Meeting Foreign Country Requirements
A review of foreign country restrictions and requirements should form an integral part of your foundation's international grantmaking procedures. Countries may require that a grantee obtain special registration, or secure specific information about the grantmaker prior to receiving foreign funding. Not meeting such requirements, where they exist, could put a grantee’s staff or operations at risk, or result in grant funds being sequestered by a foreign government.
Paragon's Equivalency Determination PLUS and Expenditure Responsibility PLUS services include facilitation of compliance with foreign country requirements. This service can also be requested on a stand-alone basis, or in conjunction with watch list screening. Our team manages the following steps for your family foundation, corporate foundation, or donor advised fund:
An evolving global landscape
The importance of being both aware of and compliant with foreign country requirements is underscored by global trends toward a ‘closing space’ for international philanthropy. Paragon's article in Alliance Magazine, Internationally Engaged Foundations: Coping with the Disabling Environment, discusses some of the existing risks, challenges, and solutions.
1. Review foreign country restrictions and requirements
Review foreign country requirements affecting both the grantee and the grantor in the context of an international grant. Such requirements may, for example, include a requirement for special registration, special permitting, or the provision of specific information to the foreign grantee or foreign government.
2. Obtain and submit required documentation and information
As required, obtain documentation of grantee compliance with foreign country requirements related to the receipt of international grant funding.
As required, facilitate compliance by the grantor with foreign country requirements.
3. Alert the grantor on foreign country restrictions of particular concern
Alert the grantor to foreign country restrictions on the operations of civil society organizations that may affect the implementation of grant activities.