Grant aid encompasses various types of financial assistance that do not require repayment.
Grant Aid for General Projects is targeted at such fields as basic human needs, including primary health care and safe water supply, human resources development, including educational and other training facilities and equipment, population, AIDS, WID project facilities, and, in the case of LLDCs*, such economic infrastructure as bridges and road construction equipment. The grant covers the construction of facilities and purchase of materials and equipment.
*LLDCs: Least among Less Developed Countries
Non-Project Grant Aid for Structural Adjustment Support is aimed at supporting the efforts of the developing countries to restructure their economies in conjunction with the World Bank and IMF. Financial assistance is used for the purchase of imported goods urgently needed for implementing such programs.
Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects provides funds for the purchase of goods and services for relatively small grassroots projects geared toward local needs and undertaken by any non-profit organization, including local governments, research institutes, and NGOs. Funds are provided after an examination and evaluation of each application on a project-by-project basis. The maximum grant amount is generally ten million Japanese yen.
Grant Aid for Fisheries is targeted at the enhancement of the fisheries industry and improvement of the food situation in the developing countries. The grant covers the construction of fisheries training and research centers, fisheries training ships, fishing ports, and other facilities.
Grant Aid for Cultural Activities supports the preservation and utilization of cultural assets, promotion of cultural activities, and purchase of materials and equipment used to promote education and research.
Grant Aid for Disaster Relief is used to assist victims, refugees, and evacuees affected by natural disasters or civil wars in foreign countries. Medical supplies, food, and services needed for relief activities and given directly to the government concerned or distributed through a U.N. organization, such as the WFP or UNHCR, are covered by the grant.
Food Aid is aimed at alleviating food shortages in the developing countries through the purchase of such staple foods as rice, wheat, and maize.
Grant Aid for Increase of Food Production is also used to alleviate food shortages in the developing countries by bolstering efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency. The grant covers the purchase of fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, agricultural machinery, and other goods necessary for becoming self-sufficient.
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