International Grantmaking Funding with a Global View
In this guide, grantmakers describe the benefits and challenges of bringing a global perspective to their work. The guide explains the regulations that govern cross-border grantmaking and shares the experiences of funders who have coped with working across geographic and cultural divides. It also weighs the merits of working through intermediaries and funding directly outside the United States.
Highlights
- Why grantmakers fund internationally
- Dealing with distance and cultural difference
- Understanding the role of intermediaries
- Bringing a global "lens" to your work at home
What's in the Guide?
- Why Fund Internationally? What goals, values, and experiences lead grantmakers to the international arena? This section explores some of the reasons why funders bring global issues and concerns into their grantmaking.
- International Grantmakers: Who Are They? Why do different grantmakers - from private, independent foundations to individual donors - decide to get involved in funding globally?
- Global Grantmaking: The Basics: For American funders, making grants outside the United States can have complicated legal and financial implications. How can a funder learn about the options? Where can you find the latest information on relevant federal guidelines and regulations?
- Dealing with Distance and Difference: By definition, international grantees are far away, separated from funders by many miles and, often, several time zones. How do experienced grantmakers maintain a sense of connection? How do they coordinate their reporting and other systems to be clear and helpful? How do they bridge cultural and communication gaps that separate them from grantees located in other countries?
- Working with Intermediaries: Choosing an Intermediary offer a mix of supports - including local knowledge of funding needs, language skills, cultural sensitivity, and legal and financial mechanisms - that can help funders work effectively across national borders. This section describes some types of intermediaries, how they function, and the assistance they've provided some grantmakers.
- Funding Domestically with a Global Lens: Taking a global perspective doesn't necessarily mean funding outside the United States. American grantmakers are increasingly applying techniques and aspirations from the global stage in their local and national funding.
Categories
Content type
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Link to Calculating Your Organization’s Digital Dependence
Additional Resources: International Grantmaking
U.S. donors need to be aware of laws and regulations governing international giving, especially if they seek to realize tax benefits or apply the gift toward a required minimum payout.
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For U.S. Donors Federal Guidelines for International Funding
To summarize, there are three main instruments:
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International Funder Advisers
- Funder networks such as Grantmakers Without Borders aid international funders by organizing workshops and study trips, sharing information, and fostering collaboration among donors.
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Strategies for Understanding and Managing Cultural Difference in International Grantmaking
Do background work and consult widely. Preliminary research, thought, and listening can help you avoid acting on assumptions and stereotypes.
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Communication Strategies (with Grantees) for International Grantmaking
Establish lines of communication. Once you have done your background work and are ready to enter into grant relationships, establish clear and respectful lines of communication with grantees.
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Managing Currency and Exchange for International Grantmaking
"Use wire transfers to ensure safety and timeliness. And make sure the grantee gives you complete information: the right name for the bank, the account number, and the international code number."
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Working with Local Consultants in International Grantmaking
Many grantmakers bridge the distance between themselves and their grantees by employing trusted representatives to serve as their eyes and ears in countries outside the United States.
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Grantmaking in Difficult International Contexts
- Choose capable, reliable allies
- Pay close attention to laws and regulations governing local organizations and international grantmaking
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Introduction to Working with Intermediaries in International Grantmaking
Some grantmakers choose to channel international support through intermediary organizations. Giving through an intermediary is often the simplest way to fund internationally, especially for funders who want to realize tax benefits. Yet intermediaries may also provide other important advantages:
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Type of International Grantmaking Intermediaries
- “Regranting” - Intermediary organizations that “regrant” support offer a simple and flexible way to put resources to work in other countries.
In this guide, grantmakers describe the benefits and challenges of bringing a global perspective to their work. The guide explains the regulations that govern cross-border grantmaking and shares the experiences of funders who have coped with working across geographic and cultural divides. It also weighs the merits of working through intermediaries and funding directly outside the United States.
Highlights
- Why grantmakers fund internationally
- Dealing with distance and cultural difference
- Understanding the role of intermediaries
- Bringing a global "lens" to your work at home
What's in the Guide?
- Why Fund Internationally? What goals, values, and experiences lead grantmakers to the international arena? This section explores some of the reasons why funders bring global issues and concerns into their grantmaking.
- International Grantmakers: Who Are They? Why do different grantmakers - from private, independent foundations to individual donors - decide to get involved in funding globally?
- Global Grantmaking: The Basics: For American funders, making grants outside the United States can have complicated legal and financial implications. How can a funder learn about the options? Where can you find the latest information on relevant federal guidelines and regulations?
- Dealing with Distance and Difference: By definition, international grantees are far away, separated from funders by many miles and, often, several time zones. How do experienced grantmakers maintain a sense of connection? How do they coordinate their reporting and other systems to be clear and helpful? How do they bridge cultural and communication gaps that separate them from grantees located in other countries?
- Working with Intermediaries: Choosing an Intermediary offer a mix of supports - including local knowledge of funding needs, language skills, cultural sensitivity, and legal and financial mechanisms - that can help funders work effectively across national borders. This section describes some types of intermediaries, how they function, and the assistance they've provided some grantmakers.
- Funding Domestically with a Global Lens: Taking a global perspective doesn't necessarily mean funding outside the United States. American grantmakers are increasingly applying techniques and aspirations from the global stage in their local and national funding.