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EDUCATION AWARENESS SUPPORT EFFORT AND MATCHING GRANTS PROGRAM (EASE-MGP)
EASE works with Parent-Teachers-Community Associations (PTCAs)
and local groups to raise awareness on the state of education in the ARMM.
Under its Matching Grant Program, USAID directly matches - peso for peso - any funds
that the PTCAs and other community groups raise to finance improvements in the
schools. Assistance is provided directly to the PTCAs.
USAID has awarded
matching grants to Parent-Teacher Community Associations (PTCAs) with schools in
the ARMM and neighboring conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. These have been
used to establish libraries and science laboratories, and purchase multi-media
teaching aids and other educational materials. USAID anticipates awarding
about 100 of these matching grants each year.
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EASE FAQ's
What is a Matching Grant?
This is funding provided to "match" funds raised by Parent-Teacher- Community Associations and other community organizations for a specific education improvement activity in a qualified school.
Who funds these Matching Grants?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provides the "matching" funds. The Matching Grant Program is an element of the Education Awareness Support Effort (EASE) of USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program.
How much money is in a Matching Grant?
The size of a Matching Grant is determined by the amount raised by the Parent-Teacher Community Associations and other community organizations for the activity. For example, if a PTCA and its partners are able to raise P20,000 to set up a library, then it can apply for a Matching Grant of P20,000. A Matching Grant will amount to no more than 50 percent of the total activity cost. Matching Grants cannot exceed 500,000 pesos.
What kinds of activities can be assisted by a Matching Grant?
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A wide range of activities are possible. These are some examples of the activities that can be proposed:
Establishing or improving school libraries
Setting up science laboratories
Purchase of computers for student use
Providing for teacher training in academic subjects
Matching Grants cannot be provided for:
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Activities or projects that are the mandate of the Department of Education, such as school construction or the provision of desks and school furniture
Activities in support of religious education/training
Activities not directly related to education improvement
Who can apply for a Matching Grant?
PTCAs and other community groups, such as:
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Alumni Associations
Chambers of Commerce and other business support organizations
Civic groups and NGOs
Must contributions for the proposed activity be entirely in cash?
A cash contribution from the PTCA is required, but additional contributions in the form of labor and/or materials may also be accepted.
How do organizations apply for Matching Grants?
Contact the nearest GEM office in your area. Just send a message by text, fax or email, and GEM will be happy to call you to let you know how to apply for a Matching Grant. Be sure to include your name, the name of your school, and your cellphone or telephone number in the message.
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A PTCA of a school in Maguindanao Province raised funds from its own members, from community donors, and the local Chamber of Commerce. The funds were "matched" by the EASE Program and used to buy equipment and materials needed for a science lab. Having a lab not only enabled the students to expand their knowledge, it also resulted in reactivation of the school's Science Club.
Cotabato, with contributions from its members, the graduating class of 2004, and a retired teachers' association, was able to establish a library for the local school. With additional support from a Matching Grant, they were able to purchase books, shelves, tables, and security grills for the library. This attracted the attention of a Manila-based donor, which sent them a large delivery of children's books for free.
The PTCA of a high school in Basilan raised money through member contributions and a fund-raising dinner to enable a small group of students and teachers to attend a school journalism conference in Manila.
GEM OFICES
Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program
2/F, Ladislawa Building, Ladislawa Avenue
Buhangin, Davao City 8000
Cellphone: 0917-7049830
Fax: (082)225-1479
Tel: (082)225-1569 to 75
Email: ease@mindanao.org
Cotabato City
4/F, Elena V. Co Building, Don Rufino Alonzo Street
Cotabato City, 9600 Philippines
Tel: (63-64) 421-4166
Telefax: (63-64) 421-1389
E-mail: gemcm@mozcom.com
Zamboanga City
4/F, VH Wee Building, Veterans Avenue
Zamboanga City, 7000 Philippines
Tel: (63-62) 992-3404 to 06
Telefax: (63-62) 992-3392
E-mail: gemzambo@info.com.ph