generating increased revenues, increasing incomes, improving profitability, creating jobs, and positioning themselves for future investments. Applicants for an EEG must have a business track record that reflects a strong production capacity, market knowledge, quality products, and well-developed financial systems and records that will enable the applicant to obtain a USADF financial certification. EEG grants are typically three to four years in length and range from $100,000 to $250,000. 3) Enterprise Linkage Grant (ELG) The Enterprise Linkage Grant was developed as a tool to position an enterprise to scale up operations by securing outside financing from targeted investors, donors and/or financial institutions. ELGs are awarded to groups that have built a strong organizational foundation and achieved significant revenue growth but are still considered too high-risk to secure traditional financing. USADF assists these grantees in identifying the financing criteria for one or more targeted funders, further developing the enterprise’s operations, and securing follow-on financing independent of USADF. ELG grants are six months to three years in length and average $57,000. 4) Fixed Amount Awards (FAA) The Fixed Amount Award is a grant type USADF provides for a specific level of financial support where grant risks are identified and mitigated up front, and financial requirements are determined based on a defined set of milestones. The recipient’s accountability is based primarily on performance and results as determined by the achievement of established milestones. USADF’s off-grid energy and youth- and women-led enterprise grants fall within this category. FAAs are generally for a term not to exceed 18 months and range from $10,000 to $100,000. 5) Community Reinvestment Grants (CRG) Community Reinvestment Grants are reimbursable grants for which a portion of grant funds are repaid and reinvested in local community organizations selected by the grantee, with USADF coordination and assistance as needed. A project undertaken through the reinvested funds must be directed at improving the overall quality of community life through social and economic advancement and improvements to community facilities and services. Grantees enter into their own agreements with recipients of the reinvested funds. See also Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations References and notes External links African Development Fund website Independent agencies of the United States government