Sino-African Initiative FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the purpose of the grant?
- How long is the grant?
- What is the structure of the grant?
- Will the cities implement projects immediately?
- Can our sister city program apply for funding or participate in pilot projects?
- How can cities become involved in the first year of the grant?
- How can I find out more about the grant?
- How large is the grant? Who is providing funding?
What is the purpose of the grant?
The purpose of the grant is to research and determine feasible urban poverty alleviation and corporate social responsibility projects and best practices that utilize people, businesses, and local governments from China, Africa, and the United States through sister cities activities.
How long is the grant?
The grant is for two years, starting at the beginning of 2012 and concluding at the end of 2013.
What is the structure of the grant?
This grant consists of two year-long phases. The first year includes research, design, and planning activities and incorporates in-depth analysis, interviews, surveys, and discussions. Based on the findings from the first year, three Sino-African-U.S. trilateral sister city pilot projects will be implemented in the second year.
Will the cities implement projects immediately?
No. The first year of the grant focuses on research. Information on pilot program participation will be provided towards the end of 2012.
Can our sister city program apply for funding or participate in pilot projects?
Local sister cities programs cannot currently apply for funding. Criteria for participation in pilot projects will be announced in late 2012.
How can cities become involved in the first year of the grant?
Cities can check Sister Cities International’s website and newsletters to stay up-to-date on the initiative. New information and activities will be posted regularly. Cities can actively participate in the research portion of this initiative through surveys and discussions as announced by Sister Cities International. Some cities may be contacted directly by Sister Cities International to be debriefed on their experiences working in Africa and China.
How can I find out more about the grant?
Sister Cities International will update its members regularly on developments in research and activities for the grant. For more information on SAI, please contact [email protected].
How large is the grant? Who is providing funding?
The grant is for US$1.5 million and has been generously funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.