Donor Newsletter # 2-2006 - Alternative & Renewable Energy

The information in this donor newsletter series is based on data from the Both ENDS database of donor- and organisation profiles. Maintenance of this database is part of the ongoing services of Both ENDS to environmental organisations in the South and in Central and Eastern Europe.

This donor newsletter is the second in a new series of three issues regarding funding opportunities in the field of development and environment. This issue concentrates on funding possibilities for projects and programmes concerning alternative & renewable energy. 

This series of publications is made possible by grants of the Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DG International Cooperation (DGIS).


Index:

Aidlink
American Himalayan Foundation
Appropriate Technology Asia
Ashden Trust
Austrian Development Agency
Blue Moon Fund
Body Shop Foundation
BORDA
Canadian Hunger Foundation
DROKPA
ECO Himal
Enersol
Environmental Partnership Consortium
Fifty Lantern International
GERES
Green Empowerment
KATE
Light Up The World
Nouvelle Plančte
Practical Action
SGP-GEF Small Grants Programme
Solar Electric Light Fund
Solar Light for Africa
Winrock International

 


Aidlink

Background:
Aidlink exists to improve the lives of those living in poverty in the Third World. Aidink aims to relieve Third World poverty by supporting small to medium sized development programs facilitated by missionaries and local NGOs.

Activities:
Supporting suitable partners in Third World countries - missionaries, community groups and local NGOs - who are involved in suitable projects.
Accessing and distributing funds to these projects that are generally small community developmental in nature, and are likely to become self-sufficient and have a long term impact.
Empowering and building capacities so that local people can operate, manage and control their own community projects. Giving priority to projects that focus on basic needs.

Project examples:
Installation of solar power for Ssunga Health Centre, Masaka District, Uganda: The installation of solar power ensures a reliable power supply for the health centre and better care for the 15,000 people for whom the Health Centre represents the only access to health care.
Solar system for the dormitory and kitchen at St Kizito Yerya School, Fort Portal, Uganda: The project is
providing electricity for lighting for the dormitories and kitchen at the school, greatly improving safety for the students and allowing them to study at night.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia; Asia: Bangladesh; Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (animal husbandry, courses, horticulture, beekeeping, pastoral issues, sustainable farming), capacity building, food sovereignty, income-generating activities, education, healthcare, women, youth issues, technical issues (building, infrastructure, vocational training, (water issues (drinking water, sanitation, water management).

Contact information:
Contact person: Orla Duke, projects officer
Address: 46 Lower Rathmines Road, Rathmines, 6 Dublin - Ireland
Phone: +353-1-4966956
Fax: +353-1-4963320
E-mail: info@aidlink.ie 
Website: www.aidlink.ie 

Information collected 08/2006

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American Himalayan Foundation (AHF)

Background:
The American Himalayan Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the people and ecology of the Himalaya.

Activities:
The AHF supports projects that are on a human scale and that directly benefit people. The AHF supports and funds projects directly, but also joins with other organizations in larger, cooperative endeavours. In every case, AHF projects involve local commitment and community participation.

Project example:

AHF sponsors microhydro systems, clean water and irrigation projects and hands-on training in sustainable agriculture throughout Nepal and in Tibet.

Geographical focus:
Bhutan, India, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (training, pastoral issues, permaculture), capacity building, sustainable development, environmental issues (conservation, ecological restoration, natural resources management, reforestation, wildlife protection), cultural issues, education, healthcare, refugees, technical issues (appropiate technology, building, infrastructure, vocational training), drinking water and sanitation.

Contact information:
Address: 909 Montgomery St, Suite 400, CA 94133, San Francisco - United States
Phone: +1-415-288.72.45
Fax: +1-415-434.31.30
E-mail: ahf@himalayan-foundation.org 
Website: www.himalayan-foundation.org 

Information collected 08/2005

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Appropiate Technology Asia (ATA)

Background:
ATA's mission is to find marginal and threatened populations in environmentally challenged situations in Asia - ATA is mainly working in the Himalayan and post-Himalayan plateau belt regions - and help them meet their basic needs for housing, household energy, safe water, food and good health.

Activities:
The principal activities of ATA are to advance the education of people in the continent of Asia, to relieve their poverty and to improve their health by, the application of appropriate environmentally friendly technologies designed to supply heat, light, water, housing and other like necessities in their communities; and by establishing, maintaining and developing in those communities provision for the study of and training in appropriate technology applications relevant to their needs.

Remarks:
ATA also operates a small grants
scheme: contact the small grants scheme at sgs@atasia.org.uk
Geographical focus:
Asia: China, India, Nepal.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (courses & training, permaculture, small livestock activities), capacity building, poverty reduction, income generating activities, environmental education, natural resources management, community development, technical issues (building, appropiate & environmental technology, infrastructure, vocational training), water issues (drinking water, sanitation).

Contact information:
Contact person(s): Alexandra Jones, director
Address: 80 Westbourne House, PE16 6HQ Chatteris - United Kingdom
Phone: +1-44-1354-694.326
E-mail: info@atasia.org.uk 
Internet: www.atasia.org.uk 

Information collected 06/2006

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Ashden Trust

Background:
The Ashden Trust is one of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts. Regarding environmental projects in general the Trust's long-term focus is on climate change and poverty alleviation allowing it to explore a range of ways to tackle these enormous challenges.

Activities:
The Trust supports community-based renewable energy projects which aim to help people to help themselves in an environmentally sustainable way. These projects alleviate poverty by using renewable energy technologies to improve household incomes, agriculture, educational activities and health facilities.

