FoM Continues the Peace Corps Spirit of Service
With contributions from members, Friends of Malaysia supports worthy projects in Malaysia that assist vulnerable populations and communities in need. The program works through small grants, usually around 500 to 1,000 USD, to Malaysian nonprofit organizations that provide services and assistance in the fields of health, education, environment, and social welfare. If you would like to contribute to FoM, please write a check, payable to “Friends of Malaysia,” "Donation" in the memo field, and mail it to FoM Treasurer: Paul Murphy, 510 Little John Hill, Sherwood Forest, MD 21405. FoM is a 501(c) nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible. Read about the History of Friends of Malaysia Charitable Donations and a listing of all FoM awards.
FOM has received the NPCA Loret Miller Ruppe Award for Outstanding Community Service:
In 2000 for the Friends of Malaysia Borneo Project
In 2008 for the Friends of Malaysia Project Wizard of the World (WOW)
In 2024 for supporting the creation of breast cancer awareness materials that have reached over 10,000 women in rural areas.
Invitation to Malaysian NGOs to Apply for a FoM Small Grant
From contributions by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, FRIENDS OF MALAYSIA (FoM) awards two or three grants (usually around US$500) per year to Malaysian NGOs (or non-profit organizations) that promote the public good, particularly in the fields of health, education, social welfare, and the environment. Malaysian nonprofits can apply for a grant by completing this APPLICATION FORM. After completing the form, download it to your device and send it as attachment in an email to FoM Vice President Thaine A. Allison thaineallison@friendsofmalaysia.com. Applications are reviewed by the FoM Board of Directors, and decisions will be made within six months after submission.
Current Officers and Board of Directors
Don Lovett, President. KL & Puchong/Serdang, Selangor, 1978-82: donaldlovett@friendsofmalaysia.net
Thaine Allison Jr, VP/Programs, Bandau/Kudat, Sabah, 1962-64: thaineallison@friendsofmalysia.net
Paul Murphy, Treasurer/Membership, Johor Bahru, Johor, 1971-73: paulmurphy@friendsofmalaysia.net
Ruth Mueller Zwirner, Secretary, Kuching, Sarawak, 1969-71: rzwirner@comcast.net
Frank Catania, Bentong, Pahang, 1970-73: frankcatania@friendsofmalaysia.net
Ed Demerly, Sapi, Sabah, 1968-68: edemerly@aol.com
Nancy Gallant, Debak, Sarawak, 1969-71, Newsletter Editor: nancy.galgard@comcast.net
Marjorie Harrison, Selangor, 1974-76:marjorieharrison@yahoo.com
Charles Hirschman, Baling, Kedah.1965-67: charleshirschman@friendsofmalaysia.net
Lynn Juhl, Kroh, Perak, 1967-69: heylynn@gmail.com
Frances Li, Sandakan, Sabah 1963-65: runner.fli@gmail.com
Karen Flolid McClay, Sarawak, 1965-68: karbuz2@boreal.org
Michael Saba, Seremban, Negri Sembilan, 1965-68: Sabamps@aol.com
Ken Shuey, Kanowit, Sarawak, 1963-65: gkshuey@gmail.com
Paul Thompson, Sabah, 1970-73: paul@coolplanetmn.org
Rodman Zwirner, Sarawak, 1964-67, Staff 1969-71: 37zrod@comcast.net
Objectives of Friends of Malaysia
Promote a better understanding of Malaysia and its people among Americans,
Improve education in Malaysia,
Support the Malaysian people in protecting their environment,
Raise funds and make charitable contributions to Malaysian NGOs,
Support the Peace Corps in its work around the world.
Friends of Malaysia: History and Documents
Peace Corps Connect to the Future (a very thoughtful report on "How to Reimagine, Reshape, and Retool the Peace Corps for a Changed World" by a special advisory council to National Peace Corps Association, November 2020).