Matching Grant Program 2024 | Application process of MGP

The Matching Grant Program is designed to bridge the gap between supply and demand in lending to rural businesses. It will assist in providing incentives to the business owners that use the Matching Grant to pay back the loans they obtained from the Partnering Financial Institutions (PFIs).

The Matching Grants Program is an alternative to state-managed relocation assistance. The First Generation Matching Grant Program aims to assist refugees (and other qualified individuals) in becoming self-sufficient within four months of their arrival without the need for government financial aid. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) funding will be matched by cash and in-kind contributions from participating agencies.

About Matching Grants

Matching grants, formerly known as standard grants, are major humanitarian initiatives that deal with unmet needs. The project needs to provide for a large populace. The grants that are awarded range from US$10,000 to US$100,000.

Typically, matching grants offer money for equipment and capital construction. Mobile health units, centers for the blind and disabled, eye clinics, major medical equipment, nursing homes, and schools in underdeveloped nations are examples of such initiatives.

Also, apply for:

Objective

To increase the potential for business sustainability.
To encourage rural business, provide financial access, and generate opportunities for employment in specific blocks.
To provide a strong matching grant financing mechanism that would also result in enhanced.
To solve the challenges of the demand-supply gap in financing rural businesses, the mainstream financial sector views these businesses as high-risk entities. Examples of these businesses include Enterprise Groups, Producer Collectives, first-generation entrepreneurs, women-led businesses, and others.

Participating in the Program

Participants in the Matching Grant program must join within 31 days of their arrival date or eligibility and fulfill specific job conditions.

In close collaboration with clients, the program provides:

Case management
Employment skills training
Job referrals
Family budget planning

The program also helps refugees with:

Housing, utilities, and food
Transportation
Health and medical
English language training
Social adjustment and other services

Funding of Matching Grants Program

The value of matching money that can be provided for a project ranges from US$10,000 to US$100,000.
Up to 75% of the project budget may be awarded to applications from developing nations.
Up to 50% of the total project budget may be awarded to applications from developed nations.

Check:

Eligible projects

Provide long-term benefits
Serve a large population or region
Involve Lions in hands-on activities
Identify Lions closely with the project
Raise significant funds from local Lions clubs
Address an important humanitarian need
Support efforts too large for one district to undertake alone
Improve the quality of life for at-risk and vulnerable populations
Highlight the presence of Lions in the community or region

Non-eligible projects

Individual assistance
Scientific research
Construction of residential housing
Purchase of land and buildings
Requests under US$10,000 or over US$100,000
Start-up facilities, including new medical centers
circumstances where funding from the government or other organizations might be more suitable
Operating and/or administrative expenses
gifts meant to create reserve reserves to pay back loans, including endowments
Single-club projects (minimum of two clubs involvement is required)
Lions clubs meeting facilities and clubhouses
Salaries, stipends, scholarships, or honorarium
Community centers/multi-purpose facilities
Projects lacking Lions identity and involvement
Consumable supplies and shipping expenses

Required Documents for Matching Grant Program

The required documents for the Match Grant Program are below;

Architectural drawings, cost estimates, and land ownership verification for construction projects
Equipment brochures, pro-forma invoices, and supplier price quotations for all items to be purchased for equipment projects
A five-year financial plan outlining future project income and operating expenses for the project

Read about:

Famous Amos Grant 2024 – Ingredients for Success

Application Deadline

In August, January, and May, applications may be considered at the LCIF Board of Trustees meeting three times per year. Applications should reach LCIF at least ninety days before the scheduled date of the board meeting. For exact dates of submission, please see the LCIF website. Application submissions should ideally occur far ahead of the deadline.

Applications that need more time to be clarified or are incomplete may be kept for consideration at a later board meeting.

Application Process for Matching Grants Program

To apply for this grant, direct submissions of applications to the LCIF Humanitarian Programs Department are required. The evaluation process may be delayed if the application is submitted through other departments because the application may be received beyond the application deadline.

You can send the completed application and the required supporting documentation in hard copy or electronic copy to LCIF.

Electronic submissions are preferred. Send just one copy, please. Please choose a reputable courier service (such as FedEx, DHL, or another) if you send your documents and application form by standard mail. If the document is misplaced during transit, this guarantees that it can be located.