Project examples:
Additional support for renewable energy in schools in Kenya, by assisting the Renewable Energy Technologies Assistance Programme (RETAP) to expand a woodlot development programme. This project aims to provide schools in the Mount Kenya region with the skills and capacity to grow their own sustainable sources of firewood for use in fuel-efficient stoves.
Renewable Energy Pilot Project: towards renewable energy projects in ten villages in Lahaul and Spiti in the Indian Himalayas.

Remark:
The Trust also operates an awards scheme called the Ashden Awards. This is an annual competition to identify and reward organisations which have carried out truly excellent, practical, yet innovative schemes, demonstrating sustainable energy in action at a local level. The winners include schemes covering solar, wind, hydro, biomass, biogas, fuel-efficient stoves and energy efficiency. Past winners of an Award for Light include the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (Pakistan) for micro-hydro schemes which have brought electric light into thousands of homes in remote villages, NEST (India) for a cheap solar lantern making smoke-free lighting available for some of the poorest families and Grameen Shakti (Bangladesh) for installation and finance of solar-home-systems for lighting.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Eritrea, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia; Asia: India, Pakistan; Latin America: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (food sovereignty, sustainable farming), poverty reduction, sustainable development, economic issues (micro-credit, small business development), climate issues, environmental education, natural resources management, community development, education, refugees, women & youth issues, appropiate & environmental technology.

Contact information:
Address: Allington House (1st Floor), 150 Victoria Street, SW1E 5AE London - United Kingdom
Phone: +44-20-7410.0330
Fax: +44-20-7410.03.32
E-mail: enquiries@ashdentrust.org.uk 
Internet: www.ashdentrust.org.uk 

Ashden Awards:
E-mail: info@ashdenawards.org 
Internet: www.ashdenawards.org 

Information collected 02/2006

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Austrian Development Agency (ADA)

Background:
ADA is the operational unit of the Austrian Development Cooperation and Cooperation with Eastern Europe (ADC).

Activities:
The focus is on smaller-scale rural hydro-electric projects and on institutional support in the maintenance and operation of existing hydro-power generating plants. These activities are supplemented by a number of pilot projects relating to other energy sources such as solar-powered water heating systems, enhancing the thermal efficiency of local cooking and heating facilities, and sustainable biomass (wood) supplies on the basis of energy-oriented forest.

Project example:
Small-scale power station to cover energy demand in Nepal: the small-scale power plant of Namche Bazar is situated in the high mountainous region of Khumbu in eastern Nepal. At present 600 homes are supplied with power.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Cape Verde*, Burkina Faso*, Burundi, Ethiopia*, Kenya, Mozambique*, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda*, Western Sahara (sp), Zimbabwe
Asia: Afghanistan (sp), Bhutan*, Nepal, Pakistan; Middle East: Iraq (sp), Palestina; Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua*
Central Eastern & South-Eastern Europe: Albania*, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Croatia*, Macedonia*, Moldova*, Montenegro*, Serbia incl. Kosovo [* priority countries, sp: special programmes].

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (courses & training, infrastructure, rural development), capacity building, poverty reduction, sustainable development, economic issues (income generating activities, business development, eco-tourism), energy (alternative & renewable energy, micro-hydro projects), environment (conservation, natural resources management, education, refugees, women & youth issues, democracy, peace building, technical issues (infrastructure, vocational training), urban issues, water issues (drinking water, sanitation, water management).

Contact information:
Contact person(s): Robert Zeiner, director programmes and projects international
Address: Zelinkagasse 2, 1010 Vienna - Austria
Phone: +43-1-903.99-0
Fax: +43-1-903.99-290
E-mail: office@ada.gv.at 
Webpage: www.ada.gv.at 

Information collected 08/2006

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Blue Moon Fund (BMF)

Background:
The Fund emerged in 2002 from the restructuring of the W. Alton Jones Foundation. BMF makes grants to nonprofit organizations that have developed innovative, holistic approaches to improving human quality of life in harmony with the natural world. BMF is mainly is mainly involved in funding of funders.

Activities:
Projects with regard to alternative energy can be submitted within the scope of the two following BMF programs:
Rethinking Consumption and Energy: this initiative is aimed at developing environmentally-friendly, efficient, and economically competitive transportation and energy choices worldwide; and
Balancing Human and Natural Ecosystems: this initiative is aimed at reducing resource pressure and preserving biodiversity, especially as it relates to human quality of life. It supports creation of economically sustainable development models that do not displace humans and that take advantage of market forces.

Project example:
The Mountain Institute project: to increase economic opportunities in rural Tibet through ecotourism and demonstrations of biogas energy technology.
Wild Aid project: to reduce deforestation at Bokor National Park in Cambodia by replacing wood-burning with biogas production plants for energy.

Geographical focus:
Asia: China (including Tibet, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka; South America: Brazil, Peru.

Other themes:
Sustainable development, economic issues (income generating activities, business development, eco-tourism), environmental issues (conservation, environmental education, natural resources management), forest issues (agro-forestry, emissions, logging, ntfp's), mapping, animal protection, biodiversity, habitat protection, cultural issues, indigenous people, appropiate technology, urban issues (infrastructure & transport, urban environmental management).

