Banyan Tree Global Foundation is accepting proposals for the "2022 Greater Good Grants" that aims to support initiatives that benefit local communities and environments where the global hospitality group operates.
The grant comes as a blessing at this critical time, as the pandemic is affecting people and livelihoods, with reports of funding being pulled from various conservation initiatives and cultural heritage projects across the world.
For the second year, the foundation is prioritising timely projects that will tackle contemporary issues, some of which have arisen in light of the ongoing and developing impact of Covid-19.
The main focus areas for projects this year include: physical, mental health and wellbeing of women and children in indigenous communities; freshwater access, sanitation, health and hygiene; control of mosquito-borne diseases; alternative livelihood development that promotes or protects local culture and/or the environment; management of food waste; and remote access to education and learning.
To ensure effectiveness in the long run, each project will be assessed based on its demonstrated need and urgency; leverage of local, regional and national partnerships to deliver measurable impact; and scalability with clear evaluation of success.
Project grants are up to US$10,000 (334,142 baht) and organisation affiliation is required to receive and administer the grant. Submissions will be reviewed by the foundation's board of directors and an internal panel of stakeholders.
The closing date for project proposal submissions is 11pm on Sept 30 (Bangkok time) and funds will be issued in January 2022.
The first round of grants last year saw eight NGOs selected for their projects, most of which focused on protecting the natural world, including the habitats and ecosystems of Borneo's rainforests, the Mahakam Delta in Indonesia, Bach Ma National Park in Vietnam, and Anlung Pring Wetlands in Cambodia.
