An Amigos Grant is a one-time grant to a currently active Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) serving in Nicaragua. The grant provides funding for small sustainable projects whose goal is to better the capacity of Nicaraguans to help themselves and better their quality of life. An Amigos grant can not be extended and it does not provide continuous funding. It is a single disbursement. Under extraordinary circumstances, however, a volunteer can win Amigos Grants on consecutive years. This year's Amigos Grant is $250 (two hundred fifty dollars).

The granting process is competitive. Once a year (twice a year if finances permit), Amigos de Nicaragua will accept solicitations for Amigos grants. All solicitations require a completed application form detailing the PCV, the project, and the project site. All solicitations will be reviewed and screened for suitability by the Board of Directors of the Amigos de Nicaragua. Suitable projects will be voted on by all members of the Amigos who care to vast their vote, including members of the board of directors. Voting lasts for a limited time, after which no additional votes are accepted. The ballots cast will determine which solicitation wins the Amigos grant for that calendar year.

You enter into a contract with the Amigos de Nicaragua in regards to the execution of the project. Failure to comply with the terms of the contract may require you to refund the grant to the Amigos. Your contract with the Amigos for execution of the project include clauses for accountability (the Amigos must remain informed about your project and how it is progressing). The winner of the grant will be notified on 1 September 2003.

For more information contact Randy Wood, Amigos Peace Corps Liason