Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Community Development, emphasized that the 100 million AED Public Benefit Institutions Empowerment Fund is a vital initiative as it shifts the support system from merely providing assistance to making genuine investments in community impact. She pointed out that the UAE has an active community sector with substantial efforts and widespread social initiatives; however, the current phase necessitates transforming these efforts into sustainable and organized initiatives through the fund. She affirmed that while there is no shortage of capital, there is a need for a comprehensive system that supports and guides these efforts, highlighting that the fund concentrates on specific priority areas to maximize impact and ensure community sustainability.
Her Excellency stated that the fund is designed to empower public benefit institutions and enhance their projects and initiatives by providing financial and operational support, contributing to sustainable development and improving quality of life.
She elaborated that the fund aims to strengthen the role of public benefit institutions as key drivers of sustainable development, enhancing their financial and operational capabilities to ensure lasting impact, while also developing innovative solutions to address social and economic challenges.
Additionally, she noted that the fund seeks to increase the contribution of the public benefit sector in achieving national priorities and community well-being, raising awareness of the social and economic impacts of public benefit institutions, and supporting their role in national development.
Furthermore, the Minister of Community Development indicated that the Public Benefit Institutions Empowerment Fund offers two types of financing based on the registration duration of the applying institution. This includes funding for the foundational stage for institutions licensed for less than two years and expansion funding for institutions licensed for more than two years.
Support Priorities
Her Excellency mentioned that in its first financing cycle, the fund will prioritize applications that respond to regional developments. This includes initiatives that support individuals and families, enhance social stability, and strengthen community cohesion in line with the “Year of Family” initiative. She highlighted that the fund backs initiatives led by public benefit institutions to convert these priorities into tangible projects, focusing on reaching target groups, improving quality of life, and supporting integrated responses that reinforce national efforts and community resilience. Priority support will be given in several areas, including education, health and welfare, community development, support for individuals and families, the environment and animal welfare, as well as empowering public benefit institutions and volunteer work.