Special Initiatives allow the Foundation to be flexible and responsive to unique and unplanned opportunities that could advance the overall mission of the Civil Society program but are not aligned with the specific objectives of the plan’s other program areas. This may include grant support that preserves connections with key Civil Society grantees, responds to important issues or events, increases networking and learning for civil society leaders and practitioners, or explores opportunities to address global challenges through community-based approaches. Due to budget constraints, unsolicited proposals in this area are discouraged.