Guidelines for Proposals to RSWR
God calls us to the right sharing of world resources, from the burdens of materialism and poverty into the abundance of God's love, to work for equity through partnerships with our sisters and brothers throughout the world
- What is Right Sharing of World Resources?
- What size grants does RSWR provide?
- What does RSWR look for in a project?
- How do we apply for RSWR grants?
- What may project grants be used for?
- Where should we send our proposal?
- What are our chances of getting a grant?
What is Right Sharing of World Resources?
RSWR is a Quaker organization supported by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in the United States. RSWR has two main goals:
- Provide grants to new, small grassroots organizations in the developing world
- Help Quakers in the United States learn about the negative effects of poverty in the developing world and the negative effects of materialism in North America
Why does RSWR provide seed grants in the developing world?
As our mission states, we believe that God calls us to this work of equity. We believe that providing seed grants to organizations to implement an income generating project offers a means of establishing self sufficiency to very poor people. We strive to help newer, smaller organization whose budgets may not allow them to receive grants from other sources.
Why do we call our grant recipients “Project Partners”?
Burdens of materialism and poverty affect all peoples, in the developing and developed world. The projects RSWR supports in the developing world are awareness building as they assist participants in building their level of awareness of the impacts of this burden and in providing alternatives for change. Likewise, RSWR strives to provide awareness building and alternatives for lifestyle changes for Quakers in the United States as we seek God’s leading in our lives. RSWR believes that we have much to learn from one another as we work together in partnership.
What size grants does RSWR provide?
Up to $US 5,000 per year, for a maximum of five years. Often, however, three years is the upper limit. Proposals should identify the duration of the project. Funding is approved for the entire length of the project, with funds being released upon receipt of a report/audit of the previous year’s activity.
What does RSWR look for in a project?
- A clearly defined proposal for an income generating activity which will improve the quality of life for project participants. An income generating activity proposal must include the following; number of participants, anticipated income, expenses, savings and loan repayment plan for the repayment of the seed money for each participant.
- The ability to receive and use money as intended (bank account, annual audits).
- An explanation of how the work can become self-supporting or can find local sources of support after RSWR funding ends.
- An understanding that the project is compatible with the three principles which guide the work of RSWR:
- Local Self-Reliance - Economies, to the extent possible, should be locally-based. Production would be geared toward local consumption.
- Sustainability - Economies should be sustainable in a number of ways including environmental, fiscal, social, political, and cultural. Economies should serve the community.
- Mutual Support and Accountability - Beneficiaries must be part of a group which offers support and accountability to its members.
- A brief description of the experience and background of the NGO’s director/project coordinator.
- Clarity that this project is primarily for women and that the beneficiaries have a part in decision making
How do we apply for RSWR grants?
RSWR has two funding cycles. There is a deadline for each cycle, June 30 and December 31. We strongly recommend that proposals be received by us at least a month in advance of these deadlines. Make your proposal as short as possible but respond to all the items in the section directly above. If you have questions, please write, call, fax or e-mail. Send your detailed project budget and your organization's last annual financial report, and a complete list of income sources for all projects.
What may project grants be used for?
Revolving loan for seed money, start-up supplies and equipment essential for the project, training, salary for persons needed to oversee the project, travel expenses, administrative expenses such as the cost of preparing and mailing reports to RSWR.
What are our chances of getting a grant?
Unfortunately, we receive more proposals than we have money to support. We receive 500-600 proposals per year. Of these, about 10% are funded each year.
Where should we send our proposal?
Right Sharing of World Resources, Roland Kreager, 101 Quaker Hill Drive, Richmond, Indiana 47374 USA. Telephone: 765.966.0314, Fax: 765.966.0325, E-mail: rswr@rswr.org.
**Due to problems with computer viruses, we do not accept proposals or proposal revisions by electronic mail. For more information about RSWR, see other pages in this website.