Bernard van Leer Foundation Project Cycle

In 2010 the Bernard van Leer Foundation made EUR 16,293,442 in grants. We make grants through a six-step cycle.

Step #1: Development of a country strategy

In 2010 three new country strategies were approved by the board, bringing the total of approved country strategies to seven (Caribbean, India, Mexico, Netherlands, South Africa, Peru and Uganda).

Step #2: Selection of partners

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. A preliminary selection of partners is made through: a rigorous stakeholder analysis on entities that can influence children’s lives and impact the goals we have selected; a reputational check with other donors, governmental channels and community leadership; and multiple site visits from our staff.

Step #3: Due diligence

We verify the following: evidence of registration with the Chamber of Commerce or appropriate authorities; financial policies and the capacity of the financial department to adhere to the Foundation’s Standards of Good Accounting Principles; audits from previous years; board of trustees; separation of powers; and accountability arrangements.

Step #4: Proposal and budget assessment

Our programme and financial departments review these internally. Accepted proposals can be approved in three ways: grants under EUR 50,000 euros are approved within the programme department. Grants between EUR 50,000 and 499,999 are approved by the Executive Director with notification to the board. Grants above EUR 500,000 are submitted to the board for approval.

Step #5: Monitoring

When a grant has been allocated, we monitor it through site visits, regular communication, statutory documents and independent audits.

Step #6: Evaluation

The required evaluation is carried out independently.

For more in-depth information, see this six-page pdf on our programme development procedure, which explains why we have switched from a project approach to a comprehensive programme strategy approach and how we operationalise our goals at country level.