OFID’s grant program delivers much needed resources for a wide range of activities that for various reasons cannot be financed through lending. Although grant assistance accounts for less than 4% of total cumulative commitments, OFID considers such projects to be especially deserving, as they address basic needs and make a real difference in people’s everyday lives.

OFID’s grant program includes technical assistance for small-scale social schemes, sponsorship for research and other intellectual pursuits, and emergency relief aid. In addition, dedicated programs respond to the urgent challenges presented by energy poverty, HIV/AIDS and the situation in Palestine. The incipient energy poverty program is a particular priority and complements the financing provided through other mechanisms in support of OFID’s Energy for the Poor Initiative.

As of December 31, 2012, OFID had provided some US$548.2m in outright grants across all programs, working with UN agencies and a host of international and national NGOs, among many other partners, to meet the needs of the vulnerable, marginalized and very poor.