It's six years and counting for Ford's conservation & environmental grants in the Middle East

The Ford Grants' independent panel of jurors will be looking for regional projects that demonstrate a well-defined sense of purpose, sincere commitment to maximising available resources, and a reputation for meeting objectives and delivering on planned initiatives.

Since the programme's inception in the Middle East in 2000, a total of US$420,000 has been granted to ordinary men and women who have made the preservation of the region's unique cultural and environmental heritage their passion. Application forms for the Ford Grants will be available at all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships around the region.

For 2005, the programme's jury panel of regional experts will distribute a total of US$90,000 in grants donated by Ford to ongoing projects in the GCC and Levant countries. Applications will be accepted until October 13, 2005.

"Since we introduced the Ford Grants in the GCC and Levant countries, this initiative has become increasingly popular. Our panel of jurors has hosted prominent personalities and environmental experts from the region's Ministries of Environment, and their dedication to the success of the Grants has been very rewarding," said Jim Benintende, managing director, Ford Middle East.

"It is gratifying to know that Ford has donated US$420,000 to the proud work of local, non-profit making groups and individuals, and one needs to look no further than the Conservation & Environmental Grants for evidence of the company's unwavering commitment to the Middle East region," continued Benintende.

The Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants provide financial support to both individuals and community groups who demonstrate a well-defined sense of purpose, a commitment to maximising available resources and a reputation for meeting objectives. Over the past five years, grants in the GCC and Levant countries have ranged from US$1,000 to as much as US$15,000, providing vital support to more than 50 projects, from whale researchers in Oman to diving enthusiasts in Jordan and botanists in Saudi Arabia.

Andy Acho, worldwide director of Ford Motor Company's Environmental Outreach and Strategy, said: "Bill Ford, our chairman and CEO, has stated that a great company not only offers excellent products and services but strives to make the world a better place. And with the Ford Grants, in one small way, we are making this a better world."

Acho said: "The Grants represent a pioneering corporate initiative in the Middle East, as little coordinated work to protect and sustain the environment takes place in the region outside the public sector. Cash donations, rather than the more usual gifts in kind, allow volunteer groups to allocate resources as they choose and where they're most needed.

Criteria for applying to the Ford Grants remain unchanged. The programme is open to small-scale, non-profit-making groups and individuals in the GCC and Levant implementing ongoing projects in three categories: natural environment, environmental education and conservation engineering.

Besides having a major regional impact, the Ford Grants in the GCC and Levant have earned global acclaim. The World Travel Market awarded the initiative its Environmental Recognition Award at the World Travel Market exhibition in London in 2002. The Ford Grants have also received various recognitions from the Middle Eastern news media.

To apply for funding from the Ford Grants this year, participants are invited to pick up a brochure and application form from the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships across the GCC, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.