The CMA CGM Foundation launches its 2015 Call for Proposals: promote equal opportunities for children coming from disadvantaged backgrounds

After focusing on children with disabilities, then on sick children and children who have experienced trauma, the Foundation is now turning its attention to disadvantaged children, with the aim of promoting equal opportunities.

This call for projects is open exclusively to non-profit associations operating in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region or in Lebanon, whose work seeks to improve the living conditions, well-being and development of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Submitted projects should contribute to reducing educational inequalities, maintaining or restoring access to schooling, providing access to suitable cultural, sports or leisure activities, maintaining or rebuilding family ties, or improving living conditions in collective care facilities.

Applications must be submitted online between January 15 and March 8, 2015. They will then be reviewed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, which will give priority to innovative projects that promote independence and social inclusion, or help strengthen family ties.

Financial grants, ranging from €5,000 to €30,000, will be awarded from a total envelope of €140,000 - 40% higher than last year - shared between France and Lebanon. The amount awarded will be determined by the CMA CGM Foundation based on the needs and scope of each project, the projected budget and the number of selected applications. Funding must be used exclusively for investment or equipment expenses.

Naïla Saadé, Chairwoman of the CMA CGM Foundation for Children, said:

“In a context where public subsidies are decreasing, we felt it was important to increase our support for associations through this call for projects and to raise the amount of financial assistance we provide. Promoting equal opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds is especially close to our hearts, because these children are the adults of tomorrow.”

Since its creation, the Foundation has supported nearly 130 associations promoting the cultural and social development of vulnerable children.

As a reminder, eight projects were awarded funding by the CMA CGM Foundation under the 2014 call for projects, which focused on the personal development of sick children and children who had experienced trauma.

In France:

• The accommodation and hospitalization costs of five foreign children aged 18 months to 15 years, supported by the association La Chaîne de l’Espoir in Marseille.
• The purchase of musical instruments to help develop the creativity of 200 sick children, supported by the association À Petits Sons in Marseille.
• The creation of an organic vegetable garden for 150 people, led by the association Sol en Si in Marseille.
• The purchase of IT equipment and furniture for 41 gifted adolescents, supported by the association Zébra in Marseille.
• School supplies and schooling-related costs for 33 Roma children, supported by the association SICHEM in Toulon.

In Lebanon:

• IT equipment, first-aid supplies and a vehicle for 640 children, supported by the association Himaya in Beirut.
• Completion works and the purchase of 30 beds for pediatric units serving 1,500 children, supported by the association ASSAMEH in Beirut.
• Surgical operations for 485 children with congenital heart disease, supported by the association The Brave Heart Fund in Beirut.
• Thanks to the support of the CMA CGM Foundation, these projects will be carried out in 2015.