Philanthropy Front and Center - Washington, DC

International Data Collection and Experiencing America

Since January 2013, the DC Foundation Center office has been hosting an energetic and enthusiastic intern from South Korea, JinMi Kang.  She is here with a group of 29 students from The Asan Insitute for Policy Studies in Seoul, South Korea. The Institute is an independent, non-partisan think tank with the mandate to undertake policy relevant research to foster domestic, regional and international environments that are conducive to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and Korean reunification. It was founded in 20008 by Dr. Han Sung-Joo. JinMi is most interested in government and the arts and hopes to work in a cultural institution when she completes her studies.

JinMi's tasks at the Foundation Center were overseen by the International Data Relations Manager, Yinebon Iniya. The International Data Relations Unit was formed to gather data on philanthropic activity outside the United States by utilizing the web, working with other charity agencies and think tanks, and developing strong partnerships that allow us to learn more about what is happening in different regions and how we can provide philanthropic information to help them find funding or provide funding to those in need.   
 
JinMi read about South Korean nongovernmental organizations and then coded them for inclusion into the Foundation Center system. This was a challenging task as Jinmi had to learn the FC classification system and then fit the South Korean groups into it! With many meetings via Skype with NY Foundation Center staff, by consulting her dictionary often, and asking lots of questions, she made solid progress on the assignment.

To increase her knowledge of English and philanthropy she attended many of our classes -- sometimes twice.  She also helped at the library reference desk, hearing questions from nonprofit staff and volunteers. And, she researched words and phrases she did not quite understand. She noted that we spoke English more quickly than she was used to. JinMi was quite good at finding free educational lectures at other agenices on foreign policy, the arts and a host of other topics to attend. In March, she volunteered at Good Deeds Day sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington making sandwiches for the homeless. We marvelled at her energy.

In addition to her educational pursuits, Jin Mi visited some of the many wonderful cultural institutions here in DC. She also explored the many restaurants and food trucks clustered around Farragut Square. And, she did find time to do some shopping.  DC staff had opportunities to learn about life in South Korea. They have Costcos!

JinMi is a brilliant, curious intern and that makes it hard to say goodbye. The Asan Institute intern program at the Foundation Center has been a success. It will continue throughout 2013. We hope to work with another intern that is just as eager to learn about American philanthropy, as well as helping us understand more about the Korean culture, as JinMi did. We wish her well and look forward to hearing from her as she progresses in her career.

Listen To This! Global Fund For Children

The Global Fund for Children is a public charity grantmaker headquartered in Washington, DC.  It is unique because it makes grants directly to international groups registered in their countries but not those that are affiliates of US-based organizations (they do make a very limited number of grants in the US). The Fund believes that locally created and locally managed organizations have a better chance of succeeding and surviving.  They also highly value the insight and knowledge that their grantee partners share with them and other organizations.

Head over to GrantSpace to listen to the full program now >>

In an audio-recorded session at the Washington, DC Office of the Foundation Center on June 5, 2012, Victoria Dunning, Vice President for Programs at the Fund, outlines the Fund’s view of what children need to succeed: learning, safe places, a healthy mind and body, and enterprise (life and workplace skills).

She also describes some compelling projects the Fund has supported -- from northern Pakistan to Senegal. Victoria goes on to explain the Global Fund’s grantmaking strategy as that of scouting out emergent or overlooked areas, supporting projects financially and strengthening them through capacity building so that they maximize their impact.

What does the Fund look for in terms of proposals?

• Locally created and locally led initiatives

• Innovation

• Direct service projects

• Effective programs

To learn more about the Global Fund for Children visit their web site, which uses multimedia to share the work of their grantee partners and to highlight critical issues facing children around the world. Listen Now >>

This was originally posted on the Philanthropy Front and Center-Cleveland blog. Many thanks to Katie Artzner for the write-up!

Listen To This! Funding Trends for African Issue-Based NGOs

In this recorded audio program from the Foundation Center-Washington DC, Niamani Mutima discusses funding trends affecting and influencing foundations that are currently funding in Africa. Mutima is Executive Director of the Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group (AGAG). AGAG is a membership network of foundations that are currently funding in Africa or are interested in funding in Africa.

Head over to GrantSpace to listen to the full program >>

Ms. Mutima notes that there is no single foundation approach as far as African issue-based funding is concerned; NGOs seeking grants must determine how their program interests and "theories of change" match the funder that they’re hoping to partner with.

