Bougainville community groups based in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville can now apply for grants of up to K100,000 for projects that promote local development and unity.
The Bougainville Community Grants program supports activities that bring communities together, promote economic development and improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
The grants are provided through the Australian Government’s development assistance program to Bougainville, in partnership with the PNG National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The grant funding range is K5,000-K100,000 with a 10 per cent contribution required from grant recipients towards the cost of equipment and materials.
The Bougainville Community Grants are designed to support grass-roots groups and community and civil society organisations that seek to promote peace, security and community cohesion.
Grants Committee Chairman Albert Kinani said the program would help bring Bougainvilleans together through projects that encouraged participation, equality and accountability.
“This means supporting groups of citizens and their representatives to work together and with government to improve service delivery and the use of public resources,” he said.
“The program aims to reach the most disadvantaged and the most remote areas of Bougainville.”
Eligible applicants include Bougainville-based church groups, youth clubs, sport groups, women’s associations, ward planning committees, and district peace and security committees.
Private businesses, school management committees and health facility boards may also apply.
Australian High Commission Counsellor Tim Bryson said the Australian Government has a long term commitment to working with Bougainvilleans to support peace and economic development.
“But development is always a collective effort. That’s why these grants encourage citizens, community groups and businesses to share the responsibility of meeting development challenges,” he said.
Bougainvilleans who wish to apply can pick up a public information pack from their District Administration or the Bougainville Community Grants Office in Arawa.
There is no fee or payment required to apply for the grant.
Applicants need to recognise that the funding process is competitive and completing and returning an Expression of Interest does not guarantee funding.
Australia’s development assistance to Bougainville is agreed under the Papua New Guinea-Australian Partnership for Development, in consultation with the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
Australian High Commission Councillor, Tim Bryson during a handover ceremony of water tanks from the previous round of small grants.