In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Simón Bolívar Foundation has undertaken several initiatives that can help alleviate the effect of this disease in and out of Venezuela. This time the Foundation is launching a grant program called “Hoy Invita Simón” to help fund food initiatives in local communities hard hit by the economic and social impact of the pandemic.

This program seeks to provide funds to eligible charitable organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that organize food drives for individuals in need without discrimination, but with special attention to members of the Venezuelan diaspora and other vulnerable populations who are suffering because of the pandemic. This is an open call to organizations to present proposals that can range from providing a warm meal on a one-day event to food drives to provide food supplies to families in need, to be implemented for several days, or weeks. Special attention will be given to those applicants who at the same time engage local businesses or organizations from the Venezuelan diaspora.

This program is in line with two of the Foundation’s objectives:

• Access to medicines, nutrition, and well-being, and
• Empowering non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”) and local organization.

The Foundation has allocated up to $100,000 to be awarded in small grants to proposals to implement this program in different cities across the U.S.

Funding Priority

Priority will be given to proposals that better target communities in need, with a special aim at also reaching members of the Venezuelan diaspora in need, in different cities across the United States. The proposals should specifically present a gap analysis, indicating the need for the program, population benefited, execution plan, and a communication strategy defining how the target population will be reached. The Foundation encourages strategic associations with local businesses and organizations, aiming at having a multiplier effect.

Proposals will be evaluated based on their ability to achieve impact in the following areas:

1. Addresses the “Hoy Invita Simón” objectives: provide food to the vulnerable population, without discrimination, but with consideration given to the reach of members of the Venezuelan diaspora in need, while working with small businesses or organizations.
2. Budget and cost-effectiveness
3. Project design/plan
4. Project impact
5. Implementation time frame