Summary: Information / Discussion
The Role of Foundations in International Cooperation
The working group today aimed to foster understanding of the role of international foundations in global civil society.
Representatives from the European Foundation Centre, the Ford Foundation and the Fondation Charles Leopold Mayer pour le Progrès de L'Homme all offered interesting and diverse perspectives on this complex topic. Miss Sarah Impes, membership coordinator from the European Foundation Centre, emphasized the need for cooperation among NGOs and foundations. She said, "In an interdependent world, cooperation is the only way to be effective and successful". She highlighted that such cooperation is especially important since September 11th, as we live in a world which increasingly demands a united effort to address global issues, to foster inter-cultural understanding and tolerance, democracy, peace, sustainable development and greater equality worldwide.
Speaking about the work of Fondation Charles Leopold Mayer, Mr. Gustavo Martini similarly emphasized the need to promote a more responsible, united world with the support of international foundations. He believes that there is tremendous scope for foundations to assist NGOs working in different areas -environment, education and health, for example- though he made no claim that these foundations can replace sources of funding from private corporations. Miss Lisa Jordan from the Ford Foundation offered yet another range of insights in talking specifically about the role of her organization in supporting groups that promote global civic participation.
Surprising issues
Mr. Martini highlighted a certain problem facing international foundations: the fact that they receive money from capitalist institutions that recipient NGOs often oppose. It is a problem that is difficult to eradicate, since that is the primary source of foundation funding, and it has led many civil society organizations to become suspicious of the role of international foundations.
Interesting questions
Questions were centered on a broad range of issues, particularly the issue of access to funds. A delegate from England put forward the concern that the distribution of funds is often politically or geographically biased, and suggested the possibility of creating a central independent regulator responsible for selecting the recipients of funds. Other delegates emphasized the need to put in place mechanisms to ensure that NGOs around the world are fully informed about the availability and nature of various foundations and receive assistance in the process of application for the funds.
Conclusions
Though no concrete conclusions were reached, participants in this discussion group generally learnt about the need to build up and strengthen links between NGOs and international foundations, and to deepen recognition about the role of international foundations in global civil society.
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