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

[Sascha Meinrath]

Thanks for the clarifications Kevin, they address the concerns I raised.

--Sascha

On Sat, 7 Dec 2002, k.skvorak wrote:

> kevin wrote;
>
> >
> >Subject: Re: [Imc-finance] A network wide grantmaking proposal
> >
> >
> >>  Of course for other national or international funders this is very
> >>  confusing Š.and to be honest with ourselves, this approach is not the
> >>  optimal way to do network wide mutual aidŠas 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' grantsŠthat 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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