Objectives

The following key objectives have been have been identified for the CDF in 2007:

To provide financial resources, technical assistance and other means of support to community organizations involved in poverty alleviation efforts.
The provision of financial assistance to “cultural practitioner” organisations in recognition of the fact that their membership is comprised mainly of poor persons and that indeed the employment of these persons is seasonal normally associated with the carnival period. The members of these organisations suffer great distress when such seasonal employment is not available.
To develop and implement a National Mentoring Programme as a key poverty alleviation strategy.
To initiate and support economic, social and local human development activities which contribute to the creation and provision of opportunities for the benefit of the poor and disadvantaged individuals and communities.
To strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of existing organizations and other agencies so that they are equipped to implement poverty alleviation and transformational activities and programmes.
To implement and support initiatives which promote training towards employment and industry and to assist individuals from poor communities to access the employment market.
To work closely with the Community Development Division and other agencies in the identification and targeting of the poorest communities for special attention, through a revitalized Community Enhancement and Regeneration Programme (CERP).
To provide a basket of funding products that is non dogmatic and responds to a range of strategies and approaches to supporting agencies involved in the fight against poverty alleviation.
To facilitate and foster partnerships and other collaborative strategies with the private sector in order to raise awareness of poverty conditions and achieve social and economic development of target areas.
To respond to requests for assistance from individuals in emergencies and disasters and to collaborate with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and other agencies in national emergencies.
To establish on a pilot basis a Community Resource and Information facility to support the work of organisations.