Hivos Alliance can move on with the Dutch co-financing grant decision
The decision has been made: after a lengthy trajectory it has now become clear that the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs will honour the plans of the Hivos Alliance up to 75%. Since all requests for co-financing exceeded the available amount by approximately 30%, this decision did not come as a surprise.
‘This allows us to continue’
The application People Unlimited 4.1., which Hivos submitted together with alliance partners IUCN NL, Mama Cash and Press Now, aims to achieve structural poverty alleviation in the South. "Even though it was to be expected that less money would be available for the realization of our plans, this overall objective still stands strong,” says Manuela Monteiro, Hivos Executive Director. "This outcome will allow us to continue."
For the alliance this result signifies a grant of €308.171.872 for the coming five year period. Based on the grant application for the period 2011-2015, the Hivos Alliance wants to make a lasting contribution, with four interconnected programs, towards the development and strengthening of civil society in the South as a building block for sustainable poverty reduction.
Space for free expression, the empowerment of citizens, the improvement of the economic position of men and women in developing countries through better management of the natural environment, and advocacy in the North are the important pillars therein. That is why the alliance believes it to be of great importance that the Dutch government continues to strive for a strong and effective international cooperation – also in more strained economic times.
Fewer people will benefit
The reduction of the required amount by a quarter, will mean that fewer people will be reached with the programs than the Hivos Alliance planned for. It may mean that less people will have access to micro credits, that there will be less support for people who stand up against repressive regimes. It could mean that there will be less attention for women's rights, free press and sustainable development. The alliance will also have to reconsider the cooperation with numerous partner organizations in developing countries. Overall this means fewer chances for people to move forward.
Besides these implications, the decision of Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation Ben Knapen will have consequences for Hivos staff and employees of the alliance partners. For Hivos it means that costs need to be cut at the regional offices as well as at the head office.
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