session 1b - applying for a new international program
TRANSCRIPT
Applying for a New International Community Program with Joe Elsinger, P.E.
MISSIONEngineers Without Borders USA builds a better world through engineering projects that empower communities to meet their basic human needs and equip leaders to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
VISIONEWB-USA’s vision is a world in which every community has the capacity to sustainably meet their basic human needs.
About EWB-USAMission & Vision
2002Year that EWB-USA was founded
San Pablo, BelizeLocation of the first EWB-USA project
2.5 millionLives impacted since 2002
Learning Outcomes
• Understand the project partnerships at the core of community programs
• Understand the roles of NGOs, CBOs, and local governments in community programs
• Understand the importance of obtaining community input during application process and reflecting it in the program application
Partnership Structure
Community-Based Organization (CBO) General Guidelines + Examples
• Community- Based Organization = CBO
• Must be located in the community and composed of community members
• Examples of CBOs include:• water boards, community development
committee, women’s committees, village councils, etc.
• CBOs should be independent from local NGO partners
• CBOs should understand and represent the overall community’s perspective, including their identified priorities and needs
• Direct involvement in:• Drafting problem statements• Defining program• Identifying & selecting projects
• Design involvement
• In-kind contributions
• Financial contribution - at least 5% in cash for the total project cost
• 100% of the project operation and maintenance
CBO+ Community MembersRoles and Responsibilities
• Ideally a pre-existing, established organization
• Widespread support and respect in the community
• Can “get things done”• Support logistics• Reliable points of contact• Help with data collection
• Capable of direct and reliable communication with chapter
Community-Based Organization (CBO) Identifying a Strong CBO
Local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) PartnerGeneral Guidelines
• Non-governmental organization = NGO
• “Local NGO” – The NGO must have a permanent presence in-country, including staff on the ground.
• U.S.- based NGOs with no permanent presence in-country are not considered a “local NGO.”
• Capacity building / Train community members/CBO
• Monitor project progress• Arrange translation services• Inform chapter about changes to
security/safety situation• Visit community regularly• Support site preparations• Accompany travel team in community during
visits• Provide logistical support to/from community• Serve as a liaison between chapter and
community• Technical data collection
Local NGO PartnerRoles and Responsibilities
Local NGO PartnerIdentifying an NGO Partner
• Permanent presence in-country (staff on the ground)
• Established relationship with proposed partnering community, including an understanding of the community’s identified needs.
• Not typically located within the community.• Should not be using EWB-USA to “enter” into
a community.• Ability to guide community through the
application and project process.• Capacity to support the chapter’s needs. This
will be different for each chapter.• Capacity for direct and reliable communication
with the chapter.
Local NGO PartnerQuestions to Consider
• What is the NGO’s relationship with the community?
• Is the NGO’s mission/vision in-line with EWB-USA’s?
• What is the NGO’s capacity to support the chapter?
• Would they require any payment in return for services provided to chapter?
• What are the NGO’s expectations of the partnership?
Local Government Entity
Definition• Represents people living in geographical area,
such as a municipality, town, or district
Examples• Mayor’s office, district governor
Roles and Responsibilities• Similar role as a local NGO• Possible additional roles/responsibilities
Reasons to engage local government• Basic infrastructure is an inherent and often
explicit role of the government• Project may already be in plans for
governmental projects
Addressing Expectations
• Discuss expectations with potential project partners beforehand.
• EWB-USA resources for addressing expectations include:
• Assigned PE at EWB-USA HQ• Statement of Intent (at the end of
the 501 application)• 511 – Roles & Responsibilities
guideline• Program Criteria (501 instructions)• Cash Contribution FAQ• 902 – Project Partner Agreement• 903 – Implementation Agreement• 505 – Site Assessment Checklist
Community Involvement in Application Process
How can the chapter and NGO involve the community in the application process and reflect this in the application?
• Document interactions with community members.
• Be sure that the outreach effort, whether conducted by an NGO or chapter, is broad and inclusive.
• Try not to lead public opinion. • Explain the process to the community and
share examples of 501s and letters of endorsement.
• Help compile the information gathered for an application and translate it, if necessary.
Community Involvement in Application Process
What role do the chapter and NGO have in filling out the 501 application for the community?
• Successful projects mean happy chapters, NGOs, and communities.
• Project success is ultimately dependent on the willingness of community members to participate in, and provide financial and logistical support for the selected project.
• A 501 demonstrates the beginning of a relationship between the parties.
• Chapters or NGOs can assist with preparing the 501, but they should document community opinion rather than projecting or interpreting.
• The 501 should be the voice of the community.
Community Involvement in Application Process
What is the purpose of the Community Letter of Endorsement and the Statement of Intent?
• The Statement of Intent sets out the expectations that EWB-USA has of its potential partners.
• The Statement of Intent must be signed by a community member; an NGO representative’s signature is not valid.
• Provide examples of community letters for partners to review.
• Community Letter of Endorsement should be sought from the CBO or other community representatives to indicate, in their own words, what they are seeking from a partnership and why.
ARC/501 Application ReviewGeneral Information
• The ARC (Application Review Committee) reviews program proposals submitted by communities.
• A three-person ARC team reviews each new program application.
• ARC team assignments are coordinated by Gretchen Smithwick, International Community Programs Manager.
• ARC reviews of the 501 community program applications occur on a monthly basis.
ARC/501 Application ReviewPotential Red Flags
• Unproven & inappropriate technologies.• Final design has already been
determined.• Project not focused primarily on the
needs of the community.• Weak or non-existent project partners,
particularly CBOs.• Chapter and/or NGO clearly filling-out
the 501 for the community.• Community “voice” or perspective not
reflected in application.• Any other indicators that the community
may not be driving the effort.
Appendix A – NGO-Owned Facilities
Most EWB-USA projects are community-driven and community owned. However, we also support projects that focus on NGO-owned facilities, such as schools, clinics and orphanages. NGO-owned projects pose unique challenges:
• Implementation, operations and maintenance are typically funded by a local or international NGO.
• The applicant NGO is often the mouthpiece for primary beneficiaries.• Project ownership is with the NGO.• Host community engagement & support may be limited.• Special consideration for project viability and sustainability.
Appendix A – NGO-Owned Facilities
Accordingly, applicants seeking assistance with NGO-owned facilities must complete Appendix A, and any application for an NGO-owned facility will not be considered complete without it. The issues include:
• NGO’s past and future commitment to the facility
• Monitoring by governmental agency• O&M costs and logistics• How will skilled and/or unskilled labor
for project implementation be provided?• Participation in project design,
implementation and upkeep by surrounding community.
• 5% cash contribution• Identification of community linkages
GET IN TOUCHMAKE A DIFFERENCE
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Denver, CO 80205
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Photo: EWB-USA University of Colorado Boulder Chapter