SANTO DOMINGO.- Ford has opened the call for applications for the 26th edition of its Ford Environmental Donations program, an international initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of natural resources and supporting community projects with a positive impact on the environment.
According to the company, the application process will be open from April 22, coinciding with International Mother Earth Day, until May 29. It also indicated that the program has allocated more than $2.2 million since its inception in 2001 to countries in Central America and the Caribbean.
Available funds and participating countries
According to the automotive company, this year $85,000 will be distributed among community projects in Panama, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala, with the aim of promoting sustainable initiatives in these nations.
The company indicated that proposals must be registered digitally through the DonativosAmbientalesFord.com portal, where the rules, conditions and references to previous calls for proposals are also available.
Participation categories
According to reports, projects can be submitted in four main areas: biodiversity conservation and recovery; food security; waste management; and renewable energy.
These categories, as detailed by the company, encompass initiatives aimed at protecting ecosystems, access to sustainable food, responsible waste management, and the use of clean energy sources.
Requirements to apply
Ford indicated that the projects must be led by legally constituted non-profit organizations, demonstrate impact on sustainable development, and contribute directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She also explained that the initiatives must include environmental education components, be in the implementation phase, and present preliminary results that support their impact on the communities.
Commitment to sustainability
“We are proud to continue contributing to the conservation of the planet through Ford Environmental Donations, which, for the past 25 years, has allowed us to empower communities towards a more sustainable future,” said Vivian T. Dávila, public affairs and communications manager for Ford in Puerto Rico, Central America and the Caribbean.
The executive noted that the program has acted as a catalyst for change, promoting collective efforts that contribute to improving the quality of life for thousands of people.
Project evaluation and selection
According to a press release from the company, a panel of experts in the environmental field will be responsible for selecting the winning initiatives, taking into account criteria such as community impact, contribution to sustainable development, multi-sectoral alliances and multiplier effect.
He said that the projects previously supported have contributed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, covering areas such as biodiversity, environmental education, renewable energy and waste management.
The company highlighted that in the 2024 edition the program directly benefited more than 20,000 people, with high community participation and the involvement of more than 1,500 volunteers.
Scope and projection of the program
Ford indicated that, in Central America and the Caribbean, the program has generated an impact that transcends financial support, strengthening the credibility, visibility and sustainability of the projects benefited.
He also noted that many initiatives have managed to ensure their continuity through the support of other donors, while some are planning their expansion to new communities, consolidating the program's role as a driver of sustainable development.
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