The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers for Environment and Development (RPCV-E&D) was formed in 1991 to serve as a focal point for action on environment and development issues by Peace Corps alumni and friends. From the beginning it has been an affiliated group of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).

As Peace Corps Volunteers we learned first-hand that improving the lives of the people with whom we worked cannot be separated from the protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources. Development has often resulted in destruction of the very resources on which people depend and may efforts to protect nature have not adequately involved those who live in close association with the environment. Environment and development are intertwined.

RPCV-E&D has established the Environment and Development Partnership Fund. Its goal is to support sustainable development activities and projects that address the needs of environmental protection and community development in countries currently or formerly served by Peace Corps. The E&D Partnership Fund gives grants to several types of activities: Peace Corps Partnership and Gifts- in-Kind Programs These are existing programs offered by Peace Corps that match equipment or funding requests of Peace Corps Volunteers in the field with state-side partners. We seek projects that fill environment and development related requests. Training and support for host country nationals in conservation/development fields This fits the idea of PCVs working themselves out of a job. By providing training for host country nationals in areas such as wildlife management, forestry or eco-tourism, we seek to develop expertise which can continue to work on the interrelated problems of environment and development. Joint projects with other RPCV groups.  In order to encourage more involvement by returned Peace Corps Volunteers in environment and development issues, we seek to develop joint projects with other RPCV groups. For example, we encourage working with "Friends of" Groups on projects in their country of service.

Criteria for Projects:
• Applicants must be citizens or local NGOs based in the country of the project or a PCV .
• Preference is given to applicants that provide some matching funds or in- kind contributions.
• Grants are generally for less than $2000.
• We encourage joint projects with other RPCV groups.
• We prefer projects which address one or more of the following:
enhance sustainable agriculture, fisheries, forestry or ecotourism; preserve biological diversity; increase efficiency of energy use or decrease dependence on imported fossil fuels; provide grassroots environmental education; enhance adult literacy and family planning programs; provide environmental public health protection at the community level; or provide technical training for host country citizens involved with ongoing programs or projects such as those listed above.

Questions about the Partnership Fund should be directed to
Scott Andrews

Contributions to the E & D Partnership Fund may be mailed to
Katy Hansen,  Box 256, Orange City, IA  51041