Resources for Internationally Engaged Grantmakers

From Paragon

Paragon Analysis and Resources

The resources below are Paragon-authored analyses and reference materials developed to support institutional grantmakers engaged in cross-border philanthropy. They reflect our applied experience in risk-based due diligence, regulatory context, and international grantmaking practice.

When to Escalate Anti-Terrorist Screening

How Foreign Organizations Qualify for U.S. Philanthropic Funding

Risk Factors in Cross-Border-Grantmaking

Due Diligence and Screening for Canadian Grantmakers

Due Diligence and Screening for EU Grantmakers

Equivalency Determination or Expenditure Responsibility?

Coping with the Disabling Environment

Counterterrorism Regulations & OFAC

International Grantmaking: An Overview

External sources

Authoritative External References

The references below are widely used by internationally engaged grantmakers to understand regulatory context, risk indicators, and operating environments relevant to cross-border philanthropy. These materials are provided for informational purposes and reflect external sources commonly relied upon by institutional funders.

Basel AML Index
Country-level assessments of money laundering and terrorist financing risk, widely used as a contextual risk indicator in cross-border financial and philanthropic activity.
https://index.baselgovernance.org/

Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Global standards-setting body on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, including jurisdiction risk listings and monitoring updates.
https://www.fatf-gafi.org/

ICNL Civic Freedom Monitor
Country-specific information on legal and regulatory conditions affecting civil society organizations, including restrictions on foreign funding.
https://www.icnl.org/resources/civic-freedom-monitor

CIVICUS Monitor
Country-level ratings and narrative profiles tracking civic space conditions and the operating environment for civil society, commonly used as contextual risk information for cross-border work.
https://monitor.civicus.org/

Council on Foundations – Country Notes
Reference materials used by U.S.-based grantmakers to understand country-specific considerations relevant to international giving.
https://www.cof.org/resources/country-notes

Transparency International – Corruption Perceptions Index
A widely referenced indicator of public-sector corruption risk used by institutional funders to inform country risk context.
https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi

“We have been working with Paragon for a couple years now and couldn’t be more pleased with the relationship. Paragon relieves us of all the burdensome requirements associated with processing international grants. Because Paragon is so thorough, professional and responsive, I can count on the work being performed accurately and in a timely manner. They are also simply a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Paragon Philanthropy.”

Pegine E. Grayson
Senior Vice President/Philanthropic Services
Whittier Trust

“Paragon surpasses other providers I’ve seen with their level of due diligence and delivers much more than basic vetting. I have recommended Paragon to other grantmakers for their extensive service offerings, exceptional customer service, reasonable fees and timeliness. Working with Paragon, our foundation benefits from time and cost savings along with peace of mind.”