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How to Submit an Open Program Application
EWB-USA openly accepts applications from community based organizations which believe they can benefit from an EWB-USA program. The following information is intended to inform communities on the process to submit an application and begin a program with an EWB-USA chapter. While outside NGOs and individuals are welcome to assist communities with submitting an application, the application should come directly from an organization based in the community. Communities and their partners should read this information carefully to gain an understanding of our project process before submitting an application to EWB-USA.
Special note: Due to high demand, EWB-USA is not currently accepting applications from communities located in Africa. We are working hard to get existing approved programs adopted before we re-open the application period. Continue to check this website periodically for updates on applications for Africa.
The Application
Communities wishing to partner with EWB-USA begin by filling out our New Program Application. The application provides us with vital information about the scope of assistance being requested by the community. Once we receive your application we send it for review by our Application Review Committee in a process that takes roughly 4-6 weeks. Factors considered by our Committee include:
Community Organization and Involvement - In order for EWB-USA projects to succeed, communities must be highly organized and motivated to contribute to the project. All applications should demonstrate that the community has been actively involved in development of the project proposal. To demonstrate this, applications must include the contact information for an existing community based organization (CBO) that would like to act as the partner for the project. The CBO can come in a number of forms, ranging from a local women’s group to a farming cooperative to a town council.
Scope of work - The project must be within a reasonable scope to be completed by a group of engineering volunteers. We typically collaborate with small communities (100-5,000 residents) on projects that cost well under $100,000 to implement.
Open Access - The proposed project should be openly accessible to all members of the community regardless of race, religion, or social standing. EWB-USA projects must not be used as a means of proselytism.
Long-term Commitment - EWB-USA requires that both our chapters and the communities we work with commit to a five year partnership. As detailed below, the EWB-USA project process does not provide immediate relief and requires a commitment over the long term. Unfortunately EWB-USA is not in a position to provide emergency humanitarian relief.
Financial Independence - Communities applying for projects must demonstrate the ability to fiscally sustain the project once it has been implemented. While EWB-USA often provides funding for the project implementation, it is the communities responsibility to create a fund for ongoing maintenance. For example, a community wishing to implement a water project must demonstrate the ability to create a water committee which will collect monthly fees from community members for maintenance and repair costs. Without the ability to maintain the infrastructure, the project will never succeed.
Completed applications should be sent to Projects.
Receiving Approval
Communities will receive a final decision on their application roughly four-six weeks after it is submitted. If your application is approved it will be posted on our website and be available for adoption by one of our 300+ student or professional chapters.
However, receiving approval does not guarantee the program will be adopted. The amount of time it takes to match a program with a chapter can vary greatly, and you should be aware that in some cases we are unfortunately unable to get approved programs adopted. If the program is not adopted within one year we will invite the community to submit a revised application.
Program Adoption
If your program is approved, EWB-USA Chapters can begin submitting proposals to adopt it once it is posted on our website. If and when we find a qualified chapter to adopt your program, the community and its partners will be notified immediately. The chapter that adopts the project will become the primary point of contact for the community, although the EWB-USA national office will always be available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise. NGO’s and individuals who helped the community complete the application are welcome to help coordinate and facilitate the program, but it should be understood that the direct partnership is between EWB-USA and the community.
After your program has been officially adopted, the community and chapter will begin working out the details for and assessment trip. Typically this trip occurs three-six months after the date of adoption. During the assessment trip the chapter will acquaint themselves with community, perform a community needs assessment, and gather baseline and technical data relevant to the program. The assessment trip is intended to be highly participatory and typically lasts from one-four weeks.
Depending on the results of the initial assessment trip, the chapter may chose to return to continue assessing before an implementation occurs. In general it takes at least one year from the date of adoption before an implementation occurs. Following the initial implementation the chapter will continue to visit the community for further assessment, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation trips. The frequency of the trips will depend on the availability of both the chapter and the community and are often contingent on the chapter’s ability to raise necessary funds.
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