On Tuesday 21st March, 2023, Minister of Social Development and Family Services, Senator Donna Cox presented a One-Off Grant cheque to Non-Profit Organization Is There Not A Cause? ITNAC. The presentation took place at the organization’s transitional home in Central Trinidad. The provision of the one-off grant falls under the Ministry’s NGO Unit that provides financial support to NGOs in the form of annual subventions or financing for one-off grants for specialized programmes or project support.
Delivering brief remarks, Minister Cox told attendees that she was indeed pleased to be a part of the brief ceremony where a one-off grant cheque is presented to the Non-Government Organization towards the expansion of their outstanding work. “Today’s one-off grant valued at Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) will assist ITNAC in continuing their work with the provision of transitional housing in Trinidad and Tobago. I must applaud ITNAC for its intention to fully operationalize its third transitional housing facility, given the increasing demand for its transitional services. I understand that ITNAC receives many requests for transitional accommodation from individuals, other NGOs and government agencies. This has justified the need for the expansion of its transitional housing programme and the establishment of a third facility.” said Minister Cox.
Minister Cox added that transitional housing remains a priority for the Government and as such, applauded ITNAC for its dedication to providing transitional housing since 2013 for persons who have been displaced from their homes as a result of disaster, domestic violence or eviction. “Providing transitional housing is a major focus for this Government and by extension, this Ministry. As such, the work of ITNAC is critical to the service delivery mechanism of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services. Today, I encourage other NGOs throughout this country to provide programmes and projects that will help, empower and transform the lives of the poor and vulnerable among us. Just like ITNAC, the work that each NGO does can make a difference and save lives” said the Minister.
Founder of ITNAC, Mrs. Avonelle Hector-Joseph commended the Ministry noting that ITNAC has not received a contribution from a state agency in over fourteen years. She added that the grant will go towards the much-needed work towards the full operationalization of the facility.
The Ministry’s NGO Unit provides assistance to NGOs, CBOs and FBOs via two methods: subventions and one-off grants. The subvention provides NGOs with partial financial assistance to enable the sustainable delivery of a social service. The One-off grants facility is a one-time financial support to an NGO to assist in the execution of a special social development programme or project. To find out more about assistance under the NGO Unit, organizations may call 623-2608 ext.’s 5023 or email ngounit@social.gov.tt.
