A. About: mission, history, and how we work
1. What is Oak Foundation?
Oak Foundation comprises a group of philanthropic organisations based in various countries around the world. Oak Foundation was formally established in 1983. Oak Foundation has its main administrative office in Geneva, Switzerland, and a presence in four other countries: Denmark, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zimbabwe.
2. Who owns Oak Foundation?
The resources of Oak Foundation originated from an interest in the Duty Free Shoppers business which Alan Parker helped to build.
3. What causes does Oak Foundation support?
Through our grant-making, we contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world.
4. How do 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.
5. How does our grant-making process work?
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.
6. What type of organisations do 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.
7. What type of grant-making support do 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.
8. Why do 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.
9. How do 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.
B. Environment Programme
1. What does the Oak Foundation Environment Programme fund?
Our strategy places people at the heart of our grant-making to safeguard our future and restore our connection to nature. The Environment Programme has three sub-programmes: Marine foods systems and livelihoods, Nature and people, and Regenerative landscapes.
2. What regions do Oak Foundation projects cover?
Our work is global, and our environment projects are typically in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
C. Global Climate Initiatives Programme
1. What is Oak Foundation’s Global Climate Initiatives Programme?
We all want to live in places where our families can breathe clean air, drink safe water, and build a better life that is secure and prosperous. But today, rising temperatures, severe weather incidents, and pollution are putting that future at risk.
2. What work does the Oak Foundation Global Climate Initiatives Programme fund?
Our programme is split into three areas: Energy; Petrochemicals; and Food. We fund projects in these areas that are designed to allow communities to thrive while supporting the natural environment around them.
3. Where are the Oak Foundation Global Climate Initiatives projects based?
Many of our projects work with communities in areas where climate is creating significant challenges. These include Africa, Asia, Brazil, India, Southeast Asia and Europe.
D. Housing and Homelessness Programme
1. What does Oak Foundation’s Housing and Homelessness Programme do?
Supporting organisations to end homelessness and create housing opportunity.
2. Where do Oak Foundation’s Housing and Homelessness projects operate?
Our grant-making under the Housing and Homelessness Programme funds projects in communities across the UK and United States.
3. What types of projects does Oak Foundation’s Housing and Homelessness Programme fund?
A safe and secure home helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive and live dignified lives. However, far too many people are under constant pressure of losing their home. Given that the gap between income and homes that are affordable is growing, our focus is primarily on people who are most excluded from housing opportunity. Homelessness is preventable.
E. Issues Affecting Women Programme
1. Why does Oak Foundation have an Issues Affecting Women Programme?
For more than 20 years, the Issues Affecting Women Programme (IAWP) has funded organisations and movements around the world. All women and girls should be safe, free, and have an equal chance to thrive.
2. What projects does Oak Foundation’s Issues Affecting Women Programme support?
The Issues Affecting Women Programme is divided into five sub-programmes. These are: Strengthening women’s movements; Resourcing women’s funds; Ending domestic violence; Making the invisible visible – stopping psychological violence; and Preventing trafficking and exploitation.
3. How does Oak Foundation’s Issues Affecting Women Programme work?
We grant-make to organisations that are founded and led by women in the communities they support. Oak Foundation supports those organisations with resources, organisational strengthening, and making wider connections.
F. International Human Rights Programme
1. What is Oak Foundation’s International Human Rights Programme?
Since 1948 the international community has developed an extensive body of laws and principles to protect human rights. The laws provide all of us with the tools to live full lives with access to justice. Unfortunately, there remains a gulf between human rights rhetoric and the lived experience of many people. We support efforts that seek to close that gap.
2. What types of project are funded by Oak Foundation’s International Human Rights Programme?
We provide core, project, and seed funding in multi-year grants to organisations that work on five key funding priorities.
3. Where do Oak Foundation’s International Human Rights Programmes take place?
We work internationally at the global, regional, and national levels. We remain committed to the EU, USA, UK, Brazil, and various geographies in the global East. There is limited capacity to expand our geographic coverage.
G. Learning Differences Programme
1. What projects does Oak Foundation’s Learning Differences Programme fund?
Our funding is guided by a vision of a world in which every young person can unlock their potential.
2. What type of learning differences does Oak Foundation’s Learning Differences Programme fund?
Through our grants, we support not-for-profit organisations that help schools become places where students who learn differently — particularly those furthest from opportunity — feel confident, supported, and able to thrive.
H. Oak Foundation Denmark
1. Why does Oak Foundation have a programme for Denmark?
Contributing to efforts that help people reach their full potential, be safe and healthy, and have a place to live.
2. What work does Oak Foundation Denmark support?
The Oak Foundation Denmark programme supports projects in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Projects include those supporting those experiencing homelessness, those who are sex workers, undocumented migrants and communities who face a range of challenges.
3. What are the outcomes of Oak Foundation Denmark’s grant-making?
Oak Foundation Denmark has supported projects that contribute to significant change to the lives of the people in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.
I. Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Programme
1. Why does Oak Foundation run a Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Programme?
Child sexual abuse is preventable. This fact drives and inspires our support to end child sexual abuse online and offline. Our grantees are survivors, advocates, and researchers working to accelerate action at the community, national, and global levels.
2. What sort of projects does Oak Foundation’s Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Programme fund?
We fund in areas designed to support a safer world where children can thrive.
3. How does Oak Foundation’s Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Programme make a difference?
Child sexual abuse is preventable. Yet millions of children continue to experience abuse online and offline. We support organisations around the world that work across sectors to create a safer world where children can thrive. The organisations we support contribute evidence, learning, and practical approaches that can help reduce child sexual abuse and create safer environments for children.
