BACKGROUND
Negative influences and obstacles to private sector growth in the region are increasingly undermining public support for the principle that free and fair market economies lead to prosperity. USAID is supporting demonstrations of the positive impact of a free market by promoting local economic and social development through business clubs committed to free market principles.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Hearts of Europe: Strengthening the Transatlantic Economic Relationship builds ties between established business clubs in Europe and the United States as a vehicle to
improve Transatlantic relations and promote public policy for free and open markets.
Through small grants, jointly funded by Rotary and USAID, local Rotary clubs across Europe and Eurasia, including Rotaract (youth-led) clubs, design and implement activities to benefit their communities, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing local leadership, capacity, and accountability.
Each local club partners with a club in the United States to implement the grants to build Transatlantic partnership, collaboration, and the sharing of expertise across borders.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Currently implementing 9 sub-grants in three countries: Serbia, Ukraine, and Montenegro.
- 50 Rotaractors participated in global grant projects, and 26 young Rotaractors received mentorship by local Rotary Club Members.
