When an organisation is formally invited to apply for a grant, the Foundation discusses the size of the grant and whether it will be project support or core support (i.e., flexible and unrestricted funding). They work with organisations to develop the application in partnership, ensuring they communicate consistently about when and who will make the decision on a grant, how the application process works, and how long it will take. They also discuss the possibilities of renewal well in advance of the end of a grant. They consider all renewals as distinct and separate grants. The below timeline is an approximate timeline.
- Idea exchange & initial screen (Approximate timeline: 1 month)
- Concept note & summary stage (Approximate timeline: 1 month)
- Application development (Approximate timeline: 2 months)
- Application review (Approximate timeline: 2-4 months)
- Recommendation and decision (Approximate timeline: 1-2 months)
- Notification and payment (Approximate timeline: 1-2 months)
The Oak Foundation make grants to not-for-profit organizations across the globe that aim to make the world a safer, fairer, and more sustainable place to live.
The Foundation partners with organizations that work to advance its overall mission and the strategic goals within programmes. Each programme has its own funding criteria, geographic scope, and requirements. The programmes are managed by dedicated staff with deep field expertise and networks.
The Foundation commits multi-year, core support (unrestricted grants) where possible and when it fits within broader efforts. At Oak, core support has increased, from 22 per cent in 2013 to 42 per cent in 2021, and the intention is to continue this upward trend in the coming years. However, sometimes Oak pursues a specific objective within a partner organisation’s broader focus. In those situations, they may explore flexible project support where their priorities align.
Oak Foundation
The Foundation pursues rights-based approaches, gender equality, and partnership with organisations. They seek to support innovation, visionary leaders and organisations. The Foundation funds initiatives that:
- target the root causes of problems;
- are replicable either within a sector or across geographical locations;
- include plans for long-term sustainability, such as co-funding;
- strive to collaborate with like-minded organisations;
- demonstrate good financial and organisational management; and
- value the participation of people (including children) and communities.
Global, Focus (Brazil, India, Zimbabwe)