Overview
 The
Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) administers
a worldwide grant program that reflects both the pioneering
spirit and the generosity of citizens of the United States.
For more than a century, Americans have been
expanding educational and medical opportunities to foreign
countries by creating institutions that incorporate America's
high educational standards. These undertakings have also
involved large numbers of American supporters and volunteers
who have contributed their time, energy, and resources both
at home and overseas.
These educational and medical institutions offer opportunities
in areas of the world where often little exists.
 They
create a foundation for development by training future leaders
in a wide variety of disciplines, while providing an understanding
of American economic, scientific and social practices and
institutions.
 The
objectives of the ASHA program are to strengthen self-sustaining
schools, libraries and medical centers that best demonstrate
American ideas and practices abroad. Recipients of ASHA
grants on behalf of overseas institutions must be private
U.S. organizations, headquartered in the United States, and
tax-exempt. The U.S. organization must also serve as the
founder for and or sponsor of the overseas institution. Schools must be for secondary or higher education and hospital
centers must conduct medical education and research outside
the United States. Grants are made to U.S. sponsors for
the exclusive benefit of institutions abroad. The overseas
institutions are encouraged to fund a portion of their operating
expenses from tuition, fees, private contributions and earnings
from endowments.
ASHA grants are awarded to assist in capital improvements
such as building or renovation of facilities and procurement
of scientific, medical and educational equipment. The ability
of applicants to raise funds from other sources for grant-supported
activities is an important consideration in the application
review process.
This private-public partnership has been very instrumental
in the successful completion of many projects abroad.
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