International Projects
Suraj, a young man from Afghanistan, lost his legs in 2003 after stumbling upon an old cluster bomb left in a park. Although he was able to recover, living with a disability presents an extra challenge in his daily life. It is one of MCIC’s priorities to fund development projects that include the participation of people with disabilities. Photo: Alison Locke.
MCIC administers the Manitoba Government Matching Grant Program (MGMGP), which funds projects in many parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America. These projects address a wide range of issues, such as education, literacy, job creation, agriculture, the environment, micro-enterprise business development and health.
Download our Funding Guide here
Each year, MCIC member agencies raise over $23 million in Manitoba for their overseas work, and MCIC disburses $1 million from the Government of Manitoba for our members’ overseas projects through the MGMGP.
MCIC supports development projects which include:
- Partnership and local control
- Popular participation and self-reliance
- Respect for all persons, with special attention to gender issues, and persons with disabilities
- Sustainable development and the environment
- Addressing the causes of poverty rather than the symptoms
- Appropriate technology
- Accountability
The MGMGP grants are distributed through four funds: the Development Fund, the Theme Fund, the Community Solidarity Fund and the Relief and Rehabilitation Fund.
Development Fund
The Development Fund supports projects that improve all areas of individual and community life in the Global South. Through the work of MCIC member agencies and their local partners, these projects are part of a long-term development process, rooted in a commitment to empowerment and self-determination for all peoples.
Featured Project
Clean Water in Every Home
International Development Enterprises (IDE) | Country: Cambodia | Amount: $22,463 | Funded in 2007/2008
In Cambodia, many farmers have less than a hectare of land and earn less than $1 a day. International Development Enterprises (IDE) Canada, based in Winnipeg, is part of a worldwide organization whose goal is to improve the lives of these small-scale farmers.
The Clean Water in Every Home project enabled at least 12,000 new households to purchase and use low-cost water filters to produce clean drinking water in their homes. IDE worked with local manufacturers, distributors and retailers who will continue to provide new and replacement filters as long as the demand exists.
So far the project has seen impressive results. A recent study indicated that diarrhea, a leading cause of death among children, was reduced by 46% among users of the water filters.
View all projects in the Development Fund »
Community Solidarity Fund
The Community Solidarity Fund provides funding to Manitoba not-for-profit, community-based groups involved in development projects overseas. The fund is available to non-member and MCIC affiliate members and provides another way to help Manitobans work together with partners around the world.
Download the CSF Funding Guide
For those interested in applying for the fund, the next orientation session will take place on April 27, 2010 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm and April 28, 2010 from 9:30 am - 11:00 pm.
Same session offered at both times.
Location: MCIC office, 302-280 Smith St. Winnipeg
Featured Project
Housing for Persons with Disabilities
International Centre of Winnipeg | Country: Mexico | Amount: $5,000 | Funded in 2007/2008
Casas sin Barreras, the International Centre of Winnipeg’s partner organization in Mexico, coordinated the building of five homes in Guanajuato City, which are accessible to their inhabitants who have disabilities. The people with disabilities and their families now own these homes, which were built according to their own recommendations and with the help of their extended family members. Having their own homes has increased both the dignity of the participants and their ability to participate effectively in community life.
View all projects in the Community Solidarity Fund »
Theme Fund
The Theme Fund encourages MCIC member agencies to take a broader view of development projects by responding to current issues of international concern. With the 2008-2010 theme, “Adaptation to Climate Change,” the fund supports projects that help international partners address current climate risks and prepare for long-term climate change in their communities.
View all projects in the Theme Fund »
Relief and Rehabilitation Fund
The Relief and Rehabilitation Fund helps MCIC member agencies support communities as they respond to the effects of disasters. Funded projects are often part of collaborative international relief efforts.
