Improved development
At the Fig Tree Foundation, we are confident that an opportunity exists to achieve a greater net impact from existing development and aid efforts by encouraging and facilitating cooperation as well as by making disciplined investments in impactful development projects. The Fig Tree Foundation achieves this through its Funding Criteria and its commitment to collaboration amongst its Roundtable Partners.

The Fig Tree funding criteria is a result of hundreds of hours of thoughtful deliberation by volunteer development experts who share a common desire to improve the type of projects and programs that are being implemented in developing countries.    It is our goal and the goal of our funders that projects selected for funding will reflect our desire to achieve improved results and more sustainable, desirable outcomes for the beneficiaries of these projects.  It is also our goal that though our investment in these projects, others will be encouraged to learn from our successes and our failures. 
Funding decisions for projects include consideration of some or all of the following criteria:
  • Projects are in alignment with the FTF development principles (outlined below)
  • Projects provide measurable value to the recipient community, while minimizing unintended negative consequences
  • Projects lever off of existing projects or roundtable participants core competencies and deliver tangible results within specified timelines
  • Projects strive towards long term outcomes beyond the scope and tenure of FTF's involvement to build capacity and infrastructure
  • Projects demonstrate grassroots driven initiatives with demonstrated local ownership
  • Projects are innovative and could be scaled up or repeated in the community
  • Projects demonstrate collaboration between Roundtable participants​
Our Core Development Principles
​Sustainability, Effectiveness, Collaboration and Transparency

It is our view that International Development should be seen not as a gift, but as an investment. Whether an investment of time, money or focus,  each should be viewed through the same prism of responsibility; a responsibility to stay informed, ensure accountability and retain a sense of ownership well beyond any single act of generosity or heartfelt spirit. Ours is a business of doing good.

Sustainability - Any project or effort to aid others must have the ultimate goal of leading to an outcome where such aid is no longer required. Projects must come with an exit strategy.  Results and efforts they inspired will continue beyond our involvement.  

Effectiveness - All projects must have an outcome that makes a tangible difference to the people and communities they are attempting to affect. These outcomes should be objectively observable and of greatest value to the community

Collaboration - Our initiatives are served best by working together, sharing resources and experiences in the pursuit of a common goal. We encourage our member organizations to collaborate to achieve superior results.

Transparency - Accountability through open, honest and full communication is expected in order to catalyze great development and grow from the experience of others.
Sustainability
Effectiveness
Collaboration
Transparency