The Isle of Man Government is launching a new international development funding stream of £2.4 million over two years to help improve the lives of people in countries of low development.
Reflecting the priorities contained within the Programme for Government, the money will be used to support projects that work towards:
- empowering women and girls
- ensuring people have access to sustainably provided energy
- protecting the environment through sustainable forest management or combating desertification.
In the past year, the Isle of Man has supported a range of projects. These have included providing clean water to communities in Kenya, opening two new schools in Nepal and providing around £750,000 to the Disaster Emergency Committee to help thousands of people affected by conflict and instability.
Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK said:
‘Our community can be very proud that the Isle of Man is helping to change lives throughout the world. This is the first funding stream of its kind to be offered by Government and will benefit some of the poorest people in the world.
'I recognise all the good work charities do both here and abroad and I am delighted to offer this fund to make long term sustainable improvements in the least developed countries in the world.'
The funding stream is available to charities registered in the UK or the Isle of Man.
International Development Partnerships are one of five funding streams administered by the Cabinet Office to distribute the Isle of Man Government’s annual international development budget. All projects funded are required to meet the international development policy objectives agreed by the Council of Ministers.
