Following the decision of the Executive Committee in Loches, France in October 2008 to create an ISF Solidarity Fund, the determination of procedures for the operation of the fund by a working group and the approval of the Executive Committee in its meeting in Doha, Qatar on 6^th December 2009 of the procedures and the method of allocating grant aid, we are pleased to invite member countries to submit proposals/candidacies.

The fund is established from various sources: sponsorships, gifts, percentage of the annual membership fees, governmental support, member countries’ adoption initiatives.

Alongside member countries’ own initiatives by adopting and financing a programme themselves, 50% of the Fund will be used to support solidarity programmes in member countries.

Adoption programmes by member countries could be: sending a coach/PE teacher, hosting a team, inviting coaches/PE teachers for a seminar, organizing a 2 nations event, …

Besides the adoption programmes which are financially supported by the initiators themselves, grant aid can be provided for

-         mini scale programmes (2,000 EUR for a 1 year plan)

-         medium scale programmes (5,000 EUR for a 2 year plan)

-         large scale programmes (10,000 EUR for a 2 year plan for a major area).

-         large scale programmes (more than 10,000 EUR). In this case the programme has to be supported by the local Government or Authorities.

-         scholarship to successful athletes

Requirements for solidarity grant: the proposed plan must: meet the needs of the country, have continuity, establish a successful base for follow up and legacy and have as target the pupils of the country.

At least it is required to identify the person in charge, explain the need of the plan, specify the goals of the plan, have the approval of the National Body member of ISF and add a detailed budget.

Proposals should be subject to a proviso namely a guarantee of a continuing commitment to ISF activities.

Interested countries should nominate themselves as candidates to the General Secretariat (jan.coolen@isfsports.org) and send their proposals no later than 31^st March 2010.

The Steering Committee and the Continental Vice-presidents will examine the candidacies and make a preliminary selection to be put as proposals to the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee in its meeting on 4^th June 2010 in Villasimius, Sardinia, Italy will decide which member countries will be allocated grant aid.

The launch of the support programme will be September 2010.