The branding and marking plan for Haiti’s Support to Microfinance, Small, and Medium Enterprises Sector project was submitted to USAID by Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI) in November 2007. The plan aims to comply with USAID branding guidelines as outlined in the Graphics Standards Manual and to acknowledge USAID’s role in project funding and implementation.
DAI will brand all program activities to enhance the visibility and value of U.S. Foreign Assistance. The organization recognizes that any activities under Haiti MSME are “From the American People” and not from DAI. DAI will use the Standard Graphic Identity for USAID on all written materials, including brochures, newsletters, posters, and reports, as well as USAID color palette and typography.
The plan also outlines the implementation of a $1.2 million grant fund, the Product Innovation Fund (PIF), which will be used to stimulate economic growth in Haiti and improve livelihoods among Haitian citizens. USAID/Haiti has granted a blanket waiver to all PIF grantees, waiving the requirement that they comply with all USAID branding and marking requirements.
However, in cases where USAID branding and marking do not deter achievement of program goals, subgrantees will follow USAID branding guidelines as outlined in the Graphics Standards Manual. DAI will require that all subgrantees submit a branding and marking plan, describing which modes of communication they plan to use and those that will include branding and marking.
The plan also addresses business cards and stationery, stating that DAI will comply with USAID guidelines and will not use USAID letterhead to communicate on administrative issues. Non-USAID authored, edited, or reviewed publications will include a statement on the cover page acknowledging USAID’s review and a disclaimer on the title page stating that the author’s views do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
In terms of marking, DAI will mark all commodities, non-expendable equipment, signage, event materials, project signs and plaques, website, and program materials with USAID’s Standard Graphic Identity. Expendable equipment will be marked with adhesive labels containing the Standard Graphic Identity. Project vehicles will not be marked, per USAID/Haiti and US Embassy security recommendations.
The plan also outlines the implementation of a quarterly newsletter, project website, technical notes, success stories, annual presentations to core partners, meetings with USAID program beneficiaries, meetings with credit unions and Product Innovation Fund grantees, press releases, and performance monitoring system.