How To Get Involved
Financing remains a critical constraint as Liberia strives to implement reconstruction and development programs. How can you help? Below, we outline just a few of the easy and effective mechanisms through which philanthropists and foundations can support Liberia. If you or your organization would like to learn more about these or other opportunities to assist Liberia, the Philanthropy Secretariat is glad to assist you in identifying the right channel for your support aligned with your philanthropic goals. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at philanthropy@emansion.gov.lr!
- Local NGOs have played a central role in Liberia’s recovery and peace process and continue to do so during this reconstruction and rebuilding phase by providing services to Liberians and helping the country meet its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) goals. The PRS articulates the country’s overall vision and major strategies for moving toward rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth and development during the period 2008-2011. The PRS was formulated through broad-based consultation with Liberian citizens in cities, towns, and villages throughout the country, members of the business community, civil society groups, the Legislature, and international partner organizations. The goals and time frame for Liberia’sPRS are certainly ambitious and target goals can not be met if there is not strong collaboration between civil society, government, and Liberia’s external partners, including foundations and individual philanthropists. To learn more about a few Liberian NGOs that are working towards the PRS, please visitGlobal Giving web site.
- SMWF provides financial and other support for the empowerment of women market traders in Liberia.SMWF works to achieve this goal through assisting the improvement of existing markets and construction of new ones, the creation of credit facilities for use by market women, and training in literacy and small business concepts. SMWF has a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with the African Women’s Development Fund, a 501©(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. You can learn more and support the SMWF at theSMWF web site.
Liberia Civil Society Support Program
- Humanity United, a U.S. philanthropy, has partnered with Senegal-based TrustAfrica to provide grants and capacity training to a cohort of leading Liberian civil society organizations working on governance monitoring, community empowerment, and independent media issues. You can expand and deepen this crucial initiative by supporting TrustAfrica (specifying “Civil Society Development in Liberia” on the check), a U.S. 501©(3) organization. Learn more about this program at the TrustAfrica web site or by contacting the Philanthropy Sectretariat.
- The Scott Family Fellows program recruits young professionals to fill critical capacity gaps in the Government of Liberia. Scott Fellows work as “special assistants” to senior Liberian government officials, primarily Cabinet members. The program puts a special emphasis on encouraging qualified Liberians to apply. Please contact the Philanthropy Secretariat if you would like to learn more or support the Scott Fellows Program.
We strive to foster collaboration between our philanthropic partners, and encourage you to learn more about the individual philanthropists and foundations supporting Liberia today in the Philanthropic Partners section of our website. There are also additional resources in the Learn More section of our site, including:
- A database of projects that foundations and philanthropists are currently supporting, which you can filter by focus area, foundation, and location
- A directory of international and local NGOs operating in Liberia
- A library of relevant documents and reports on Liberia to help you research areas of interest
- Links to other sites and resources about Liberia
Important note: Please note that this is not a solicitation of funds or a recommendation to donate. The role of the Philanthropy Secretariat is simply to act as facilitator for potential donors interested in donating to causes in Liberia. Please also note that none of the organizations listed above are affiliated with the Philanthropy Secretariat or the Government of Liberia. Potential donors are advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax treatment of any potential donations.