Federal Minister Shah Reviews Trust for Voluntary Organizations (TVO) Impact on Community Development

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, met with Mr. Ghulam Mohiuddin, CEO of the Trust for Voluntary Organizations (TVO), to discuss the organization's significant role and performance in supporting community development across Pakistan.

During the meeting, Mr. Mohiuddin provided a comprehensive overview of TVO, established in 1990 with an endowment fund from USAID. As a private, indigenous grant-making entity, TVO is mandated to provide technical and financial assistance to development-oriented Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in rural and semi-urban areas. Its governance structure includes a 10-member Board of Directors, comprising both federal government ex-officio members and private sector appointees. Administratively, TVO operates under the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety.

 

Since its inception, TVO has disbursed over PKR 1.27 billion in grants, supporting more than 1,422 projects by 1,204 NGOs in critical social sectors such as primary healthcare, safe drinking water, primary education, poverty alleviation, and rehabilitation of the disabled. These efforts have directly benefited over 10.8 million individuals, including nearly two million women and children through maternal and child care services.

 

Furthermore, TVO has significantly contributed to capacity building, training over 4,000 NGO/CBO members in vital areas like project management, proposal writing, and financial management. The Trust has also played a crucial role in disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts during major national crises, including the 2005 Earthquake, 2009 IDP crisis, and 2010 floods. Through efficient management, TVO has grown its original endowment fund from PKR 520 million to PKR 773.5 million as of June 30, 2024.

 

Minister Shah acknowledged TVO's enduring contributions to grassroots development and poverty alleviation in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable social progress.