Keep Your Head Down

Congratulations on mitigating risks while moving resources!

You move forward with grants to registered organizations who can handle the NGO law restrictions. Some groups ask if XYZ is able to transfer funds via individual accounts. Most of these groups are in your LGBTQI rights portfolio. You decide that you need to think about this option.

The week after the grant agreements (to registered organizations) are signed, the world wakes up to the news that the government in Acadia has put down an attempted coup by a network of military officers. The government declares a state of emergency and restricts citizen movement and limits large meetings. The government also starts arresting large numbers of military officers who they accuse of being participants, and institute strict media controls in order to “maintain the peace”.

LGBTQI groups are greatly affected because they no longer have safe spaces to meet (either online or in person).

What will you do next?

Your next steps need to be taken carefully. Consider the questions below (but there are others that may affect your decision). Good luck.

How will you respond to LGBTQI+ groups requests to transfer resources via individual bank accounts? What will be the impact on grantees if you do or if you do not?

How will you engage with your donors who want to see results in order to continue funding your work in Acadia?

Do you have the systems or infrastructure to support grantees who are at risk?