Performance Excellence Grants

Description

1) Objective

In 2024, following a strategic review, the Asfari Foundation is refining its grantmaking model. The updated model aims to build on the existing strengths of the Foundation’s grantmaking, while adding a new level of depth and specificity to maximise the impact of the grant funding. The primary objectives of the Asfari Foundation’s grants programmes are to:

• Strengthen the capacity and resilience of organisations operating in and for the Levant.
• Foster transparency, accountability, and good governance within recipient organisations.
• Promote sustainable development and economic empowerment within the Levant communities.
• Drive innovation and evidence-based solutions for regional challenges.
• Collaborate with external partners to amplify the impact of philanthropic efforts.

To do this, the Foundation will be piloting a series of different grant types that will provide tailored support to organisations in delivering their mission and strategy. These grant types are being phased in over time, and the first to launch are the ‘Performance Excellence Grants’. Organisations must choose to focus on using the funding to support one of the following functions:

• Strengthening Human Resources Management, Staff Development, and Wellbeing
• Strengthening Governance Structure
• Strengthening Financial Management
• Strengthening Programme Development and Management Practices
• Strengthening Fundraising and Sustainability Efforts
• Strengthening Research and Advocacy Management and Impact
• Strengthening Communication and Digital Infrastructure
• Strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Practices
• Strengthening Innovation and Exploration of Alternative Solutions

2) Eligibility

Applicant Organisations must: be officially registered, be one of the following: a Not-for-Profit, a Social Enterprise, or a Company with a defined social mission (and investing at least 50% of profit back into the Company).

3) Location

Actions must take place in Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Levantine Communities.

4) Budget

These grants provide financial support of £7,000 in addition to technical support provided by experts in strengthening the applicant organisations in the functions detailed below. The grant period is up to 12 months.

5) Application

This is a rolling application and will be open throughout the year. Applicants are welcome to apply anytime but selection will take place at three different periods in the year.