Contact information:
Address: 433 Park Street, VA 22902 Charlottesville - United States
Phone: +1-434-295.5160
E-mail: info@bluemoonfund.org 

Website: www.bluemoonfund.org 

Information collected 08/2006

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Body Shop Foundation (BSF)

Background:
The BSF is the Body Shop International Plc's charitable trust and is funded by annual donations from the company and through various fundraising initiatives. Its aims are: support of organisations at the forefront of social & environmental change, support of groups with little hope of conventional funding, and/or support of projects working to increase public awareness.

Activities:
The Foundation is committed to support innovative global projects working in the areas of human and civil rights, and environmental and animal protection.

Project example:
Ethiopia: Jari Integrated Development & Welfare Organisation Rural Energy Enhancement Project which aims to develop the capacity of rural people in Ethiopia for them to provide sustainable energy for their communities.

Remarks:
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. However if you have any questions or queries about the grants programmes (e.g. the Global Small Grants Programme) that BSF runs, contact the organisation.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Botswana, Central Africa, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia; Asia: Afghanistan, East-Timor, Indonesia, Nepal; Latin America: Brazil, Mexico; Central Eastern & Southeastern Europe: Kosovo, Moldova, Romania.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (medicinal plants, permaculture, rural development), capacity building, poverty reduction, sustainable development, economic issues (income-generating activities, micro-credit, eco-tourism), environmental issues (animal protection, biodiversity, conservation, natural resources management, recycling & waste management), children's & human rights, land rights & indigenous people, education, healthcare, women & youth issues, civil society & democracy issues, street children.

Contact information:
Address: Watersmead, BN17 6LS Littlehampton - United Kingdom
Phone: +44-1903-844.039
Fax: +44-1903-844.202
E-mail: bodyshopfoundation@the-body-shop.com 
Website: www.thebodyshopfoundation.org 

Information collected 05/2006

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BORDA

Background:
The Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association is focusing on development co-operations that aims to provide sustainable and environmentally sound services for basic needs to disadvantaged segments of society.

The aim of BORDA energy supply projects is to provide access to electricity for all households within a project village, e.g. for evening lighting. Additionally, local small scale home industries get the option to improve their production and income by co-financing necessary electrical machines. The willingness of the target group to actively participate in the project realisation is essential for the sustainability of these measures and is a precondition for project implementation.

Activities:
Conventional local and governmental energy supply concepts most often fail to reach the population in remote areas. Therefore, BORDA seeks to bridge this deficiency by: 1) generating electric power with utilization of nearby energy sources (mountain rivers and streams); 2) implementing demand-based service provider concepts to demonstrate decentralized energy supply; and 3) disseminating this approach in cooperation with various stakeholders.

Geographical focus:
Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam

Other themes:
Integrated agricultural development, capacity building, poverty reduction, sustainable development, income-generating activities, business development, environmental issues (conservation, education, natural resources management, pollution, waste management), community development, social issues, technology issues (appropiate technology, building, environmental technology, vocational training), Urban issues (infrastructure, waste management), drinking water & sanitation.

Contact information:
English name: Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association
Address: Industriestrasse 20, 28199 Bremen - Germany
Phone: +49-421-137.18
Fax: +49-421-165.53.23
E-mail: kontakt@borda.de 
Website: www.borda-net.org 

Information collected 08/2006

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Canadian Hunger Foundation (CHF) - Partners in Rural Development

Background:
CHF an international non-profit organisation that addresses poverty at the village level in developing countries. CHF envisions a world in which rural poor have access to land, water, energy, technology and other resources they need to improve their living conditions and to attain sustainable livelihoods in a sustainable manner.

Activities:
CHF helps villagers become self-reliant with food production, water supplies and energy. The CHF Energy Program: Renewable energy means improved health for villagers and less harm to the environment. This Program helps by: introducing renewable energy options to rural communities; educating villagers to use renewable energy technologies; and organizing communities to find their own funding for equipment.
Project example:
India: Action For Food Production (Afpro): to create and promote family sized biogas plants and to provide training on their use on a national scale. CHF helped over 90,000 households in rural India to build family sized biogas plants. Villager women's lives are greatly improved. They can now grow gardens and spend more time taking care of their children.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe; Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam; Central America & Caribbean: El Salvador, Grenada; South America: Guyana.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (animal husbandry, courses & training, horticulture, pastoral issues, rural issues, small livestock, sustainable farming), development issues (capacity building, food sovereignty, poverty reduction, sustainable development); economic issues (income-generating activities, business development), environmental issues (conservation, degradation, desertification, natural resources management), mapping, community development, healthcare, women's issues, technical issues (appropiate technology, artisanal production, information technology), water issues (drinking water, irrigation, sanitation, water management).

Contact information:
Address: 323 Chapel Street, K1N 7Z2 Ottawa - Canada
Phone: +1-613-237.0180
Fax: +1-613-237.5969
E-mail: info@chf-partners.ca 
Website: www.chf-partners.ca 

Information collected 08/2006

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DROKPA

Background:
DROKPA Himalayan and Central Asian Development Projects is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting pastoral ways of life across the Himalaya, Tibetan Plateau, and Central Asia. DROKPA's mission is to partner with pastoral communities to implement grassroots development and catalyze social entrepreneurship.

Activities:
DROKPA facilitates the introduction and use of appropriate, renewable technologies. In the field of alternative energy DROKPA is now working with local villagers, regional governments, and other (inter)national organisations to provide solar light systems, solar cookers, greenhouses, and solar dryers for medicinal plants. DROKPA is also working with community members to explore other avenues for alternative energy solutions, such as mini-hydro stations, solar powered water pumps, and solar water heaters.

