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Global – Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA)

World’s Largest Consortium of Economic Growth Volunteer Organizations


ACDI/VOCA is a founding member of Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA). VEGA is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, created in 2004 through a Leader with Associate (LWA) cooperative agreement, as a vehicle to allow USAID Economic Growth Officers to reach out to organizations providing technical experts in private, public and NGO sector development.


Delivering Sustainable Economic Development Solutions

VEGA (www.vegaalliance.org) is the world’s largest consortium of economic growth volunteer organizations. Collectively, they have assisted 140 developing and transitional countries over the past 40 years by sending out more than 25,000 experts to promote economic growth activities. VEGA has a demonstrated track record of delivering economic development programs with sustainable solutions throughout the developing world. Since its inception, USAID funding of $4 million for VEGA has resulted in global programs worth more than $140 million.


The alliance includes ACDI/VOCA, the International Executive Service Corps, CDC Development Solutions, Winrock International, Partners of the Americas, Land O’Lakes, the Financial Services Volunteer Corps, and others. Learn more: www.vegaalliance.org/member-organizations. VEGA’s member organizations work together to use each’s strengths for program development and execution with a cost-effective and capable mix of long-term employees and pro-bono experts.


ACDI/VOCA's Role in VEGA

ACDI/VOCA has been integral to VEGA’s development. Fred Smith, senior managing director for financial services, served on the associate design committee, VEGA Board of Directors and on the executive committee, where he fulfilled the role of secretary. Currently, Paul Guenette, senior vice president at ACDI/VOCA, is continuing to support the alliance by serving on VEGA’s board of directors.


Through VEGA’s leader grant, ACDI/VOCA has the opportunity to implement associate awards to provide firm-level or industry support in targeted subsectors; strengthen local organizations; improve access to market opportunities; link volunteer activities to long-term donor programs; support communities and community organizations; and engage the public sector to create a sound policy and regulatory environment.


The VEGA LWA Advantage

  • The VEGA LWA has been extended until 2014.
  • There is no award ceiling.
  • Programs awarded under the VEGA LWA can continue for 5 years beyond the 2014 LWA end-date.
  • The VEGA LWA requires an internal competition among the member organizations, a unique asset compared to other LWA mechanisms.

For more information, visit the Vega Alliance website at www.vegaalliance.org or contact Mike Deal at info@vegaalliance.org.


Updated: 4/12


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