Seed funding and pilot projects

These arrangements begin with an idea that needs to be tested, developed, or cannot otherwise be implemented widely at first. A lead partner provides resources to get the project started, with the expectation that other donors will join later. Commitments of other donors are usually dependent on the success of the initial project. It is important to identify, inform, and involve future partners in early stages of this kind of effort. Potential partners may need to be convinced that the pilot project has been successful and can be replicated. This requires documentation and sharing of information about the experience - both positive and negative - of the pilot project.

The Soros foundations often make an excellent lead partner to provide seed funding or develop a pilot project because of their willingness to innovate, readiness to move human and financial resources quickly, ability to adapt, and their local implementation bases.