Ford grants pass half million mark as initiative celebrates seven years of success

Ford is celebrating seven years of recognizing grassroots level environmental initiatives this year, and once again US$90,000 will be shared among deserving voluntary projects in the region.

Hussein Murad, Sales & Marketing director of Ford Middle East, said: "The Ford Grants represent the largest private sector conservation initiative in the Middle East, and we are delighted to see the programme begin its seventh year of success in 2006.

'A total of US$510,000 has been donated to more than 60 ongoing voluntary projects to date. This is a tremendous investment in conservation and the environment, and it has been inspired by the selfless commitment of a great many people in the local communities where we serve our customers."

The Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants were introduced into the GCC in 2000, and later expanded to include Jordan, Lebanon and Syria in 2001.

An independent judging panel of academics, government experts, and environmental and conservation specialists select applications for funding.

To apply for funding from the Ford Grants this year, volunteers are invited to pick up a brochure and application form from the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships across the GCC, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Applicants can also visit the Ford Grants' bilingual website www.ford-environmentalgrants.com, and download a form. Applications will be accepted until October 19, 2006.

"Since we introduced the Ford Grants into the region, the 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,' added Murad.

The Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants provide financial support to both individuals and community groups who demonstrate a well-defined sense of purpose, and a commitment to maximising available resources.

Since 2000, 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 60 projects.

Recipients of funding have ranged from turtle conservationists in Syria to volunteers protecting endangered gazelles in Jordan and botanists in Saudi Arabia as well as defenders of the marine life in Oman and the UAE. A total of 13 projects were rewarded in 2005 representing Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Syria, Qatar, and Bahrain.

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 countries working on ongoing projects in three categories: natural environment, environmental education and conservation engineering.