Ford to provide $100,000 for environmental projects

For the first time, the programme is being extended to environmental projects in Yemen in addition to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

The deadline to send applications is September 14.

Ahead of its 15th anniversary next year, the Ford Grants - which helps grassroots-level projects in the Middle East - is already looking back on more than 150 successful green initiatives, according to a statement.

Over $1mn has been allocated since the initiative first started in 2000 and the support helped projects study and conserve the region’s rich biodiversity, support recycling schemes and green building initiatives and raise conservation awareness.

“As we look back on the programme’s heritage in the region, we are increasingly aware of the impact the Ford Grants could have had on the local communities where we serve our customers, supporting environmental groups and helping educate the public on important issues,” said Kalyana Sivagnanam, director of Ford Middle East & North Africa.

In 2013, 17 environmental projects from Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iraq also received various grants. All of the entries awarded showed diverse methods in promoting environmental awareness and conservation across a broad spectrum of communities in the region.

Themes ranged from awareness campaigns on saving water and sorting waste, awareness campaigns on renewable energy, a smartphone app allowing users to conduct simple energy audits at home and share with neighbours and more.

From Qatar, one project was selected as recipient of the Grants last year. Georgetown University’s project, titled Georgetown Recycles, received $7,500 for its recycling and composting programmes in school.