A theory of change, she explains, refers to how funders think about a particular problem, what they view as the appropriate solution to address issues on the continent. Funders' theories of change may differ widely from those of NGO grantseekers. She gives an example of HIV/AIDS work; some funders may focus on increasing access to antiretroviral drugs, while others are tackling the rise of orphans in the disease's wake, while still others seek to address systemic issues in the healthcare system overall.

Ms. Mutima goes on to describe the diverse funding strategies of specific grantmakers belonging to the AGAG network. Some funders, for instance, work with grassroot organizations that are embedded within a community. They may hire or work with "local advisors" to help them identify grantees, and they may support advocacy efforts (public policy or community change) in addition to direct services in order to ensure that situations can improve over the long-term.

Other funders, like the Ford Foundation, have staff and offices overseas that carry out due diligence and grantee relations directly. Due to IRS requirements regarding equivelency determination and expenditure responsibility, many other funders work through intermediary organizations. AGAG's report, Making the Right Fit examines interviews with funders on their motivations for funding directly vs. using an intermediary.

Ms Mutima also provides many concrete suggestions for researching African issue-based grantmaking, including tips for getting on the radar of foundations that don't accept unsolicited proposals.

The continent of Africa is not broken, she points out; it doesn’t need to be fixed. The wealth of people and resources on the continent is immense, and Ms. Mutima adds that most NGOs successfully working there operate with little external money, getting their resources from volunteers or community funds.

Listen to the full program here >>

For more information on international funding trends and topics, see our GrantSpace Subject page on International Affairs. Find other great content in theMultimedia Archive at GrantSpace.

This was originally posted on the Philanthropy Front and Center-Cleveland blog. Many thanks to Katie Artzner for the write-up!

Focus on International Funding Month, Part 2

As promised, here's the rest of our line-up for May's Focus on International Funding Month at the Foundation Center's Washington DC office (and we even snuck a program in for June, too). Check out the descriptions below and click the links to register before all the seats are taken!

Brown Bag Lunch: Global Giving

Join us for a Brown Bag Lunch with representatives from Global Giving. Bring your lunch, and we'll provide beverages and cookies.

Topics will include:

• GlobalGiving Introduction - How we help NGOs around the world learn and accomplish more.
• Online Fundraising Overview - How to harness social media for your organization.
• Raising Funds from the United States - What grantmakers want to see.
• Joining GlobalGiving - Brief overview of the process.

Presenters: John Hecklinger, Manmeet Mehta, and Alison Carlman, Global Giving
GlobalGiving's mission is to catalyze a global market for ideas, information, and money that democratizes aid and philanthropy. GlobalGiving works with thousands on NGOs around the world, helping them increase their ability to connect with funding sources and to better serve their communities. GlobalGiving has developed expertise in international grantmaking and harnessing social media and works with a number of corporate partners - powering a variety of international giving programs. Join GlobalGiving for a discussion of online fundraising, international grantmaking requirements, and becoming part of GlobalGiving's growing network.

 

Coffee and Conversation: Working Abroad - The Realities!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Considering working outside the United States? This is an opportunity to hear from individuals who have worked or volunteered overseas as well as from nonprofit staff from abroad who are working in the United States with Atlas Corps.

Speakers include:

Christopher Ying, Program Associate, International Development Program, American University
Christopher Ying worked with the WorldTeach China program in 2007 as a volunteer English teacher in the Middle School Attached to Hunan Normal University in Changsha, Hunan. After completing his first year, he became the program's Field Director for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 academic years. He is currently enrolled in the International Development program at American University in pursuit of a Master of Science in Development Management. He also provides administrative support for faculty and students.

Lauren Boetsch, Founder, Pepa Jewelry
Lauren Boetsch was a Lead English teacher at the Centers for Interamerican Studies in Cuenca, Ecuador, from 2007-2009. In 2010, she worked as the Market Research and Business Development intern for Fundacion VANZAR, researching Ecuadorian and export market opportunities for handmade products made by low-income women in Cuenca. Additionally she founded Pepa, an ecologically sustainable jewelry company that works with local artisans on product design and exportation. She graduates with a Master of Science in Development Management from the School of International Service at American University in May 2012.

