Do you know an PCV from the Chicago area or NW Indiana? Do they have a great sustainable project that needs some additional support? Well CAPCA can help!! Chicago Area Peace Corps Association (CAPCA) -- an organization of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers living in the Chicago area -- offers financial support to current Peace Corps Volunteers who are working on projects that meet one of PC's three goals.
The CAPCA Grant Committee reviews and considers each proposal on a rolling basis. Here are some guidelines in our selection:
1.Project must have community contribution of at least 25%.
2.Priority is given to projects that support grassroots development, community participation, and sustainability.
3.Project must be approved by Country Director.
4.Currently there is no funding minimum or maximum.
5.PCV must be willing to stay in contact with CAPCA to provide updates about the project, i.e. submit pictures and article for newsletter and, if possible, present at a CAPCA event upon return to the U.S. (See Accountability Statement.) We understand communication can be difficult, so we ask people to try to provide a liaison (family, friend, PC staff) to help with communication.
6.Peace Corps Partnership Grants are preferred however any grant proposal will be reviewed and considered.
PCVs interested in CAPCA assistance with their project, should submit a project proposal (A form can be requested). Once the grant proposal is received, it will be reviewed and presented to the CAPCA board. If we have any concerns or questions we will try to reach the PCV and his/her liaison contact. Once approved, PCV will be notified and funds will be sent to the PCV.
If you have any questions, contact Grant Coordinator Mary O�Donnell at odonnellmf@gmail.com or write a letter to CAPCA Grants Committee, P.O. Box 1149, Chicago, IL 60690, USA.
In the past year, CAPCA has funded two Peace Corps Partnership Projects, including one that built solar panels at a school in rural Malawi which received $5,047 in CAPCA funds. The panels will allow the school to have a less expensive power source to run its computers and therefore allow staff to type and print exams and teach students basic computer skills.
Another project received $3,292 to build a water irrigation system in a village in Senegal, which will allow farmers to extend their growing season.
