The Foreign Service Journal, March 2016

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MARCH 2016 53 several Foreign Service spouses. At the group’s request, the trust provided $4,200 to the Fundación Jonathan, which provides medical support and food for low-income people. The grant allowed the local organization to purchase an industrial oven to bake bread on a daily basis for people in need of sustenance. As grant writer Erzsebet Best-Pitlu explains, “The J. Kirby Simon Foreign Service Trust helped me continue sharing our values in the world that is contributing to the human spirit; and it made possible not only doing my part, but doing my best.” Why Does It Matter? This trust is unique: It is the only organization of its kind committed to expanding the opportunities for professional fulfillment and community service to people associated with U.S. embassies and consulates. We support individuals and groups who are already willing to use part of their own time and energy to extend their reach. We help foster cooperation among post staff to increase the numbers of people who volun- teer, whether they are members of the Foreign Service, other American and local staff, or family members. In many cases, these grants have facilitated long-term relationships between embassies and consulates and local charitable organizations— relationships that might otherwise end when the lead volun- teer leaves post. As trustees, we are reminded over and over of the hardships so many endure around the globe. Many of the applications are heartbreaking, addressing the combined effects of grinding poverty with attitudes that disadvantage the most vulnerable people—the disabled, unwed mothers, children and refugees. One poignant phrase came from an applicant several years ago in describing the project she hoped to fund: “I assure you, the need is real.” The reminder that such small amounts of funding can make such big differences is like an annual injection against cynicism. None of us can fully solve these problems, but each of us can do something, however small. What Can We Do? As the trust looks forward, we are making changes that we hope will continue our work into the next generation. We now have a Facebook page and are updating our website, www. kirbysimontrust.org. Given that we can accomplish so much with so little, dona- tions of any size are graciously welcomed. We are always happy to answer questions about the work of the trust via emails sent to kirbysimontrust@gmail.com. Applications for our 20th grant cycle are due on April 1. Guide- lines for applicants are available at www.kirbysimontrust.org. We are honored to be part of an organization that has cre- ated something meaningful from an untimely death. As trustee Colette Marcellin puts it, “The Simons found the wisdom and strength to respond to their tragedy with this beautiful gift of a trust. This gift—both their legacy and Kirby’s legacy—continues to help so many people throughout the world.” n The J. Kirby Simon Fund awarded $820 for the project English for Children and Young At-Risk People in Rivas, Nicaragua. Funds were used to purchase English teaching materials. Shown here are students with an injured dog adopted by the class. Students in the program learn English and serve their community. Since making our first grants in 1997, we have disbursed $1.4 million to 666 projects in countries around the world. MERCEDESPALACIOS