Foundation grantmaking focuses on four major program areas. These programs touch upon a number of major issues. Each grantmaking program also works within clearly stated geographic parameters or regions.
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The Center for Socio-Environmental Support is a grantmaking and capacity-building organization focused on providing small grants and trainings to strengthen grassroots, environmental, nongovernmental, and civil society organizations. This grant renewal will support the small grants program in South America to build capacity in local communities impacted by large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, which are funded by international and national financial institutions, including the Brazilian Development Bank.
Berne Declaration has been a respected voice in the international nongovernmental organization community and influential in international financial institution reform efforts since 1992. This project will allow Berne Declaration to continue its work with partners in the United States, Europe, and developing countries on institutional reform at the World Bank, export credit agencies, and private sector banks; monitor environmentally and socially harmful projects funded by these institutions; and educate officials and the public about the need to adopt more sustainable patterns of international development.
Friends of the Earth is the United States affiliate of an international network of environmental organizations in 70 countries. Through this project, Friends of the Earth works to strengthen environmental policies in the institutions and negotiations that govern international finance and trade. During this grant period, the objectives of the project will be to address the environmental and social impacts of key development financiers and new global financial actors; advocate for a shift of global investment from conventional energy to sustainable and renewable energy; promote the financing of sustainable infrastructure; advocate for sustainable and socially equitable development in conflict areas; and advocate for sustainable international trade and investment policies.
The Mott Foundation’s Environment program supports non-governmental groups (NGOs) working nationally and globally to change policies and practices of international trade and financial institutions so the environment is protected and people’s standard of living is not adversely affected by projects supported by these institutions.
Some grants made through our Environment program’s interest in improving land use decisionmaking in Michigan, as well as our three other programs — Civil Society, Flint Area, and Pathways Out of Poverty — support sustainable development projects. Such projects balance economic growth, environmental protection and human well-being.