The International DX Association (INDEXA) has announced the formation of a fund — “Hams with Hearts” — to support humanitarian projects carried out by DXpedition teams. Thanks to an initial contribution by Zorro Miyazawa, JH1AJT, INDEXA will be able to begin humanitarian support grants beginning in mid-January 2016, the announcement said.

“To qualify for humanitarian grants, DXpeditions must present a clear plan for a humanitarian project to coincide with their DXpedition,” the announcement said. “The project must provide direct, physical benefit to the local population and go beyond leaving behind ham equipment, making a video, or giving a class in Amateur Radio.”

INDEXA said acceptable projects might include such things as providing school supplies, clothing, medical supplies, first aid equipment, or water purification supplies. The INDEXA board will review the plans and decide whether or not to fund the project.

“In the early years of this fund, it is likely that grants will be modest,” INDEXA allowed. “We therefore will be seeking low-cost but high-impact projects. As this fund grows it may be possible to encourage DXpeditions to conduct humanitarian projects by supporting both the DXpedition itself and the humanitarian project it carries out. We are grateful to Zorro for his generosity and acknowledge the many humanitarian projects he has carried out on a personal level. With this new fund we hope to benefit humanity and enhance the image of Amateur Radio around the world.”