— By Justin Tabor, PCAFPD President

Since 2020, PCAFPD has been piloting a 5-year grant program with the goal of awarding $10,000 in grants throughout the initial period. Based on the successes we have seen over the last four cycles, the PCAFPD Board of Directors recently voted to make the grant program a permanent fixture. An important factor in this decision was that with the departure of USAID, PCVs have fewer funding options available to them. Our grant can fill a small amount of that gap and support the next generation of RPCVs.

Our 2024 grant cycle has seen highs and lows from our grantees. Shortly before starting their project implementation, a PCV was suddenly separated from service and their water safety work had to be halted. Because of this,we have put in some additional guardrails for our 2025 PCV grantees. At the same time, our other two grantees have shown amazing signs of success despite a challenging typhoon season.

Students from Baguio City enjoy playing grantee Wangis Laro at Kwento’s Filipino history card game, printed using PCAFPD grant funds.

One success of this library is that it truly boosted the students’ love for reading, as a result this has a lasting positive impact on their literacy scores. On a daily basis there are dozens of children who come to borrow books to take home to continue their reading.” 

– Peace Corps Volunteer Ariel (2025)
PCV Ariel at Colacling National Elementary School helped her site rehabilitate a reading center damaged by intense typhoons.

As the grant program continues being a PCAFPD fixture, I look forward to seeing how we can further empower human development in new and creative ways.

Back to News Stories | Follow us on Facebook

The PCAFPD Human Development Grant Continues Delivering