Project example:
The Dolpo Alternative Energy Project, Nepal: DROKPA staff, along with a crew of local and Kathmandu-based
technicians, distributed solar light systems and solar parabolic reflector cookers to twenty monasteries in the Dolpa District.

Geographical focus:
Asia: Bhutan, China (including Tibet), India (Ladakh, Sikkim, Dharamsala), Nepal; Central Asia: ?

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (animal husbandry, courses etc., horticulture, medicinal plants, pastoral issues), development issues (capacity building, food sovereignty, sustainable development), economic issues (business development & artisanal production), conservation, natural resources management, cultural issues, education, healthcare, appropiate technology, building, vocational training.

Contact information:
Visiting address: 1032 Irving Street, San Francisco
Postal address: PMB #1011, CA 94122 San Francisco - United States
E-mail: nomad@drokpa.org 
Website: www.drokpa.org 

Information collected 04/2005

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Eco Himal International

Background:
Eco Himal is an international NGO that works mainly with local grassroots' initiatives and village community groups mainly in the Himalayan Region (especially Nepal and Tibet) and beyond to improve living conditions for the local populations.
Activities:
One of the four areas of focus of ECO Himal is small-scale hydropower and solar energy. The other areas are: poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation; sustainable tourism; and cultural cooperation.

Project example:
Small Hydro-power Station Thame-Namche Bazar/Sagarmatha National Park in the Mt. Everest region, Nepal. Austria financed the construction of a hydro-power plant in Thame-Namche Bazar. Cooking with electricity has reduced firewood consumption by one third, thus preserving the mountain forests. At the same time, the steady supply of electricity encouraged the growth of small enterprises and promoted an ecologically-balanced tourism.

Geographical focus:
Asia: Afghanistan, Bhutan (ECO Himal CH), China=Tibet, India (ECO Himal CH), Mongolia (ECO Himal UK), Nepal, Pakistan

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (animal husbandry, courses & training, rural devlopment & infrastructure, pastoral issues), capacity building, poverty alleviation, sustainable development), economic issues (income-generating activities, business development, eco-tourism, local economic development), environmental & nature issues (biodiversity, conservation, natural resources management), community development, cultural issues, education, healthcare, indigenous people, women & touth issues, civil society development, technical issues (appropiate technology, information technology, building & infrastructure, training & courses).

Contact information:
Full name: Society for Ecological Cooperation Alps - Himalaya
Contact person: Mag. Brunhild Koster
Address: Hofhaymer Allee 11/17, 5020 Salzburg - Austria
Phone: +43-662-82.94.92
Fax: +43-662-82.94.92.22
E-mail: office@ecohimal.or.at 
Website: www.ecohimal.org

 

Remarks:
Eco Himal has sister branches in Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The sister branches are independent from each other, but in some projects they join forces and work together.

Information collected 08/2006

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Enersol

Background:
Enersol's mission is to bring renewable solar energy solutions to people living in the unelectrified areas of Latin American countries. By supporting the use of clean, renewable solar energy for health and education applications in Latin America, Enersol is demonstrating that it's possible to improve the quality of life in rural areas of developing nations around the world. Enersol reaches beyond the people of Latin America by sharing the results of its work with other organizations and through the replication of its efforts worldwide. Enersol is not a funder but can assist by fundraising for projects.

Activities:
Enersol focuses primarily on high impact social applications of solar technology. The emphasis of all activities is on building social infrastructure, organizing local communities and training local people to be key participants in meeting their own needs. Enersol is particularly interested in community health and education projects, because Enersol believes these are two areas where the use of renewable energy technology can have the greatest humanitarian impact.

Project example:
Fantino, Sánchez Ramiréz Project, Dominican Republic. A collaborative effort between Enersol and Centro Cultural Poveda, a NGO with expertise in the area of rural education, involving the installation of solar-powered computer labs in 3 schools.

Geographical focus:
Central America & Caribbean: Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico.

Other themes:
Appropiate technology, rural issues,
education, healthcare, drinking water.

Contact information:
Address: 55 Middlesex Street, Suite 221, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863 - United States
Phone: +1-978-251.18.28;
Fax: +1-978-251.52.91
E-mail: enersol@igc.org 
Internet: www.enersol.org 

Information collected 09/2006

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Environmental Partnership for Central and Eastern Europe (EPCE)

Background:
The Environmental Partnership is a consortium of six foundations in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia that are focused on mobilizing and empowering the people of the region to improve their environment, their local communities and societies. The EPCE is using a flexible mixture of small grants, technical assistance, networking and training activities as well as special programs. Each member of the Environmental Partnership consortium is an independent, self-governing, non-profit foundation.

Activities:
EPCE's Energy Programme has two areas of focus: 1) Energy alternatives: The program supports innovative approaches to developing renewable energy sources, including solar, wind water and biomass; and 2) Energy for schools: Schools have some of the greatest potential for energy savings in Central Europe. They are also a natural place to start raising awareness of energy conservation issues. Moreover many schools in the region (particularly those in rural villages and small towns) still serve as the centre of their community. Initiatives focused around these schools can bring together not only teachers, children and their parents, but also local government and business leaders, thus strengthening local cooperation and partnership.

Within the context of the Rural Livelihoods Program model environmental projects in rural areas with local communities are identified and supported a.o. in the thematic areas of energy savings and sustainable energy sources.

Project example:
Dozens of solar collectors were installed on homes and public buildings in the White Carpathians with a grant support. The village became a model community with not only the solar energy, but biomass heated homes and biological sewage treatment.

