Grants are awarded based on a completed application which is reviewed by a committee of individuals familiar with the development needs of Malawi and aspects of successful programs. While Friends of Malawi (FOM) intentionally created a simple application process, certain criteria are assessed in each application. These criteria, which can be seen as guidelines, are offered to ensure the project will compliment the mission of the organization.
Most project grants range from (US)$100 to (US)$500, dispersed in current equivalent Malawi Kwacha. In exceptional cases, larger grants may be considered, when development is significant and FOM support is meaningful to the success of the project. In either case, a community contribution must be evident in the plan.
If the support requested from FOM covers only a portion of a project's cost, the application must be very explicit (project description and budget) about exactly what will be accomplished with the funding requested from FOM. On the other hand, FOM cannot consider any funding for large-scale projects in which the funding requested from FOM is insignificant to the overall endeavor.
Once a grant has been awarded, accountability and reporting by the grantee is very important in order that FOM can share with its members how their charitable support has been used. Therefore, grant recipients must provide FOM with brief, interim reports as well as a final report upon the project's conclusion. Specific reporting requirements and report deadline will be elaborated at the time the grant is awarded.
When reviewing grant applications, the committee will consider the following:
1. Grant support will focus on the priority sectors identified by FOM:
- Health
- HIV/AIDS
- Education
- Environment
- Human Services
- Agriculture
- Small Business Development
Grants are for economic and social improvement at the village level, to be implemented by local communities and/or groups within Malawi . Priority is given to projects with broad participation and benefits that are immediately visible among large numbers of participants.
2. FOM gives highest priority to community and non-governmental organization projects. Government sponsored projects have lower priority. Funding is not intended for recurring costs of operations and maintenance, such as salaries and rent. Funds are not intended to cover attendance at conferences.
3. Grants are generally for small-scale projects that can be completed relatively quickly within the limits of funding approved by FOM, rather than funds being commingled as a contribution to a larger program.
4. Self-help is an important project element, with contributions of labour, materials, or funds from community members normally comprising part of the project's plan.
5. Where projects will generate income for the grantees, a plan for the use and accounting of future proceeds is required.
6. Projects that require recurring inputs, such as fertilizer for agriculture or security and maintenance of facilities and equipment, must have a plan for covering such requirements after grant funds are expended.
7. Funds requested for training programs must include a summary of planned curricula, along with relevant experience and qualifications of trainers.
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