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Commonwealth Foundation: Amplifying Voices for a Fairer World

Established in 1966 as a charity, the Commonwealth Foundation is an inter-governmental organization supporting civil society participation in democracy and development. We provide grants, platforms for storytellers, and promote knowledge sharing to strengthen civic voices. Join us in shaping public discourse and building a fairer world.

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Commonwealth Foundation: Amplifying Voices for a Fairer World

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  1. More voices for a fairer world

  2. We are the Commonwealth’s agency for civil society. We support people’s participation in democracy and development

  3. Background 1966: Founded as a charity 1981: Heads of Government decided that is should become the second Commonwealth inter-governmental organisation Countries can be members of the Commonwealth without automatically being members of the Foundation Currently 46 out of 53 total Commonwealth countries have opted to be members of the Foundation Membership entitles civil society of that country to apply for grants and more

  4. Structure The Commonwealth Foundation operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which is agreed by member states. It makes provision for: A Board and an Executive Committee Civil Society representation The Secretary-General An independent Chair

  5. Administration The Foundation is represented by its Director-General (appointed by member states) The Director-General is assisted by a Deputy (appointed by the Board) Sub-Committees convened as needed (e.g. Grants Committee)

  6. Evolution 1960s/70s: focus on professional associations 1980s: Started focus on NGOs - smaller national players rather than well resourced big players 1990s: Grant making supports the participation of NGOs in major development processes 2000s: Programme emphasis on civil society and governance 2011: Perth CHOGM Communique called for relaunch: ‘to deliver the objectives of strengthening and mobilising civil society in support of Commonwealth principles and priorities’

  7. Resources and approach Budget in 2018: £3.2 million Scale of contributions agreed by member states 82% of resources spent on programmes and grants £1 million disbursed in grants annually Staff of 25 Not an implementing agency A development partner

  8. Programme focus Participatory Governance and Gender: use status to facilitate engagement between civic voices and government Commonwealth Writers: Giving storytellers platforms so they can shape public discourse Learning and Communications: encourage knowledge sharing between projects Grants

  9. Videos More voices Commonwealth Short Story Prize

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