Abby Flottemesch, Chief Development and Engagement Officer, Atlas Corps
Abby brings more than 10 years of experience in development, communications, and youth leadership development, which includes being a Class 2 Atlas Corps Fellow in Colombia. Abby also worked as a Development Strategist for the Inter-American Culture and Development Foundation (Washington, DC), Fundacion Escuela Nueva (Bogota, Colombia), and The Campus Kitchens Project (national). Abby served with AmeriCorps VISTA in Puerto Rico and organized community development efforts throughout the northern part of the island.

Atlas Corps fellows serving in the U.S. will also be present to share their perspectives.

 

Conversation with Victoria Dunning, Vice President for for Programs, Global Fund for Children
Tuesday, June 05, 2012 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Join us to learn more about the programs and activities of the Global Fund for Children. The Fund works to advance the dignity of children worldwide. It pursues this mission by making small grants to innovative community-based organizations working with many of the world’s most vulnerable children, and by harnessing the power of children’s books, films, and documentary photography to promote global understanding. You will also learn about:

•  What funders of international programs are looking for in projects and programs,
•  Trends in international grantmaking, and
•  Advice for those thinking about working overseas and/or setting up a new nonprofit overseas.

Victoria Dunning joined The Global Fund for Children in 2005 bringing significant experience in program planning, management, and evaluation in developing countries. Prior to joining GFC, Victoria served as the senior program officer at the United Nations Foundation. Before that, Victoria was at the Pacific Institute for Women’s Health, where she oversaw research and evaluation activities on youth development and women’s health in East and West Africa. Her previous positions include NGO sector advisor at USAID Tanzania, clinic manager for the Young Men’s Clinic in New York City, project design and development trainer, with developing-country professionals, and Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa. Victoria is fluent in French and proficient in Wolof, Swahili, and Spanish.

May is Focus on International Funding Month at the Foundation Center!

May is nearly upon us and that means it is almost time for International Funding Month at the Foundation Center in Washington, DC. We have a series of great (and FREE) programs coming up- check out the descriptions below and click the links to register before all the seats are taken!

Tell Me A Story
Wednesday, May 2- 10am-11:30am

Top fundraiser Jerry Panas advises his clients "storytelling is the fiber of relationship building."

Making emotional connections with potential donors can move them from concern to passion to cash. Studies show your audience will remember just 5% to 10% of your message if conveyed via facts and figures. That number jumps to 65% to 70% if conveyed via a story.

In this workshop, Nancy Bocskor, who is a professor of fundraising at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, will teach how the art of storytelling can boost your bottom line. She has worked in more than 20 countries promoting civil society and teaching leadership skills, especially to women in emerging democracies.

You’ll learn:
• The Five Steps of Crafting a Successful Story
• How to Transform Yourself into "Storytelling Superhero"
• Lessons from Dale Carnegie, Harry Winston and other great motivators
• How to Collect Stories in Your International Development Work

 

Funding Trends for African Issue-based NGOs
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Learn about funding trends affecting and influencing foundations that are currently funding in Africa with Niamani Mutima, Executive Director of the Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group (AGAG). AGAG is a membership network of foundations that are currently funding in Africa or are interested in funding in Africa.

As Executive Director, Niamani Mutima joined AGAG in 2001 after twenty years of working on African socio-economic development issues. During her tenure there, she has been the guiding force behind the growth and development of this dynamic network of Africa grantmakers. Charged with "growing the idea" of how a community of funders can work together to promote increased and more effective funding in Africa, Niamani has guided its evolution in partnership with the Africa grantmaking community.

During this special presentation, she will be sharing her wealth of knowledge and expertise on this very important topic, so please join us!

 

Grantseeking Basics for International Organizations
Friday, May 18, 2012 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Gain an introduction to the world of foundation fundraising for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and U.S. nonprofits with international programs.

Do you represent an international nonprofit organization?
New to fundraising?
Want to know more about Foundation Center resources and the funding research process?

For beginners, this introductory class provides an overview of the grantseeking process for representatives of foreign NGOs and U.S.-based nonprofits with international programs. We will cover legal aspects of U.S. foundation giving overseas, the types of funders working internationally and the steps involved in foundation research. The formal presentation is followed by a tour of the library, highlighting our resources on international philanthropy.

I'll have the rest of the class line-up posted tomorrow morning (or you can take a peek at our May calender here).

