How we work
Oak Foundation seeks to contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world by supporting organisations in approximately 40 countries. We identify and provide grants to organisations with existing missions that align with our programmes. Although we agree to provide funding, we ask that the organisations we fund determine their own priorities, strategies, and activities. They design and carry out their work independently, in line with the laws of the countries in which they work.
How we determine programme priorities
Our programme priorities are set by the foundation, informed by our mission, long‑term values, and learning from the organisations we support. We draw on a range of inputs, including research, our grantees’ experience, and changes in the external context. We also review our priorities periodically to ensure they remain relevant and responsible.
How our mission guides us
Our mission to contribute to a safer, fairer, more sustainable world guides all that we do. We are dedicated to supporting organisations that work to help people and communities thrive in just societies, where everyone is safe and has the opportunity to succeed. This also includes safeguarding our natural environment for future generations. We trust our grantees and understand that positive change requires time and sustained effort.
How our grant-making process works
We match Oak’s resources to organisations whose existing goals and strategies align with our programme priorities. We evaluate eligibility, conduct due diligence, and sustain discussions with our grantees throughout the life of the grant to learn from both successes and failures. More information can be found on our grant-making process page.
What type of organisations we fund
We support organisations that are registered not-for-profit organisations, including organisations that re-grant to not-for-profit organisations globally. We support these organisations because they are: rooted in the communities and contexts where they work; have the expertise to design and lead their own strategies; and are best placed to make decisions that reflect local needs and realities.
What type of grant-making support we provide
We generally commit multi-year, core support grants (i.e. unrestricted funding), or flexible project grants. We expect that our grantees will seek and receive financial support from other sources for their projects and operations. We generally fund no more than 50 per cent of any project budget or 20 per cent of organisational budgets.
We believe that good grant-making means that our grantees direct their work in the way they see best. For project grants, we encourage applicants to ask for the true costs, including overhead costs, of such projects.
Why we conduct due diligence
Oak’s due-diligence process helps ensure that grantees have the requisite legal, regulatory, and financial protocols in place to responsibly use Oak grant funds. Our programme officers review the grantees’ safeguarding practices, financial health, and internal controls. These checks are part of responsible philanthropy.
How we comply with laws and regulations
Oak Foundation is a group of independent philanthropic organisations based in countries around the world. This independence enables us to: make our own decisions; focus on long‑term impact; and support organisations based on our mission and values. Oak Foundation complies with the legal requirements governing charitable grant-making in the jurisdictions where we work and provide grants.
How we communicate
What information we share about our grants
We publish our grants, programme overviews, and Annual Report on our website, reflecting our commitment to transparency.
How we set expectations with grantees
We expect our grantees to use Oak grant funds independently and consistent with their own existing organisational mission. But when we award a grant to an organisation, we share a grant letter that also sets out responsibilities related to communications, reporting, safeguarding, and financial management. These are standard elements of responsible philanthropy and help ensure accountability on both sides.