While a U.S. foundation’s primary concern should be following U.S. law and policies, there are a variety of multilateral institutions that may be relevant to global grantmakers. These organizations can play an enabling role, such as a co-funding partner or grantee partner, or they can be responsible for oversight or enforcement of international laws.
These are some of the most relevant organizations to global grantmakers:
The United Nations (UN)
- The UN can play a wide variety of roles, including as a grantee for international aid or other efforts. The UN system is extensive and includes organizations like UNICEF, the WHO, and the World Bank.
- The UN also administers its own sanctions program via the Security Council, though generally U.S. sanctions are more extensive and therefore U.S. foundations pay closest attention to U.S. sanctions.
The Financial Action Taskforce (FATF)
- FATF is an inter-governmental global body that sets standards for countries to follow in enforcing and preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. For that reason, FATF plays an important role particularly in how governments around the world treat civil society and nonprofits.
For example, FATF’s “Recommendation 8” when released initially said that nonprofits were particularly vulnerable to terrorist financing. This language has been used by governments to enact more restrictive laws and oversight impacting nonprofits. - Groups such as the Global NPO Coalition on FATF play an important role in advocating for nonprofits globally with FATF.
International Development Banks
- Organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, and African Development Bank can be important partners for U.S. foundations working internationally.
- They present opportunities for co-funding and act as connectors in the regions where philanthropic institutions may wish to fund.
Most UN agencies, the World Bank, and International Development Banks have dedicated foundation partnerships staff who serve as connectors to the philanthropic sector.
Note: Many multilateral institutions may be treated as the equivalent of a U.S. public charity by U.S. foundations, even if they are located abroad. Executive Order 9698 (later amended) provides a list of these organizations.
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