 

Up Close and Personal: Our Cooperating Collection in Costa Rica

Visiting one of the Foundation Center’s newest international Cooperating Collections (CC) was not originally part of my vacation plans while in Costa Rica -- but it turned out to be a great way to learn about philanthropy outside of the United States. As soon as I got settled in my hotel, I jumped in a taxi to take me to the CC about 20 minutes away in Escazu, Costa Rica. The CC’s supervisor, Maximiliano (Max) Brandt offered to pick me up at the hotel, but I declined, not wanting to take him out of his way.  After all, taxis are a very accessible form of public transportation in the U.S.  As I quickly learned, my perceptions were totally off-base! 

Trying to relay the directions to the taxi driver proved difficult since I did not speak Spanish. I showed him a piece of paper with the “address” which turned out to be directions written in English rather than Spanish. It was then that I realized that none of the buildings in outlying areas have street numbers and names. I finally arrived at the CC after getting lost several times.  A quick phone call to Max set us on the right road.

The CC is located at the Association for Economic Development in Latin America the converted garage of Max’s home. (I was expecting an office building.) Despite the compact size and unconventional location, it is a bright and cheery space with a mural of trees on the walls. Running the CC is a family effort -- Max’s wife, Roxana Kop and son, Martin Brandt-Kop, are also involved. I sat down with Max, Roxana, and Martin and diligently tried to answer all their questions. We discussed promotion and outreach ideas as well as collaborating with community-based organizations in the area to help spread the word. We also discussed the possibility of offering viewings of our recorded webinars at the CC for local nonprofits. Their excitement and enthusiasm for promoting Foundation Center resources was unsurpassed – and infectious. I found the visit to be mutually rewarding and left there realizing that with help from individuals like Max, Roxana, and Martin, the Foundation Center can make a difference throughout the world. Since my visit to Costa Rica, Roxana has visited the Foundation Center- Washington, DC to take advantage of our training programs. Her son, Martin has also attended our classes. We in DC will always have a special bond with this collection.              

To learn more about the Foundation Center’s international collections visit our web site, GrantSpace.org. And, if you would like to visit one during your travels, contact us! 

Foundation Support for Water-related Issues Growing

In recent years, the number of U.S. charitable foundations awarding grants for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects around the world has more than tripled. A new research brief by the Foundation Center, Foundation Funding for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, finds that between 2003 and 2010 this growth in the number of active funders was accompanied by a nearly five-fold increase in the number of organizations receiving these grants, to the tune of $144 million in 2009-2010. And, while WASH funding as a proportion of international grantmaking overall has grown from 0.2 percent in 2003, it remains very small (1.7 percent in 2010).

Among other key findings in the report:

• Number of funders: The total number of foundations awarding WASH grants has jumped from 24 in 2003 to 78 in 2010.
• Geographic distribution: 30 percent of all grant dollars in 2009 and 2010 went to Africa, the largest share of any geographic region, while 18 percent went to Asia, and 9 percent went to Central/South America.
• Purpose of grants: The largest proportion of foundation grant dollars support water sector policy and administration (20 percent), followed by basic drinking water supply (17 percent), WASH research (14 percent), and basic sanitation (14 percent).

More than 780 million people do not have reliable access to clean water, and a staggering 2.5 billion do not have adequate sanitation. This report looks at the role of foundation funding in addressing this global crisis, complementing the Foundation Center'sWASHfunders.org custom web portal. As a hub for funders, practitioners, and policymakers working around the world, the portal provides free access to a broad set of knowledge resources, including a mapping tool with detailed grants information, case studies of WASH project funding around the world, and a searchable archive of reports. The Foundation Center's custom web portals empower donors to be more strategic, using data-driven decision making and peer-to-peer insights to strengthen their philanthropy.

Foundation Funding for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene can be downloaded for free from the Foundation Center's web site.

This research brief and WASHfunders.org are made possible through support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

Re-posted from “Foundation Support for Water-Related Issues Growing.” Foundation Center Press Release 3/20/12.

Knowledge Tools for Global Philanthropy

Four years ago, when I was a philanthropic adviser at a private bank, I spoke to The New York Times for an article on global giving. In my work with wealthy families in the United States and around the world, I was seeing a growing trend of cross-border giving. Part of this was related to the globalization of businesses that generated wealth, coupled with greater exposure to widespread need. Some was a result of diaspora giving as immigrant entrepreneurs funded projects in their countries of origin. Another factor was an increasing recognition that grants of all sizes could stretch further in the developing world.

