Knowing your potential as a partner
The Soros foundations network is an increasingly attractive partner for other donors. It is unique in its ability to mobilize significant resources quickly and flexibly through locally based governance and implementation structures that are supported by an international network. What unites the network is the ideal of open society, which is interpreted and promoted by the individuals, foundations, and initiatives that form the Soros foundations.
The Soros foundations have an ethos of tackling difficult and controversial challenges, experimentation, innovation, and risk taking. Initiatives can be started quickly and adapted in the face of developments or unintended consequences. The Soros foundations are increasingly recognised by other donors - especially international ones seeking to operate locally - as ready funders, leaders, and deliverers. Many national foundations are respected as local bases of knowledge, insight, and experience on the ground.
The Soros foundations' record of delivery and impact is creating a momentum in which major donors and national governments are increasingly including the national foundations in their consultations on program and policy development. This trend is opening up new opportunities for partnerships. The network's identity enables the national foundations to explore partnerships in which they make use of their strengths and negotiate for contributions and complementary efforts.
As discussed in Section 2, there are advantages and disadvantages of each donor as a partner. This is also true for the Soros foundations. In some countries, there are negative perceptions about George Soros, the national foundation, or the network. The Soros foundations may be viewed as political or controversial. International donors, whose work often depends on good relations with governments, may see risk in associating themselves with the network.
The Soros foundations may also be seen as so well-funded that they don't need or want partners. Some foundation programs or initiatives are viewed as unprofessional through the eyes of older, more established donor organizations and national governments. Sometimes, other donors simply lack information or do not grasp the foundations' unusual, fast-moving, and non-bureaucratic way of working. These factors cannot always be overcome. They should be recognised, however, and dealt with realistically in seeking partnerships.
In approaching and working with other donors, it may be important to communicate that the Soros foundations bring the following to a partnership:
