Ongoing funding is one of the most difficult aspects of managing SAMP. We are able to apply for 1 grant per year from Rotary Foundation, and grants are matched by District 6220 funds. The minumum grant of $10,000 will cover the cost of two containers or 80 gaylords. We pack between 120 and 160 gaylords per year, and must store unshipped gaylords on trailers at $120 per month.
The Project sometimes also receives funding from matching grants and direct contributions from Clubs and the District. In 1997, the Blankets For Africa project resulted in many Clubs raising funds to be used to purchase blankets for shipment to southern Africa along with the medical supplies and equipment. Since the inception of this Project, several Clubs have held special fund-raising events, the proceeds of which were earmarked either in part or in total for this Project.
The Project has also received a grant through the U.S. State Department with a program called the Funded Transportation Program. This program covers the full cost of transportation of humanitarian goods to needy countries based on an application process and demonstration of the ability to provide the humanitarian supplies. We only did one shpment using this funding source. Very time consuming, lots of paperwork, and funding can be cut without much notice.
updated 02-Apr-2010