External Relations

Overseas Aid Committee

The Overseas Aid Committee of the Council of Ministers is the Isle of Man Government body responsible for the funding of development aid projects in the world's less developed countries. The Committee is also responsible for providing donations to international emergency/disaster appeals.

Formed in 1985 as the Voluntary Service Overseas Committee to fund the overseas postings of Isle of Man VSO volunteers, the Committee changed its name the following year when it was given responsibility for the funding of all overseas development aid projects. Responsibility for donations to disaster appeals was given to the Committee in 2000.

The Committee consists of four members (three from Tynwald and one lay member) who are appointed by the Council of Ministers. Meetings usually take place three or four times per year.

The Committee funds projects from many well known charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Christian Aid, HelpAge International, PLAN International, The Leprosy Mission, Marie Stopes International and VSO, together with many others. Projects in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe have all benefited from donations.

Remit of the Overseas Aid Committee of the Council of Ministers

The Overseas Aid Committee is, as a sub-Committee of Council of Ministers, responsible for administering the distribution of the Isle of Man Government’s development aid funding. The Committee is also responsible for providing donations, to relevant appeals, in the event of a natural or humanitarian disaster.
The Committee provides development aid grants to a diverse range of projects but concentrates on the following basic development aid categories:
1. Safe drinking water and sanitation;
2. Agricultural development and food production;
3. Health and medical care;
4. Education and training;
5. Income generation and self-sufficiency;
6. Environmental protection and sustainable development;
7. Shelter and housing.
Projects in these areas that address the role of women and gender equality will be strongly encouraged.
The Committee will also consider the contribution and involvement of the recipient community and the subsequent sustainability of the project.

Deadline for applications

Submissions for funding from the Committee’s 2007-08 development aid budget will be accepted until Friday 29th February 2008. Any applications received after this date will be considered at the Committee’s discretion.

Revision of the remit and application guidelines

Charities or individuals wishing to apply for funding from the Committee in 2007-08 are invited to note that the remit and application guidelines have been revised with effect from Monday 5th September 2005.

Applications which do not fulfil the revised remit or guidelines will only be considered at the Committee’s discretion.

Current Membership of the Overseas Aid Committee

Mr G H Waft B.Sc(Hons) MLC (Chairman)

Mr J P Watterson BA(Hons) ACA MHK

Mrs P M Crowe MLC

Mr J H Green MBE

Further information about the Overseas Aid Committee can be obtained from the Secretary, Karl Cubbon, who can be contacted as follows:

Overseas Aid Committee
Chief Secretary's Office

Address:	Government Office Bucks Road Douglas ISLE OF MAN
Post Code:	IM1 3PN
Telephone:	+ 44 (0) 1624 685207
Fax:	+ 44 (0) 1624 685710
Email Address:	Karl.Cubbon@cso.gov.im