recruitment of local representatives could reach up to the district level. The objective of the first program -- that is, recruitment of local representatives / leaders at the district level -- is to maintain a "high touch" approach to promoting the LIGGA objectives. By implementing an advocacy program at the local level, the implementers/organization are ensured that their efforts and program reach are indeed making a difference for the country, because its impact can be determined at the base (local or district) level. Local representatives can be organizational leaders, village chiefs, elders (informal leaders), and community champions who are already making a difference in their local communities and has a significant influence to the public and on public opinion.

The second human services program that can be implemented is engaging legislators, who are already well-known and learned leaders, and promote the LIGGA objectives to further reinforce the message of democratic good governance. The second program centers on high-level approaches, and could mean assigning specialists who can maintain good personal and professional relations with the legislators. The key approach of the second program is to identify, reach, and maintain relationships with the legislators, then gradually promote the LIGGA objectives through technical advice and support. The specialists who will do both advocacy and public relations work will be recruited based on their experience on these two key areas of expertise.