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In an event on October 28 at the U.S. Consulate in Sandton, the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Donald Gips awarded R1, 833,500 in grants to grassroots community projects working in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and North West Provinces. The funding is through the U.S. Ambassador's Community Grants program from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), and is part of the U.S. Mission's broader effort to combat HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

Nationally, in 2010-2011, the U.S. Mission's Community Grants Program will provide more than R6.8 million in programs for orphans and vulnerable children, and R2.2 million for palliative or home-based care to ease suffering caused by HIV/AIDS. The Mission's Community Grants Program places significant emphasis on sustainable and income-generating activities, such as bakeries, sewing projects and handicrafts, as well as training grantees in grant writing and fundraising.

Grants are made in every province of South Africa. In the October 28 event, the following Gauteng Province community-based organizations received funding:

Diepsloot Community Centre (MaAfrika Tikkun) of Johannesburg, GP (R105000) provides a full range of services for children in crisis from pre-school age through matriculation, and comprehensive palliative care for infected persons. The grant will be used to purchase materials and equipment for the Early Childhood Development Center classrooms and kitchen.

Thuthukani Center of Midrand, GP (R98000) provides day care and meals in a creche environment for OVC under 6, and after school support for OVC through 18 in Ivory Park. The grant will buy a larger electric transformer to build capacity for bakery production, and a generator will provide backup power. Funds will also buy equipment for the playground and office, and will train more women with marketable baking skills.

Zimbanathi Project of Midrand, GP (R112000) offers home-based care to people living with HIV/AIDS, and orphans and vulnerable children. The project channels food parcels to affected families, and creates employment in Tembisa with several income generating activities. Grant funds will provide accredited home-based care training for caregivers.

Nanga Vhuthilo of Johannesburg, GP (R112000) Provides food and other essential services to over 300 children in need, mainly those who are HIV+ or have lost their parents due to AIDS. They operate a drop-in center, homeopathic clinic, and support groups for grannies and children. Grant will purchase bakery equipment to enrich the feeding program, and generate income after it is established, enhance the library and buy garden tools.

Vaal AIDS of Vereeniging, GP (R70000) provides daily care to the terminally ill, feeds and cares for OVC, assists them with social protection, and runs several income generating projects in Sebokeng. Their grant will be used for small business training, kitchen equipment for the feeding program, and a bread slicer for their new bakery.

Zonkizizwe Child Care Centre of Midrand, GP (R112000) is a drop-in center for school-age children, and a creche for pre-schoolers near Kaalfontein. They provide after school care, meals, home visits for families of enrolled children, and assist families who lack access to social protection. With their grant, Zonkizizwe will purchase bakery equipment, classroom and play equipment, and gardening tools.

Net HIV/AIDS Youth Project of Grasmere, GP (R35000) The project runs a free preschool in the mornings, and a drop-in centre in the afternoons. Members also lead community awareness activities, and have been vocal opponents of xenophobic violence. The grant will be used to purchase cages for their poultry project and equipment for their bakery.