Apply to the Blacksmith Institute
What Blacksmith Will Support
We look for applications from people or organizations that are intent on solving specific pollution-based environmental problems. For example, we will want to help a group to clean up a local waterway from noxious weeds. Or someone who is trying to stop a particular factory from polluting the air. Or a local community group trying to put sewage systems in place.
Initially, we are focusing on problems in countries that are indicated as LDC's according to World Bank/UNDP lists. We will entertain proposals from other countries, but are less likely to provide support.
We look for well-defined problems, with clear strategies for success. The simpler and clearer you can make the description of the problem, the better you can focus on solving it. We'll help you, if you want, to develop your strategy, using experience from other endeavors across the world.
We look to support local champions, people who are committed to solving problems, and who are leading the effort to implement change. These people have a vision for change, an entrepreneurial flair to get things done, and a proven ability to lead. They are committed to systemic social change rather than motivated by profit.
We also look to support key NGO capabilities in each country or region. We believe that a healthy NGO community is part of the overall solution in any country. At a minimum, we believe that there should be a group for general advocacy for environmental protection throughout the country, and a group supporting legal representation of local communities. These NGO's provide a set of tools that other organizations can use to clean up problem areas. We will also look to support NGO's that have taken a region-wide stake in controlling pollution, for example, a group that is advocating for an entire river basin.
In general, we look to establish support partnerships which are long term. We will provide support as long as the organization is credibly and capably pursuing its objective.
What Blacksmith Will Not Support
Please note that several types of application will not be considered:
- Stand alone research studies. While research is a necessary part of any solution, research alone is insufficient.
- Foreign consultants. Although outside expertise is often necessary for large scale projects, we'll always look to support local expertise. We want to build capabilities that are likely to stay in-country.
- Overblown budgets. Submissions that indicate northern wage levels or fanciful expenses reduce credibility. We are looking to develop long-term relationships with organizations, and need to establish a basis for transparency and trust.
Type of Support Available
If approved, Blacksmith is capable of providing support to its Partners in four areas. We may offer to provide support in as many of these areas as are appropriate to each application.
- Technical Research. Blacksmith staff can conduct research and analyses of appropriate solutions to problems that have been implemented in other countries.
- Strategic Assistance. Blacksmith staff are experienced in developing strategies for social change that are effective, and can assist you in developing your own strategy.
- Networking Capabilities. We can also assist you in networking into the many other resources available to solve your problem. We can contact northern institutions, multilateral and bilateral donors, and help to partner you with successful similar organizations across the planet.
- Core Financial Support. We can also provide funding for your organization. Generally, we provide the core funding sufficient to keep your doors open and your activities humming. For example, we will often pay certain core staff salaries at reasonable local rates, and provide support for office expenditures.
Other requests for support are encouraged, and should be referred to our offices for evaluation. Typically our funding ranges between $5,000 and $10,000USD per year.
Preparing a Submission
Your application should be concise, generally no longer than four pages. We recommend you follow this simple format:
- Problem description
- Outline of strategy to solve the problem
- Implementation timetable
- Requirements for the organization
- Your financial request
- Your background (CV or description of experience)
Please do not be concerned if all of these areas are not yet fully developed. We will contact you for further information, or to clarify any issues that arise.
Please also note that we understand that internet access can be expensive, and beyond the means of some. If you want to apply to Blacksmith, yet lack the means to get online, send us a letter and we will help you pay for access for a few months or so.
Applications for support from Blacksmith Institute are welcomed at all times.
Applications can be sent in Word format via email to: applications@blacksmithinstitute.org
or via regular mail to:
Application Officer
Blacksmith Institute
2014 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10035
U.S.A.
Generally, you can expect an acknowledgement of receipt within a week, and a probable series of questions to answer soon after. You may be asked to revise your proposal during this process. Blacksmith's Board of Directors meets once each quarter to review all submissions, and we make all efforts to process approvals in a timely fashion.
Other Issues
Because of U.S. charity laws, organizations already receiving financial support will likely need to be organized under their own country's non-profit regulations, or be partnered with an organization already registered. We can assist you with this process if needed.
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