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.
Last year, MCIC member agencies raised over $28.5 million in Manitoba for their international development work, and each year 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.
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.
For those interested in applying for the fund, the next orientation sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, October 12th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m and Thursday, October 13th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. These will be held at MCIC’s offices, 302-280 Smith St., Winnipeg, just south of Portage Avenue. Please contact Zack Gross at (204) 987 6420 or mgmgp@mcic.ca to register.
Click here for the Community Solidarity Fund Application Form and Funding Guide.
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. MCIC’s Theme Fund for the fiscal years 2010-11 and 2011-12 will focus on “Capacity Building with our Southern Partners”. This is an opportunity for MCIC Member Agencies to work with their overseas partner organizations and communities to develop their expertise and to increase their capability in delivering their projects and programs, or in managing, documenting and reporting their efforts. Capacity building can include areas such as financial management, gender sensitivity, environmental impact and capital expenditures.
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.
