In addition to compatibility with program goals, we look for movements, networks and organizations where:

• those who are most impacted by the violence and social injustice being addressed have a strong voice in creating solutions and alternatives, as evidenced by their active participation in the organization, including in decision-making, as well as mechanisms that provide for organizational accountability to broader social bases
• there is a gender perspective that addresses:  the role of women within the organization itself, goals or desired outcomes for women, and an analysis regarding the implication and impact of the work on women (for example: the power dynamics between men and women; the gender dimension of the social problems that the organization seeks to address, etc.)
• there is collaboration; local, regional, national and international collaboration is a possible indicator of dynamic relationships with larger social movements, and the absence of such collaboration may be an indicator of isolation from social movements
• there is North/South collaboration in support of social movements; while favoring funding to the Global South, we also fund some collaborative projects with significant program activity in the North

And where certain characteristics are present:

• learning organization: the organization demonstrates the capacity to reflect on its experience and adapt to lessons and insights;
• active nonviolence: organizational structure and decision-making process reflect the values of the new society sought; the work reflects consistency between means and ends;
• empowerment: strengthening of the commitment, confidence, competence, and effectiveness of organizers / educators / participants / constituents.

We attempt to evaluate the potential for achieving goals by looking at:

• Quality of leadership (vision, competence, trustworthiness, etc.)
• Quality and alignment of goals, objectives, strategies, and activities
• History of the organization: indications of progress in achieving goals

Other considerations / things you should know:

• We prioritize direct funding in Latin America over funding US-based groups working or re-granting in the region.
• We value partnerships and ongoing relationships and see them as an opportunity to build trust and deepen collaboration. Therefore we seek outstanding, committed, capable and visionary groups/individuals and we are open to the possibility of developing long-term collaborations.
• We will consider groups who are taking risks (whether in terms of their political option/position, or doing work for which it is hard to secure funding, or others), are creative, and who may not have an established track record but who do have other indicators of potential success (e.g., clarity of vision, well-respected leaders, demonstrated commitment).
• We look for mobilization more than research. Research is essential to social change work and there are some organizations that do excellent work in this regard. However, we prefer to focus funding on projects and initiatives that would be most difficult to convince other funders of the need for or the value of taking the associated risks. If we do fund research, it is usually in response to a request by social movement networks based on an identified need to further movement building.
• Popular education is an important tool in the work. Direct service projects (trabajos destinados a mejorar las condiciones de vida de los sectores más vulnerables) are also critical. However, we tend to support popular education and direct service efforts only as a complement of, or when tied to, social movement building and a larger social change process.
• One-time events or experiences without effective follow-up or on-going relationships with the participants are generally NOT funded.

Regarding Finances and Financial Resources

• We weigh the value of our financial support within the overall finances of the organization.
• There must be financial integrity and accountability within the organization.
• We will consider funding organizations that are well established and have a good track record, but whose support and viability are threatened as funders move on to other issues. However, we tend not to fund groups who, once they are well established, have a lessened need for our financial support.
• As a general rule, we do not fund organizations with a budget exceeding US$500,000.