Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund approves 22 shortlisted project proposals

The Board of Directors of the Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund (EDTF) said it has completed project proposal reviews.
EDTF announced the first ‘call for project proposals’ under the theme ‘Ethiopian Diaspora-Partnership to Improve Social and Economic Wellbeing of Ethiopians in Need,’ last September.
The Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund Secretariat coordinated the project review process following receipt of over 300 project proposals in mid-September 2019, said the Fund in a statement.
The 22 shortlisted projects will undergo a final implementation capacity assessment and budget review focusing on organizational resources, management and effectiveness to deliver on proposed project outcomes.
Project proposals were reviewed by volunteer Ethiopian experts in a variety of fields recruited from Ethiopia and the global Ethiopian Diaspora community.
Among the key proposal evaluation criteria included are sustainability of the proposed project, potential impact, relevance, scalability, innovation and creativity, cost efficiency, accountability, transparency and communication.
Regional equity was also taken into consideration in deciding the short-listed applicants.
Zafu Eyesuswork Zafu, Chairman of EDTF Board of Directors said, “the donated funds will be fairly allocated among projects selected through a transparent and comprehensive review process for its critical need, project design, practicality of implementation and financial soundness.”
A total of $4 million is allocated to finance projects in the first round of funding.
The minimum and maximum amount that will be granted per project is approximately $200,000 and $350,000, respectively.
Final project awards will be announced following the signing of project implementation contracts with grantees on the 30th of January 2020.