Whatever the reason for the interest, a tool that proved useful to my clients, and to me, was GrantCraft’s guide on international giving. Insight from funders who had worked across geographic and cultural divides provided a framework for beginners and pearls of wisdom for those with experience in this realm. A companion piece on working with intermediaries dug deeper into global grantmaking through partner organizations.

Fast forward to 2011, when GrantCraft became a project of the Foundation Center and the European Foundation Centre. Two months ago, I joined the staff of the Foundation Center as vice president for strategic philanthropy and director of GrantCraft. As I settle into my new role, I’m discovering many additional ways that the Center can be helpful to global grantmakers-U.S.-based foundations that give abroad, as well as the foundation community around the world.

For example, the Foundation Center’s research department has produced several recent studies, including an international grantmaking update, a report on the global role of U.S. foundations, and a first-ever study on European foundation funding for women and girls.

One of the Foundation Center’s strategic priorities is to build the global data platform for philanthropy. Data collection on philanthropy in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East is underway through partnerships with African Grantmakers Network, Arab Foundations Forum, Centro Mexicano para la Filantropí, China Foundation Center, Council on Foundations, European Foundation Centre, Fundación AVINA, Grupo de Institutos Fundações e Empresas, International Aid Transparency Initiative, Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support, and others. The Center’s technical assistance is helping to make broader and deeper data available for donors around the world.

Each week, new data on grantmakers, their grant recipients, and grants are added to Philanthropy In/Sight®, an interactive tool for mapping philanthropy around the world. Increasingly, global grantmakers are commissioning the Foundation Center to convert data into knowledge tools to enhance effectiveness and collaboration. An example is WASHfunders.org, a one-stop hub with data visualization; curated research; “tagged” news feeds; and community tools for grantmakers working to improve water access, sanitation, and hygiene around the globe.

For colleagues attending the Council on Foundations Global Grantmaking Institute this week-and for other funders interested in global giving-the Foundation Center is here to help. Let us know what knowledge tools you need to be a strategic global giver.

Lisa Philp is vice president for strategic philanthropy and director of GrantCraft at the Foundation Center in New York. This blog was originally posted on November 28, 2011 on the Council on Foundations' blog, RE: Philanthropy.

 

How International Charities Can Raise Funds in the U.S.

 Get answers to your questions about building U.S. support for your international cause, legally and successfully, during our free live chat on Friday, Sept. 30, 12pm-1pm ET. Register now!

 

Erik Detiger, founder and managing director of Philantropia, an international fundraising consulting firm, and Clifford Perlman, an attorney and partner at Perlman & Perlman LLP, a law firm that is devoted exclusively to the needs of the philanthropic community and mission-driven companies, will be on hand to field your toughest questions.

Participate in this live chat from your own computer or mobile device. It's text only, so no worries about the sound bothering people near you. Register now!

See also our Knowledge Base Articles for international organizations for more resources, including:

• Can our international NGO raise funds in the U.S.?
• Where can my U.S.-based nonprofit learn about international operations?

 This post orginially appeared on Foundation Center-Cleveland's blog, Philanthropy Front and Center-Cleveland.

 

September 11: How It Influenced Charity and Philanthropy

September 11, 2001 had an enormous impact on nearly every aspect of American life -- including the way we reacted to later tragedies. Aaron Smith of CNNMoney recently wrote an article on how September 11 appears to have inspired Americans to give more generously for later tragic events, and how it helped charitable organizations better prepare to respond when other disasters occurred.

The following chart from Smith's article shows the level of American donations to help victims of the September 11th attack, the South Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan.

Click on the chart for a larger view.

Smith suggests that the "years of experience that charitable organizations acquired in the wake of September 11 set the stage for an even more generous outpouring" than otherwise might have been expected when another significant disaster took place. Nonprofits continue to learn how to react quickly and make appeals for public support, using newer methods like online fundraising and mobile giving to tap into the immediate attention and concern generated by news reports of the devastation caused and the people affected.

Private and corporate foundations also appear more willing to respond quickly following a large-scale tragedy. Over the last decade, the Foundation Center has tracked information on the U.S. philanthropic response to major disasters:

• September 11
• South Asian Tsunami
• Gulf Coast hurricanes
• Haiti earthquake
• Japan earthquake and tsunami

On the tenth anniversary of September 11, it is natural to pause and look back -- to think about where you were, how you reacted, what we have learned, and how things changed as a result. We can only hope that we all continue to learn from the past in order to be better prepared to provide assistance and support whenever and wherever the need arises.