Project suggestions come from a variety of sources: the Board, members, and friends; Kenyan individuals and organizations; and outside groups or individuals. The Board evaluates them all and votes on funding projects during monthly conference calls.
Objectives
Our projects are generally small, with an emphasis on self-help. When we elect to become part of larger projects, we designate our contributions to specific, and often basic, less glamorous, aspects of an enterprise. FOK's occasional participation in projects in conjunction with major organizations, such as the Africa Wildlife Foundation, has helped us earn recognition and support beyond our immediate membership. To reflect the wide diversity of interests and concerns of members, we emphasize the following:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for small-scale self-help programs
- Education
- Health
- Conservation and Wildlife
- Emergency Relief
- Economic Development
- Projects supported by Volunteers in Kenya
Limitations
Because of limited revenues and focused priorities, FOK is unable to fund every request that it receives. Moreover, we do not:
- Grant requests to help single individuals
- Provide scholarships, school fees, or tuition in either the United States or Kenya
- Fund large projects, such as high-school complexes or major commercial ventures
- Fund operating budgets or recurring items
- Provide loans
The Board considers it important that FOK's donations go to demonstrably viable ventures. While we cannot provide funds to construct a large and expensive complex, for example, particularly when the source of primary funding is uncertain, we will consider later requests to provide furnishings or equipment should it be built.
Funding Amounts
Grants from FOK are generally small, ranging from $250 to $3,000, but many are around $500. FOK is not always able to provide the full amount requested.
Follow-upFOK requests that all its grantees send a follow-up letter or email indicating the progress and/or successful completion of the project.
Proposal Information
To submit a proposal, complete and mail the Friends of Kenya Project Funding Application, or provide the following information:
- Project title
- Contact person
- Contact address
- Name of person submitting request
- Name of person responsible for overseeing project
- Project description
- Project location (include village, district, and province)
- Number of people benefiting from project
- Anticipated project start date
- Anticipated project completion date
- Amount requested (in US dollars)
- If this project is part of a larger project, plan to raise the rest of the funds
- How you heard about Friends of Kenya
Submit your proposal to:
Friends of Kenya Projects
c/o Jensy Patterson43968 Championship Place
Ashburn, VA 20147
