Gov¡¯t to provide 15 billion won for NGO activities

The Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs said Tuesday that it has decided to provide 15 billion won for public activities by non- governmental organizations (NGOs) this year and accept applications for this support from Feb. 1 to March 31.

To receive the subsidies from the government, civic organizations should engage in businesses related to the harmony of the people, World Cup cultural citizen movement, creation of a transparent society, volunteer service, promotion of human rights and rights and interests of women and youths, the resources saving and conservation of the environment, safety management and disaster relief and rescue operations, reconciliation and cooperation of the Korean people, international exchange for the construction of NGO base, and the expansion of citizens¡¯ participation.

Out of the total subsidies, 7.5 billion won will be extended to nationwide civic organizations, and the remaining half will go to civic organizations in cities and provinces. The subsidies will be extended in April after passing through the screening of the Public Business Selection Screening Committee, comprised of officials from the ministry and private organizations.

Last year, 1,491 civic organizations received 1.5 billion won in subsidies. Among the organizations that received more than 100 million won last year were the National Council of Saemaul Undong Movement in Korea, the Central Conference of the Moral Life Movement, Young Korean Academy, Seoul Young Men¡¯s Christian Association, and the Korean Federation of Environmental Movement.

Yang Ki-Dae kee@donga.com