lourdes sanz transparency and accountability in a nutshell: the mexican experience cemefi
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Lourdes Sanz
Transparency and Accountability in a
nutshell: The Mexican Experience
Cemefi
Mexican context:
108 million inhabitants
40% living in poverty -20% in extreme poverty-
Current narcotraffic violence lead to decrease of investment and emigration
Less than 8 000 CSOs authorized to extend tax deductible receipts
Less than 250 grantmaking foundations
Lack of legal framework specifically meant for grantmakers
Cemefi
The Challenge
Grantmaking focused more on problem solving than on strategic philanthropy, or in transit from traditional philanthropy to strategic social investment
More than half grantmakers lack:
Grantmaking methodology;
Solid selection criteria;
Grantmaking established programs;
Public events for information on impact, results and positioning.
Small number of CSOs known and well positioned Difficulty on getting information on CSOs.
Cemef
Process
Research on Philanthropy and Civil Society Field
Development of a tool that works as: For Grantmakers (Foundations and Corporations):
Grantees selection criteria Grantees strengthening program
For CSOs:
Accountability and Transparency Standards Management Improvement Positioning Raising visibility
Alliances with local foundations and membership organizations: Alliance methodology
Capacity building tools for allies
Development of: workshop and handbook for participant CSOs
Cemefi
Research
Tool Development Team (Working group conformed with Cemefi´s members´ representatives, staff and board members)
Pilot program
Staff operational team
Grants received from: INDESOL (federal government social development institute) and from Kellog Foundation.
Alliance building methodology and capacity building tools for allies developed.
ResourcesInvolved
Cemefi
1. Formally constituted according to current legislation
2. Tax exemption and authorization to extend tax
deductible receipts by Mexican authorities
3. Mission, vission and objectives properly formulated
4. Verifiable address and telephone number: proper instalations according to social cause
5. Annual report : resources application, activities,
results and impact achieved
6. Board members different from staff members
7. Staff in payroll (labor law compliance)
8. Volunteers working on organization´s programs
9. More than three years of operation
10. More than three income sources
Tool: Indicators
350 CSOs have accomplished optimum level throughout Mexico
8 Alliances with localfoundations and membership organizations
Local alliances building: State and Municipal Govmnt / Corporations / CSOs and Foundations
Results
Results
CSOs accountability and public trust in the field has increased
Federal, State and Local Governments are supporting the initiative:
Federal Social Development Institute is funding promotion and workshops associated with IIT
Two state governments and a city government are supporting local CSOs to comply with standards as a mean to support philanthropy development
One state government has adopted the standards as grantees´ selection criteria
Cemefi
Results
20 Foundations have complied with optimum level indicators (14 of them –CF- have complied with other standards as well)
12 corporate and independent grantmakers have adopted the tool as grantees´selection criteria and/or strengthening tool for their grantees
Development of Standards for CSOs Professional Advisors and Consultants :
Tool development and implementation
26 Specialized CSOs advisors and consultants have complied
Local intersectorial alliances building
Cemefi
Need to develop more grantmaking tools for foundations and for corporate social responsibility programs involving grantmaking
Need to increase peer exchanges between grantmakers: corporations and foundations (Affinity group started 2010)
Need to systematize experiences and work in case studies in the philanthropic field: best practices
Need to increase advocacy for social causes as well as for the philanthropic field in general
Need to increase professionalization, accountability and raise visibility for CSOs
Lessons Learned
Cemefi
THANK YOU!
Cemefi
Lourdes Sanz-Moguel Effectiveness and Services
Cerrada Salvador Alvarado 7, Col. Escandón
Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, Distrito Federal
CP 11800 MEXICOTel. +52 (55) 5276 8530www.cemefi.org
www.oscdigital.org www.hacesfalta.org.mx