Comprehensive program strategy and multi-donor financing

This arrangement involves multiple donors committing their resources and programs to a broad, strategic aim. Such partnerships emerge around large efforts, such as a humanitarian emergency response, a national reconstruction program, the system reform of a sector, or a regional initiative.

This type of partnership requires a broad vision and comprehensive planning. All donor partners are not necessarily involved in designing the effort. Often, a large international agency - with technical expertise or major funding capacity - takes the lead in preparing the strategy and implementation plan, in cooperation with the national government(s) most concerned. There is usually quite formal coordination of the donors in this partnership arrangement.

Donor partners may commit a part of the funding required, implement a defined project within the broader scheme, or develop their own program, as long as they serve the common aim. Generally, the partners are not catetorized by their level of contribution, but rather by their status as donors - international organizations, governments or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). While the Soros foundations are grouped with other NGOs, their funding and potential impact is often more comparable to the contributions of donors in the other categories. This unusual situation provides both an opportunity and a responsibility for the Soros foundations to ensure that their voice in planning and design reflects the level of their contribution.

A crucial element in this arrangement is confidence of the various donors in the broad strategy and plan, in the lead agency, and in the involved government(s). It also requires excellent coordination, communication, and cooperation. There can be frustration among partners, especially NGOs, because broad coordination and consensus building often delays implementation. This partnership arrangement can, however, eventually have a high impact.