This is the main way in which the Mothers' Union channels its overseas aid. We support a wide variety of projects - wherever possible they are self-help / income-generating activities. However there are about 300 paid Mothers' Union workers overseas and their salaries, and the equipment they need for their work, are also charges on the fund.

The Overseas Fund is founded on the financial giving of all the members in all the branches in the United Kingdom and Ireland. They do this through the filling of their Overseas Boxes, through special Branch fund raising activities and through gifts.

Giving through the Overseas Box is the traditional way in which members have personally saved for this fund. Once a year the box will go back to the branch to be opened and its contents added to all the other savings and donations. The total branch collection is then forwarded to the Diocesan Treasurer. All-Ireland's overseas contributions are subsequently gathered together and sent on to Mary Sumner House in London.

Projects supported in various ways by the Overseas Fund:

• Literacy and Development Programme uses participatory learning techniques to address disadvantages faced by many illiterate women and girls.
• Helping provide training for members and workers in developing leadership and advocacy skills in their towns and villages.
• Funding seminars and conferences on issues affecting our members' everyday lives, such as widowhood, their civil and legal rights and family life.
• Grants for vehicles such as Land Rovers, motorcycles and boats. These enable workers to reach the remote areas where most members live.
• Encouragement of self-help initiatives such as small livestock holdings, soap making and other craft co-operatives.

Further details on the projects supported can be found on the Mothers' Union Website.