Geographical focus:
Central Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia.

Other themes:
Rural development, sustainable development, capacity building, income-generating activities (small business development, artisanal production), local economic development, eco-tourism, environmental issues (awareness-raising, conservation, education), community development, cultural issues, indigenous people (Roma), civil society development, urban infrastructure & transport.

Contact information:
Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation
Address: 12, Parchevic Str., apt.10, Sofia 1000
Tel./fax: +359-2-951.54.79, +359-2-951.54.46
E-mail: bepfbepf@bg.org 
Website: www.bepf-bg.org 

Czech Environmental Partnership Foundation
Address 1: Panská 7, 602 00 Brno
Tel.: +420-542-422-766; Fax: +420-542-422-777
Address2 :Krátká 26, 100 00 Praha 10
Tel.: +420-274-816-727; Fax: +420-274-816-727
E-mail: pship@ecn.cz 
Website: www.nadacepartnerstvi.cz 

Hungarian Environmental Partnership Foundation
Address: Szerb utca 17-19, 1056 Budapest
Tel.: +36-1-411-3500; Fax: +36-1-411-3515
E-mail: info@okotars.hu 
Website: www.okotars.hu 

Polish Environmental Partnership Foundation
Address: ul. Bracka 6/6, 31005 Kraków
Tel.: +48-12-422-5088; Fax.: +48-12-429-4725
E-mail.: biuro@epce.org.pl 
Website: www.epce.org.pl

Romanian Environmental Partnership Foundation - Fundatia Pentru Parteneriat
Address: Str Harghita nr. 7 sc. A ap.6, 530151 Miercurea, Ciuc
Tel.: +40-266-310678; Fax: +40-266-310686
E-mail: epce@topnet.ro 
Website: www.epce.ro

Slovakian Environmental Partnership Foundation
Address: Nadacia Ekopolis, Komenského 21, 97401 Banská Bystrica
Tel.: 421-48-4145-478; Fax: +421-48-4145-259;
E-mail: epce@changenet.sk 
Website: www.ekopolis.sk 

Information collected 10/2004

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Fifty Lantern International (FLI)

Background:
Fifty Lanterns was founded to help improve lives in communities torn by poverty, war or disaster through gifts of solar-powered lanterns and energy systems. The organisation specializes in changing lives in the developing world through sustainable technology.

Activities:
Fifty Lanterns partners with established humanitarian groups to provide disadvantaged communities with renewable energy sources such as solar-power lights, lanterns, and water pumps. FLI's work changes lives by providing light, safety, and productivity to families, schools and clinics who would otherwide be dependent on costly kerosene and wood fuels. FLI targets specific communities in central Asia and sub-saharan Africa (areas that are the least likely to receive municiple electricity) for relief and development projects utilizing renewable energy sources.

Remarks:
FLI partners with existing organisations to complete its work. In the past, they have worked with CARE International, Save the Children, HOPE Worldwide, and Habitat for Humanity. By cooperating with them to provide solar energy, Fifty Lanterns has a significant impact on both the success of the work of partners, and the future prospects for the communities the organization serves.
FLI manages all fundraising, procurement, shipment and training for its projects. They also provide staff that oversees every distribution, documenting the recipient of the product.

Project examples:
Solar lighting for 1,500 orphans and widows working in a coffee cooperative in western Rwanda. Solar lighting for 100 homes in northern Afghanistan being built by Habitat for Humanity, earmarked for the marginalized Hazara people. Solar lanterns for 300 midwives in Masaar e Sharif in Afghanistan, enabling them to more safety assist with labor and deliveries across a wide geographic region.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Rwanda, Uganda; Asia:
Afghanistan, Pakistan

Other themes:
Emergency aid, poverty reduction, rehabilitation, conservation, appropiate technology, drinking water.

Contact information:
Postal address: PO Box 251173, MN 55125 St. Paul - United States
Phone: +1-651-402.95.68
E-mail: martha@50lanterns.org 
Internet: www.50lanterns.org 

Information collected 08/2006

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GERES

Background:
The Groupe Energies Renouvelables, Environnement et Solidarités encourages the use of local resources and renewable energy sources with a view to respecting the environment and providing well balanced development schemes.

Activities:
The organization promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy, energetic services and income generation activities by assisting local partners in France and in the South. GERES operates in partnership with local development stakeholders (people's organizations, NGOs, institutions) to improve people's living conditions with respect to environment and climate.

Project example:
Cambodia Fuelwood Saving Project: CFSP works at grass roots levels and with national government in promoting urgently needed action to conserve Cambodia's wood energy resources. It provides technological and development expertise in the manufacture and promotion of fuel efficient stoves and in efficient, innovative methods of charcoal production.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mauretania, Niger, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe; Northern Africa: Morocco, Tunisia; Asia: Afghanistan, Cambodia, China, India (Ladakh, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Kumaon), Mongolia, Nepal.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (food sovereignty, horticulture, infrastructure, small lifestock), sustainable development, economic issues (artisanal activities, income generating activities, eco-tourism), environmental issues (climate, conservation, natural resources management, waste management), technical issues (appropiate technology, building), drinking water & sanitation.

Contact information:
Contact person(s): Mr. Vincent Stauffer
Address: 2, cours Maréchal Foch, 13400 Aubagne - France
Phone: +33-4-42.18.55.88; Fax: +33-4-42.03.01.56
E-mail: geres@free.fr 
Internet: http://geres.free.fr 

Information collected 09/2006

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Green Empowerment (GE)

Background:
Green Empowerment provides technical, organizational and financial support for the development of community-owned renewable energy systems to promote environmental protection and sustainable social and economic progress in developing countries. The strategy is to partner with NGOs to provide funding, organizational and technical assistance for community electrification projects and related environmental preservation.

