Application:  If your program could qualify as a vocational school, it is entitled to receive excess property from federal government sources and put them to work in a humanitarian setting.  Since the goal of educating young people within foreign countries could include the development of computer skills and literacy, application to this program should be one of the priorities.  As of this writing there are over 700 Pentium III computers and over 1000 monitors in holding waiting to be claimed by appropriate agencies.  Contact the Educational Institutions Partnership Program (EIPP) Team for policy and procedural guidance on the Defense Computers for Schools Program, and the use of the DITMS application when participating in the school program. Also, contact the EIPP Team for information on the Minority Institutions Technology Support Services (MITSS) contract.

• 703-681-2406 -- EIPP Team Lead/MITSS COR
• 703-681-2405 -- HBCU/MI Program/DITMS User Accounts
• 703-681-2408 -- Computers for Schools Program
• Computers for Schools Program Email Address: schoolsk@ncr.disa.mil
• HBCU/MI Program Email Address: hbcumi@ncr.disa.mil

Program: The Denton program permits DoD to provide transportation of privately donated humanitarian cargo to foreign countries using military transportation on a space-available basis.  To qualify for this program, the material to be shipped must be in the national interest, be in useable condition, and there must be a legitimate requirement for the material in the target country.  In addition, there is a minimum load requirement of 1,000 lbs. 

Application:  The space available program may be a valuable resource when coordinating specifically with military operations.  There are essentially two ways to approach the development of youth programs in hostile environments.  The first approach would be to take a proactive stance and address areas of concern where there is currently civil conflict, but in which the U.S. Government is not involved.  The second stance would be to allow the U.S. engagment schedule to drive the where and when of program development.  There are advantages to being the follow-on element rather than the lead.
 

While it is important to maintain independence in the operation of your own nonprofit charter, timing is crucial when determining where to develop a new project.  Although humanitarian situations in many areas are critical, the type of program that you might provide may be best suited to a follow-on approach.  Not only will this type of approach provide physical security, it generally signals an open door and massive influx of humanitarian efforts within the region.  The significance of this type of scenario is best seen in the current situation within Iraq.  Conflict in the region is subsiding, and opportunities for educational nonprofits are flourishing.  In many cases, the education of people groups who previously could not be educated, such as women and girls, are now possible.  Added to this, a modicum of security is present and will continue to grow in the region as order is restored.

In terms of the Denton program, the best means for a youth program to take advantage of such a program would be with a follow-on strategy.  The reason for this is that humanitarian efforts are generally in the interest of the U.S. Government if operations are taking place there.  Additionally, the onset of a military operation also means that there will be massive amounts of airlift within the region, whereas this may not be the case in other random areas you may choose to operate.  Once a suitable project location has been determined, you could easily register as a customer on the Humaintarian Assistance Programs Internet (HAP-I) site and take advantage of this program by arranging for the shipment of youth center supplies.

Funded Transportation Program

Program:  This program is similar to the Denton program except that transportation is not limited to military airlift.  This program authorizes nonprofit organizations to have the shipment of their property funded by the Department of Defense.  Transportation is limited to surface modes only due to the decreased cost involved, and the cargo is limited to basic humanitarian needs such as medical, food, shelter, and clothing.

Application:  Since you might frequently be working with poverty-level street children, it’s likely that this program could be of significant value to you in many countries.  In this case, this particular transportation mechanism is not reliant on military airlift, so its usefulness is expanded to any region that you might operate in where the program is available.  This could make this program of particular value in Russia where there is no military airlift, but a great need for humanitarian supplies to further the organizations efforts toward education. 

With over 1000 homeless children in Vladivostok alone, educating them and teaching them a trade is difficult without adequate shelter.  This program would be useful in this or similar regions such as Brazil.  While it would not provide for the shipment of educational supplies, food, clothing, shelter, and medical are in dire need for many of them.  This program can be applied for on the same site as the Denton program but orchestrated by Global Transitions Incorporated.  Early application is recommended with both programs, as the wait time from request to transport generally runs 9-12 months.

Humanitarian And Civic Assistance

Program:  This is a program designed specifically for the military which enables them to accomplish rudimentary construction and repair of public facilities, well drilling, roads, bridges, and schools.  In addition, they are also authorized to provide basic humanitarian relief such as medical, dental or veterinary care in an effort to increase their training and operational readiness for overseas assignments. 

Application:  This program could be of great use to you depending upon the region you choose to operate in.  In most cases, a recent conflict is not a requirement for submission and nominations for projects can be made directly to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.  http://www.dsca.mil/programs/ha/ha.htm  The actual contact person and application procedure varies based on the region in which the activity is proposed to take place.   The site also lists recent activity by the Agency and shows the diversity of locations in which projects take place.  The general scope of projects runs from $100K to $200K and are almost exclusively for school construction but only occur approximately 2-3 times per year

Displaced Children and Orphans Fund

Program:  Sponsored by the State Department through USAID, this program seeks to fund projects that work with children affected by war, orphaned by AIDS, street children, and children with disabilities.  Since 1989, the program has contributed more than $74,000,000 in 28 countries.  Most of the funded projects are carried out by nonprofit organizations that develop projects designed to strengthen the capacity of local communities.

Application:  This program is highly recommended for review and application.  Based on the mission of most youth programs operating overseas and the types of activity being funded by this program, this is a strong match for most programs.  A history of close and effective coordination with government agencies will help strengthen your organization’s chances in receiving grants from USAID.  In a recent forum address, Andrew Natsios, the administrator for USAID, stated that humanitarian leaders needed to do a better job of promoting connections with the U.S. Government or the Bush Administration would be finding new partners for overseas assistance programs.  The implication is that youth- oriented nonprofits have another window of opportunity if they can develop a solid program and coordinate it well with U.S. officials.  Applications to the program are accomplished through concept papers (approximately 5 pages in length) sent directly to the USAID office in the prospective country or through the program manager Mr. Lloyd Feinburg at:

Displaced Children & Orphans Fund
Patrick J. Leahy War Victims Fund
1300 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20004
(202)789-1500 (ph)
(202)789-1601 (fx)

It’s clear that overseas youth development can be challenging, and isn’t for everyone.  But it can be extremely rewarding!  Less government interference, greater benefits, lower costs of living, and meaningful community impact are just a few of the many advantages to starting a new program overseas.  With some homework and about 9 months effort, you can be fast on your way to a new career in a beautiful land.

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Dr. Rich Tarbox is the CEO of 5ivestone Inc., a youth program development agency helping struggling youth programs thrive financially and reach their communities. Find him on the web at www.5ivestone.com