Survey Results Indicate Support for Centralized Repository of Information on Foreign NGOs

February 7, 2007

The majority of respondents to an October 2006 survey favor creating a centralized repository of information on foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They say such a repository could help make international grantmaking by U.S. foundations more efficient, less costly, and less onerous. At the same time, the survey respondents tempered their support with many questions about the workability, reliability, and sustainability of such a repository. These findings and others are included in a new report “ Potential of Creating a Centralized Repository of Information on Non-U.S. Based NGOs: Findings and Recommendations.” A total of 79 U.S.-based international grantmakers, 56 non-U.S. NGOs, and eight U.S.-based international giving service providers took part in the survey.

The repository initiative is a joint collaboration among the Council on Foundations, the Foundation Center, GuideStar, and Independent Sector. Martin Schneiderman of Information Age Associates conducted the survey with generous support from the GE Foundation.

Based on the positive survey results, a second, follow-up phase of this initiative is being planned to address the critical operational issues identified in the report and implement the steps recommended at its conclusion. Once again, the GE Foundation is supporting this phase of the initiative, but financial support from additional sources will be necessary.