Activities:
GE brings electricity and water to communities in the less developed world through renewable energy systems (micro hydro, biomass, and solar power) to stimulate positive social and economic advances. All the projects emphasize environmental concerns, including environmental education, resource conservation, and watershed mapping, restoration and protection activities.
GE emphasizes local leadership, community participation, and long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Green Development develops lasting partnerships with local NGOs in emerging countries to build sustainable capacity for renewable energy systems. Projects produce electricity for residential and community use to promote local economic development and micro-enterprises and deliver potable water. In its partnerships, GE assists with feasibility studies, technical training, project construction, commissioning, organizational planning, publicity and fundraising.

Project example:
Solar project in 2 indigenous villages in Ecuador: Numpatkaim and Kunkup. This project consisted of installing solar power systems on community centers, health clinic, radio communication center, battery-charging station and homes while training villagers on solar installation, maintenance and management.

Geographical focus:
Asia & Pacific: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Thailand; Central & South America: Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (integrated agricultural development, sustainable farming), capacity development, sustainable development, economic issues (income-generating activities, micro-enterprises, environmental education, natural resources management, forest issues, community development, healthcare, indigenous people, refugees, appropiate technology, information technology, infrastructure, training & courses, drinking water, integrated river basin management.

Contact information:
Address: 140 SW Yamhill Street, OR 97204 Portland - United States
Phone: +1-503-284.57.74
Fax: +1-503-460.04.50
E-mail: info@greenempowerment.org 
Website: www.greenempowerment.org 

Information collected 09/2005

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KATE Centre for Ecology and Development

Background:
KATE's vision of sustainable development is an integral concept connecting ecology, global equity, economic development and democracy in order to achieve socially and environmentally sound societies in the North and the South. KATE therefore supports projects in the areas of environmental education, rural development and appropiate technology & renewable energy.

Activities:
One of KATE's main objectives is the promoting and distributing of appropriate technology and renewable energy in co-operation with other NGOs and self-aid-groups.

Project example(s):
Renewable energy sources: Vietnam (wind energy), Cuba (biogas), India (solar refrigerators) and Gambia (solar cookers).

Geographical focus:
Africa: Gambia, Tanzania; Asia: India, Vietnam; Latin America: Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (animal husbandry, horticulture, permaculture), capacity building, poverty reduction, sustainable development, environmental issues (conservation, environmental education, natural resoureses management, waste manegement), community development, health issues, appropiate technology, urban issues (urban agriculture, environmental management), drinking water & sanitation.

Remarks:
KATE is also active in the promotion of school partnerships between North and South.

Contact information:
Address: Greifswalder Straße 4, 10405 Berlin - Germany
Phone: +49-30-44053110
Fax: +49-30-44053109
E-mail: KATE@kateberlin.de 
Website: www.kateberlin.de 

Information collected 08/2006

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Light Up The World (LUTW)

Background:
LUTW is the first humanitarian organization to utilize renewable energy and solid-state lighting technologies to bring affordable, safe, healthy, efficient, and environmentally responsible illumination to people who do not have access to power for adequate lighting. Light Up The World Foundation is dedicated to provide funding and facilitation for the development of renewable energy based solid state lighting for the world's poor and underserved.

Activities:
The Foundation brings ultra-efficient, durable and near permanent White Light Emitting Diodes (WLED) lighting solutions powered by renewable energy to the world's poor in ecologically sensitive and remote rural areas.

Project example:
Lighting the Virunga - Bwindi Gorilla Reserve Eco-Region: LUTW and the International Gorilla Conservation implement this project in parishes adjacent to the protected areas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The objective is to reduce deforestation and protect gorilla habitat for the remaining 700 mountain gorillas and create economic development incentives for the local population.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Dem. Rep. Congo, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia; Asia: Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka; Latin America: Costa Rica, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, Mexico, Peru.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (permaculture, rural development), capacity building, rehabilitation, local economic development, forest conservation, animal & habitat protection, indigenous people, appropiate technologie, infrastructure.

Remarks:
In the summer of 2006 the Calgery-based Energreen Foundation has merged with LUTW.

Contact information:
Address: c/o Schulich School of Engineering, ECE, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 - Canada
Phone: +1-403-210.95.17
Fax: +1-403-282.68.55
E-mail: info@lutw.org 
Website: www.lutw.org 

Information collected 08/2006

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Nouvelle Plančte (NP)

Background:
Nouvelle Planete is a non-profit organization founded on Albert Schweizer's example and ethic. It supports small practical projects in Southern countries and sets up direct relations between people in the North and the South. NP works with local organizations and grassroots groups to design and implement community development projects. It supports concrete projects run by dynamic partners, without governmental intermediaries.

Activities:
One of the areas of interest of NP is appropiate technology & alternative energy. Within this area AP is: organizing training courses and local production of appropriate technology for villages and farmers; promoting solar energy and other renewable energy sources to replace traditional fuels like wood; and promoting bioclimatic architecture.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Madagascar, Senegal; Asia: India, Philippines, Vietnam; Caribbean & South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Haiti, Peru.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (animal husbandry,
small livestock, courses & training, medicinal plants, sustainable farming), food sovereignty, poverty reduction, economic issues (artisanal activities, income-generating activities, micro-business development), environmental issues (afforestation, conservation, degradation, education, natural resources management, ntfp's, waste management), landrights & indigenous people, education, healthcare, women & youth, appropiate technology, building, street children, water & saniattion.

