Head of Mission Fund (HOMF)

The Head of Mission Fund (HOMF) is a modest grants scheme that enables the New Zealand Embassy, consistent with its diplomacy objectives, to support activities that manifestly and directly contribute to poverty elimination and meet development needs in recipient countries.

The HOMF supports small-scale development projects and activities. Recipients are generally small non-government organisations and community groups engaged in development activities on a 'not-for-profit' basis. In Latin America, priority is given to activities or projects that:

• promote gender equity and increase women’s participation in development;
• focus on supporting marginalized communities, including persons with disabilites, ethnic minorities, young people and communities in remote areas without access to other support;
• encourage and facilitate the active participation and contribution of the beneficiaries themselves in the identification, design and implementation of the project;
• have clearly specified objectives and a solid implementation plan;
• protect the environment, and
• have a high impact on community development.

In order for a project to be considered for funding, it must meet the selection criteria listed in the Application Form.

Eligible Countries

Funds are available to assist small non-government organisations and community group development projects in Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala and Venezuela.

How to apply

Application forms may be sought from: kiwimexico@prodigy.net.mx. Applicants should send a completed application to the New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City and email a copy to kiwimexico@prodigy.net.mx (subject: HOMF application 2012 – with Organization Name).

Applications received before 10 September 2012 will be evaluated by mid-October. Applications received after that date, will be assessed at the discretion of the Head of Mission Fund Committee. Applicants will be advised by email whether or not their application has been sucessful.

Sucessful applicants will be expected to agree to the HOMF terms and conditions, and to provide the bank information required for transfers. Payments will be made in two installments.