§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about the revised funding arrangements entered into between her Department and non-governmental organisations. [96221]
§ Clare ShortI refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 26 July 1999,Official Report, columns 12–13.
The Guidelines for the operation of the Civil Society Challenge Fund have been widely distributed and the first application round began on 1 October. The Fund will operate on a 50:50 matched funding basis. In recognition that non-governmental organisations currently in receipt 942W of 100 per cent. funding for reproductive health activities would find it helpful to have time to adjust to the revised arrangements, I have agreed that they should receive 85 per cent. funding in the first year of the new Fund, 70 per cent. funding in the second year, reaching 50 per cent. in the third year.