Remarks:
Regarding projects on approiate technology and alternative energy NP closely collaborates with the Centre Ecologique Albert Schweitzer (CEAS). CEAS is active for more than 25 years in Africa, this NGO aims at sharing its expertise in sustainable development in order to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged communities in Burkina Faso, Senegal and Madagascar.

Contact information:
Address: Chemin de la foręt 3, 1042 Assens - Switzerland
Phone: +41-21-881.23.80
Fax: +41-21-882.10.54
E-mail: nouvelle-planete@freesurf.ch 
Website: www.nouvelle-planete.ch 

Information collected 06/2005

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Practical Action (PA)

Background:
Practical Action is the new name for ITDG - the Intermediate Technology Development Group. The ITDG was - encouraged by the ideas of Fritz Schumacher - established in 1966 as an 'advisory centre' to promote the use of efficient labour-intensive techniques, the so-called 'intermediate technologies' based on the needs and skills possessed by the people of developing countries.

Activities:
Energy projects aim to increase poor people's access to energy technology options, through improving the efficiency and productivity of biomass use, and through small scale, low cost, off-grid electricity supply.
PA works closely with communities to help them develop technology options which are appropriate to their needs. PA helps to develop and promote sustainable energy technologies - sustainable, not only because they use renewable energy sources, but also because the community can participate in designing, building and maintaining the project. These options include micro-hydro plants, small scale wind generators, affordable solar lanterns, and biogas plants.

PA's work in sustainable and renewable energy for poverty reduction includes the following: improved stoves and household energy; reducing indoor air pollution in rural households; micro-hydro power (small-scale hydro-electric schemes that do not require construction of a dam); solar power; biogas; and small-scale wind power.

Project examples:
Tungu-Kabri Micro-hydro Power Project, Kenya. Funded by the UNDP and developed by ITDG/Practical Action East Africa and the Kenyan Ministry of Energy, the project benefits 200 households in the Mbuiru village river community. Practical Action is piloting small scale wind power schemes in Peru and Sri Lanka. These are designed to charge the vehicle batteries which many households use as a power source for lighting.
In Sri Lanka, PA has helped commercialise new biogas schemes and has worked with national authorities and universities and with local communities and institutions to ensure that biogas, which was a failing technology, has become a success.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe; Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka; South America: Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (animal husbandry, courses & training, food security, medicinal plants, pastoral issues, small livestock activities, sustainable farming), capacity building, disaster mitigation, rehabilitation, sustainable development, economic issues (income-generating activities, local economic development, micro-business development), environmental issues (climate, conservation, degradation, desertification & soil erosion, natural resources management, pollution), community development, women issues, technical issues (appropiate & environmental technology, building, information technology, infrastructure & transport, vocational training), urban issues (housing, infrastructure & transport, waste management), drinking water & sanitation.

Contact information:
Address: The Schumacher Centre for Technology & Development, Bourton on Dunsmore, CV23 9QZ Rugby - United Kingdom
Phone: +44-1926-634.400
Fax: +44-1926-634.401
E-mail: practicalaction@practicalaction.org.uk 
Website: www.practicalaction.org 

Information collected 08/2006

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SGP-GEF Small Grants Programme

Background:
SGP supports activities of non-governmental and community-based organizations in developing countries towards climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants and and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a corporate programme, SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership, and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

Activities:
GEF projects in climate change help developing countries and economies in transition to contribute to the overall objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Regarding alternative energy projects are implemented according the following GEF Operational Programmes OP5 - Removal of Barriers to Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation, OP6 - Promoting the Adoption of Renewable Energy by Removing Barriers and Reducing Implementation Costs, and OP11 - Promoting Environmentally Sustainable Transport.

Project examples:
Alternative Energy for Environmental Conservation through Women Empowerment Project, Nepal. This project of the Rural Community Development Society is designed to link bio-gas, slurry, vermicomposting, agroforestry and practicing improved livestock farming.
Introduction of Electric Vehicles to Sri Lanka by the Lanka Electric Vehicle Association, Sri Lanka. Introducing zero emission electric three wheeler scooters, train unemployed youth to operate and maintain the demonstration model and produce vehicle parts in order to assemble electric three wheelers locally, conduct an awareness campaign on the electric vehicles use for reducing vehicular emissions and pollution.
Farming Sustainability through Renewable Energy, Barbados. The establishment of an organic farming programme to reduce pollution of the rivers and streams. To train farmers in development and maintenance of solar technology by the Buccament Valley - Cane Grove Farmers Group (BVCGFG).

Geographical focus:
The Global South.

Other themes:
Besides Climate Change the focal areas of the Programme are: Biodiversity, International Waters, Land Degradation, and Persistent Organic Pollutants as well as Multifocal Areas. Within these categories a lot of other themes and sub-themes related to environment - but also with respect to agricultural issues, forest issues and marine issues - are highlighted. Check the website for more details.

