Selection Criteria

We want to make it simple to ask for, manage and account for donations from the Strachan Foundation. Our mechanics for grant-making are direct and minimal.
(See “How to Apply” for more specific directions.)

1. Minimum requirements for organizations and projects to be considered for support:
1. The project addresses an important education or health need in Central America.
2. The organization is a national organization from one of the Central American countries.  The Strachan Foundation does not fund US-based or EU-based international organizations working in Central America, although it does fund national organizations working together with international NGOs.
3. The organization has other sources of funding.  The Strachan Foundation sees its grants as supplementing the support from other organizations.
4. The organization has legal standing as an NGO recognized by the national government.
5. The project does not promote a specific spiritual message or political ideology.  Although the Strachan Foundation offers support to organizations that have a religious orientation, the projects we fund do not proselytize project beneficiaries.
2. Additional criteria for selection and ongoing support:
   
1. The organization has an implementation plan that is feasible and effective, including a realistic and appropriate budget.
2. The project has clearly defined, realistic and measurable outcomes or results for the funding period.
3. The organization has adequate paid personnel and/or volunteers, both in terms of numbers and competencies, needed to realize project objectives.
4. The organizational leadership has demonstrated vision, integrity, commitment and competence.
5. The organization has the administrative, financial, human resource and information systems in place to responsibly, transparently and efficiently manage resources.
6. The project is aimed at poor and marginalized communities and groups that have limited access to outside support and assistance.
7. The project includes efforts to build the capacity and skills of the beneficiaries to direct their own development versus simply ameliorating problems.
8. The project values strong community support, cohesion and joint decision-making
9. The project is directed at needs that are perceived by the community and/or beneficiaries, versus addressing needs derived solely from external analysis.
10. The project is striving to be both replicable in other locations and sustainable over the long-term.
11. The project potentially has high impact in the medium to long range
12. The organization actively seeks to link with similar organizations to avoid duplication of effort.
13. The organization has generated or leveraged funding from other external donors (i.e. individuals or groups at national or international levels).
14. The organization and its work are congruent with the Strachan Foundation’s mission and values.
15. The organization is willing to follow the Foundation’s guidelines for accountability.