[Imc-finance] re-"centralization" & A network wide grantmaking proposal

[k.skvorak]

kevin wrote;

>
>Subject: Re: [Imc-finance] A network wide grantmaking proposal
>
>
>>  Of course for other national or international funders this is very
>>  confusing =8A.and to be honest with ourselves, this approach is not the
>>  optimal way to do network wide mutual aid=8Aas each IMC has differing
>>  abilities to write, and most importantly,  to research and submit
>>  grant proposals.
>>
>>  So I am suggesting trying a different approach.
>>
>>  If the IMC network as a whole, from a 'centralized' location - for
>>  instance UCIMC or someplace else, were sending out a diverse proposal
>>  package each funding cycle to a growing selection of friendly funders
>>  it would give the appearance of 'central' coherence to the IMC
>>  network that is not apparent otherwise.   Yet this 'centralized'
>>  appearance would not be as complicated for our own internal workings
>>  as when we seek or accept  large 'network wide' grants=8Athat then
>>  require disbursement and the risk of  creating,  at the very least,
>>  'apparent' internal heirarchies.


sascha replied;

>Kevin had sent me this proposal off-list, and as I mentioned to him, I'm
>concerned about creating centralized structures for the Global Indymedia
>Network.  Obviously, I trust the UCIMC (I'm their treasurer ;), but I
>really like the decentralization of funding and the empowerment of local
>initiatives and groups.  Multiple IMCs and projects are sponsored by the
>UCIMC, however, this is because they have chosen to make that affiliation
>-- thus it is a fully voluntary and cooperative arrangement.  I would be
>very uncomfortable formalizing any role with the UCIMC in terms of
>centralization of Global Indymedia decision-making or coordination; and
>I'm not sure what benefits would be gained for the Global Network by doing
>this.  So, if the idea is to centralize grant information, I'm all for it
>and certainly the UCIMC could help with the endeavor; but I'd rather not
>see the UCIMC assume any sort of official capacity over the process.


Just a note about 'centralization" etc.

This proposal does not in any way preclude, or prevent any local 
IMC's from raising funds in any way they see fit- whithin the implied 
boundaries of principles of unity of course, if those imply any.

The concept outlined here would act much more as a mutual aid 
arrangement, than any form of centralization.

In it's simplest form it would just be a regular (quarterly etc) 
"bulletin" that contains short one page proposal letters from a 
variety of local IMC's outlining their local project needs.

This bulletin would go out to a regular list of foundation boards 
that are already pre-contacted to receive it. I may be wrong, but i 
believe there are at least a few foundations that would welcome this.

These proposal letters would not have to be vetted or judged in any 
way by any 'central' IMC body, so there would not have to be any 
centralized standardization etc UNLESS the local IMC group were 
asking for such assistance.

This central 'bulletin'  would serve as an invaluable resource for 
getting the proposals of locals IMC's all over the world into the 
hands of a variety foundation boards.  This service is an extremely 
valuable one because this is one of the biggest problems i think for 
folks working on grantwriting on the local level- esp in the global 
south- ie: identifying and contacting appropriate funders.


No local IMC groups are obliged to submit their proposals in this 
form, but they are simply invited to if they desire.


peace,

kevin


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