The administration of Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. has established a new agency, the American Samoa Grants Clearinghouse Agency.
A press release from the Governor’s Office states that the goal of this initiative is to centralize and streamline access to funding opportunities. The agency will empower government entities, private organizations, community-based organizations, and non-profits to secure vital resources that support community development, village governance, economic growth, and efforts to address pressing issues such as the drug problem across the territory.
The agency will:
- Serve as a central hub providing up-to-date information on available grants, application guidelines, and deadlines.
- Offer workshops and training sessions to enhance grant-writing skills and improve funding success for a wide range of stakeholders.
- Promote partnerships among government departments, businesses, village programs, community-based organizations, and non-profit entities for collective impact.
- Provide expert resources and guidance to simplify and improve grant applications.
- Establish tools to monitor and evaluate funded projects, ensuring transparency, efficient use of resources, and the elimination of inefficiencies.
Mr. Tamiano Gurr has been appointed as the agency’s Executive Director, bringing extensive leadership experience to the role.
Mrs. Mariana Faiai and Mr. Neil Pilcher will oversee different divisions within the agency. All personnel assigned to the ASGCA hold advanced degrees and possess significant experience in federal grants, providing the agency with unmatched expertise to achieve its objectives. The agency team also includes three interns from the Bridge to Governance Program.
Administrative costs for the ASGCA have not yet been finalized, as the agency plans to rely heavily on federal grants to cover expenses. These costs may also be offset with local revenue if needed.
