Rule 1 - Policy

• 1.1. The World Veterinary Association is not a development organisation. It is mainly a professional and scientific organisation, serving the Veterinary Profession and the general public. However, it recognises that a number of its members, being at the process of development, merit its support.
• 1.2. The Veterinary Profession is one of a number of professions which substantially can contribute to development.
• 1.3. Any improvement of the Veterinary Profession and Sciences in providing better services to the societies is considered as a contribution to development.
• 1.4. It is in the interest of the World Veterinary Association to provide as much as possible support for projects leading to the accomplishment of better services provision.

Rule 2 - Definitions

• 2.1. Project is a planned activity, leading to the accomplishment of a certain objective.
• 2.2. The World Veterinary Association supports projects through appropriate funding under the present Rules.
• 2.3. The projects supported by the World Veterinary Association are concerned with:
• 2.3.1. Veterinary infrastructure.
• 2.3.2. Veterinary Education and accreditation systems.
• 2.3.3. Veterinary interventions in emergency situations.
• 2.3.4. Animal protection.
• 2.3.5. Informed opinion dissemination, on subjects of interest to the general public, related to the veterinary profession.
• 2.3.6. Other projects within the objectives according to the Constitution of the WVA.

Rule 3 - Eligibility

• 3.1. Countries that are eligible for a WVA subscription discount may apply for support to projects.
• 3.2. Support is provided to Veterinary Institutions or other related Institutions, after an application presented by the relevant national organisation member of the WVA.
• 3.3. The World Veterinary Association does not support private projects, either corporated or controlled by individuals.
• 3.4. Any proposal for project falling within activities indicated in Rule 2.3. is eligible, provided that it is by itself self-fulfilling.
• 3.5. Running expenses per se are not supported.
• 3.6. The World Veterinary Association supports institutions for improving their ability in promoting functionality through enhanced asset holding.
• 3.7. Projects partially supported by other sources are considered at preferential priority. This is not applicable in cases strictly requiring certain contribution by the beneficiary.

Rule 4 - Management

• 4.1. For each financial year the Board of the Foundation and the EXCOM advise the President of the WVA on the priorities and the allocation of funds for projects operating within guidance by the PA.
• 4.2. The WVA Council, following guidance by the Presidents Assembly during its yearly meetings, based on a proposal by the President of the WVA, decides on the short term (one year) policy and the money to be allocated for projects to the Foundation from the WVA budget.
• 4.3. The WVA Executive Secretary is responsible for carrying the administrative details of the projects call, evaluation and realisation. More specifically he/she is responsible for:
• 4.3.1. Observing the deadlines foreseen in the calendar, at Annex 1.
• 4.3.2. Addresses the call for projects
• 4.3.3. Scrutinises the applications, before submitting for discussion in the Board of the Foundation, that they are in line with the present Rules.
• 4.3.4. He/she responds to the applicants notifying the results of the scrutinisation and the reasons for turning down applications.
• 4.3.5. Controls the eligibility and justification of the expenses presented for reimbursement.
• 4.3.6. Provides the President of the WVA with a quarterly progress report, on the follow up of the projects.
• 4.3.7. Presents a final yearly report to the Board of the Foundation.
• 4.4. The money is paid to reimburse expenses. No advance payment is allowed.

Rule 5 - Procedures

• 5.1. The Board of the Foundation, based on the decision on policies and priorities set by the Council and within the funds allocated, decides on the actual yearly program.
• 5.2. Based on the decision of the Board of the Foundation the Secretariat publishes a call for projects through:
• 5.2.1. The Bulletin of the WVA.
• 5.2.2. The WVA web site.
• 5.2.3. A specific circular to all National Representatives to the Presidents Assembly.
• 5.3. In the call are included:
• 5.3.1. Information on the Board`s decision.
• 5.3.2. The priorities set by the Board.
• 5.3.3. The upper limit of support to a project.
• 5.3.4. The deadlines, following the calendar at Annex 1.
• 5.3.5. Confirmation of the Application Form, at Annex 2.
• 5.3.6. Reference to the present set of Rules. 5.3.7. A list of eligible countries
• 5.4. After the Board of the WVA Foundation decides on the allocation of funds to a project, a contract, as it appears in Annex 3, is signed between the WVA, the proposer and the beneficiary. Signing can take place electronically or by mail.
• 5.5. Quarterly progress reports are expected to be submitted to the Secretariat, by the proposer, as well as a final report, in which the justification for money reimbursement should be a part of.

Rule 6 - Amendments

• 6.1. These Rules may be amended by the Presidents Assembly with a simple majority of the votes cast in favour of the amendment.
• 6.2. Proposal by the Board of the Foundation or by at least two members of the Presidents Assembly must be received in writing at the Secretariat of the WVA at least six months before the meeting of the Presidents Assembly.
• 6.3. The Secretariat communicates the proposal, to the members of the Presidents Assembly, at least four months in advance of the meeting.

Rule 7 - Rights of the Board of Foundation and the Council

• 7.1. In circumstances not provided for in the Rules, the Board of the Foundation and the Council shall take action that they consider appropriate.
• 7.2. The Board of Foundation and Council also act accordingly in cases of extraordinary situations. The Presidents Assembly is informed retrospectively in due time with full justification of the actions taken.

Rule 8 - Adoption of the Rules

• 8.1. These Rules were adopted by the Presidents Assembly on 24 September 1999 and will take effect immediately after the XXVI World Veterinary Congress.