Contact information:
Contact person: Ms. Marie Aminata Khan, Knowledge Facilitator
Address: 304 East 45th Street, FF-956, New York, NY 10017 - United States
Phone: +1-212-906.5842

Fax: +1-212-906.6568
E-mail: marie.khan@undp.org 
Website: http://sgp.undp.org 

Information collected 08/2006

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Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)

Background:
SELF improves life conditions and saves the environment by bringing solar power to rural villages in developing countries - enhancing health, education, and economic prospects, while combating global warming.
SELF seeks to assist developing world communities and governments in the acquisition, financing and installation of decentralized household solar electric systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Activities:
Acting as a catalyst, SELF provides technical and financial assistance for solar energy and wireless communication systems in the developing world. SELF brokers the purchase and delivery of solar home lighting systems (SHS) working with rural solar electric associations, local PV-system suppliers, solar entrepreneurs, farmers cooperatives, donor agencies, corporations, NGOs, multilateral development banks, and governments. SELF also helps start up rural solar enterprises.
SELF seeks to accelerate commercial market acceptance of solar-generated electricity in developing countries through "solar seed" projects. SELF provides technical assistance and training programs, and develops grass-roots financing mechanisms. Through media communications, educational programs, and awareness campaigns, SELF promotes decentralized green power throughout the developing world.

Project example:
Jiwaga Project Nigeria: Each of three villages in Jigawa State of Northern Nigeria were equipped with solar PV systems for a water pumping system, a school, a clinic, a mosque, street lights, and a micro-enterprise center housing 6 small businesses.
Pulimarang Project Nepal: SELF brought solar electricity to the village of Pulimarang in collaboration with the Centre for Renewable Energy (CRE) in Kathmandu. With support from the Moriah Fund, solar home systems (SHS) were installed in sixty-five homes and a community center in Nepal's first solar powered village.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Benin, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda; Asia & Pacific: Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Vietnam; South America: Brazil.

Other themes:
Rural issues, sustanable development, local economic development, small business development, environmental issues (awarness-raising, conservation, natural resources management, pollution), community development, education, health issues, indigenous people, technical issues (appropiate technology, ICTs, infrastructure, courses & training).

Contact information:
Contact person: Mr. Robert Freling, Executive Director
Address: 1775 K Street NW, Suite 595, DC 20006 Washington - United States
Phone: +1-202-234.7265
Fax: +1-202-328.9512
E-mail: info@self.org 
Website: www.self.org 

Information collected 08/2006

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Solar Light for Africa (SLA)

Background:
Solar Light for Africa, Ltd. is a not-for-profit collaboration between American and African churches, NGOs, and governments to provide light, power, and water sources for rural Africa using the natural power of the sun.

Activities:
To provide solar powered electricity for pumping water, water purification, lighting, refrigeration for vaccines, and other critical services. In particular, SLA has been installing solar systems in rural health clinics and hospitals.

Remark:
SLA cooperates with the Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF). The GETF combines its expertise in the areas of international development and energy to tackle the challenge of providing energy to the world's poorest populations. GETF projects in this area range from on-the-ground partnerships in rural undeveloped communities to larger-scale projects that deliver sustainable energy solutions to the developing world on a global basis.

Project example:
To date, SLA has provided power and light to 1,500 facilities in rural regions of East Africa, including two large regional hospitals.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda.
Other themes:
Education, natural resources management, healthcare.

Contact information:
Address: 5 Wirt Street SW, Suite 200, Leesburg, VA 20175 - United States
Phone: +1-703-777.77.46
Fax: +1-703-777.79.05
E-Mail: solarlight@solarlightforafrica.org 
Internet: www.solarlightforafrica.org 

Information collected 09/2006

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Winrock International (WI)

Background:
Winrock International is a non-profit organization that matches innovative approaches in agriculture, natural resources management, clean energy, and leadership development with the unique needs of its partners. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

Activities:
Winrock's clean, renewable energy programs ignite economic development, and improvements in healthcare, education, and living standards. From small portable units to grid-connected systems, Winrock's work focuses on building the skills of communities and organizations, and the operational framework necessary to exploit fully the opportunities electricity brings. The work extends from feasibility studies, project design, and financing mechanisms to enterprise development, maintenance, and training.

Project example:
Sustainable Energy for Brazil's Rural Poor: the Productive Energy Project focuses on the northern and northeastern areas of the Amazon region. One of the project's most innovative approaches involves the use of biodigestion technology: turning livestock manure into gas that can be used for cooking, lighting, and other needs.

Geographical focus:
Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda; Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Inda, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam; Far East: China, Russian Siberia, South Korea; South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru; Central & Eastern Europe and Newly Independent States: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazachstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.

Other themes:
Agricultural issues (agro-forestry & NTFPs, animal husbandry, courses & training, rural issues, sustainable farming), development issues (capacity building, food security, sustainable development), economic issues (income-generating activities, local economic development, micro-business development, trade issues), environmental issues (biodiversity, conservation, desertification, education & awareness-raising, natural resources management, research), technical issues, water issues.

Contact information:
Address: 2101 Riverfront Drive, AR 72202 Little Rock - United States
Phone: +1-501-280.3000

Fax: +1-501-280.3090
E-mail: communications@winrock.org 
Website: www.winrock.org 

Information collected 04/2005

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Disclaimer:
Both ENDS does not invite reliance upon, nor accept responsibility for, the information it provides. Both ENDS makes every effort to provide a high quality service. However Both ENDS does not give any guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of the information provided. Both ENDS always welcomes feedback on the information it provides; please mail your comment and/or corrections to: hk(at)bothends.org 

Please Note:
All information in this publication has been gathered from public sources, Both ENDS has no control over the content of these sources and can therefore accept no liability over any actions taken as a result of the contents of these sources. If however organisations have objections against publication in the donor newsletter please notify the editor.


© Both ENDS 09/2006