J. Special Interest Programme
1. What is Oak Foundation’s Special Interest Programme for?
Supporting a diverse range of partners around the world, reflecting the interests of Oak’s Trustees.
2. What types of projects does Oak Foundation’s Special Interest Programme fund?
Projects that have been funded through the Special Interest Programme include those focused on sport, music, mental health, and medical research.
3. How can I apply for funding though Oak Foundation’s Special Interest Programme?
Our Trustees often identify projects they would like to support. You may send a letter of enquiry, but our Trustees are rarely able to accept unsolicited requests.
K. Zimbabwe Programme
1. What is Oak Foundation’s Zimbabwe Programme?
The Zimbabwe Programme is a national programme through which we fund local organisations that support the hopes and aspirations of Zimbabweans, particularly those furthest from opportunity.
L. Grant-making: understanding Oak’s grant-making approach
1. Where and how does Oak Foundation fund?
Oak Foundation makes grants in more than 40 countries to contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world. Recipients determine their own priorities and conduct their work in line with all relevant laws in the countries in which they work. We generally commit multi-year, core support grants (i.e. unrestricted funding), or flexible project grants that align with our programme strategies. 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 request the true costs, including overhead costs, for such grants.
2. Why does Oak Foundation provide long-term support to its recipients?
We believe in sustained support to help create lasting change. Long-term funding gives organisations the stability needed to achieve their missions. We also encourage grantees to maintain a diverse funding base to strengthen resilience. If Oak Foundation needs to exit a grant after a period of time, we establish clear communications about the reasons well in advance, when possible. We often provide additional support through funding or capacity strengthening to help the organisation find alternative funding and to thrive once our grant has ended.
M. Eligibility and strategic alignment
1. How do I know if my organisation is a fit for Oak Foundation funding?
Review our programme strategies, as each programme has its own focus, criteria, and geographic scope. If you see strong alignment with your mission, you may submit a Letter of Enquiry.
2. Does Oak fund globally or only in certain regions?
Oak funds globally, but each programme defines its own geographic scope. Please check the relevant programme page before sending a Letter of Enquiry.
3. Does Oak have specific themes it is prioritising this year?
Priorities are set at the programme level. Please review the relevant programme pages and criteria to see if your organisation’s work fits within the programme overviews.
N. Application process and pathways
1. Is Oak Foundation currently accepting proposals?
Oak operates on a rolling basis using an invitation-only process. Entry points include a direct invitation or a Letter of Enquiry (when strong alignment exists). Full applications are by invitation only and depend on alignment and budget availability.
2. Can I submit a Letter of Enquiry without an invitation?
If you believe there is strong alignment between your organisation’s work and a programme’s grant-making, you may submit a Letter of Enquiry. Oak will invite a full proposal only if alignment and budget allow.
3. What makes a strong Letter of Enquiry (LOE)?
A strong Letter of Enquiry clearly demonstrates alignment with the relevant programme’s grant-making overview and geographic focus. It explains the problem being addressed and outlines the expected results of the proposed grant. If alignment and budget availability allow, Oak may invite the organisation to submit a full application.
4. What is Oak’s step-by-step application process?
Oak’s application process begins with entry through one of two pathways: an invitation from Oak; and the submission of a Letter of Enquiry. Following on from that, if the organisation is invited to proceed, Oak will request the submission of a formal application. This will be followed by a due diligence phase, which may include: discussions with staff; a review of financial information; and site visits, where appropriate. A final decision will then be communicated to the applicant, in line with the timelines agreed during the process.
5. How long does the application process take?
If an organisation is invited to apply, the programme team will clarify the proposed timeline. This includes explaining the decision‑making process and outlining the expected timeframes for each stage of the application.
O. Funding levels, duration, and costs
1. What size grants does Oak Foundation make, and over what period?
Oak makes more than 300 grants annually, most of them multi-year. The average grant amount is around USD 900,000. Duration and size depend on context and programme budgets.
2. Does Oak offer one-year grants?
Yes, Oak offers one‑year grants. However, most of our programme grants are awarded for multiple years. Grant duration is determined based on organisational needs.
3. What costs will Oak fund in a project budget?
Oak encourages true‑cost budgeting when developing a project budget. This includes reasonable overheads, staff time, administrative expenses, and costs related to learning and reflection that support the effective delivery of the work.
4. What percentage of a project budget will Oak fund?
Oak generally funds no more than 50 per cent of a project budget. In some cases, exceptions may be discussed directly with the relevant programme officer.
5. What percentage of an organisation’s budget will Oak fund?
Oak generally funds no more than 20 per cent of an organisation’s overall budget. Any exceptions would be discussed with the programme officer as part of the application process.
6. Where can I find Oak’s latest grants?
Oak’s latest grants can be explored by reviewing the Annual Report.
P. Due diligence and review
1. What does Oak look for during due diligence?
In our due-diligence process, programme officers focus on whether the prospective grantees have the requisite legal, regulatory, and financial protocols in place to responsibly use the Oak grant funds. Programme officers review the grantees’ safeguarding practices, financial health, and internal controls. Methods may include discussions, financial reviews, and site visits.
Q. What Oak Foundation does not fund
1. Does Oak fund individuals?
No, Oak does not fund individuals.
2. Does Oak fund scholarships or tuition assistance?
No, Oak does not fund scholarships or tuition assistance.
3. Does Oak fund religious organisations?
No, Oak does not fund religious organisations for religious purposes.
4. Does Oak fund election campaigns or political activity?
No, Oak does not fund election campaigns or party-affiliated political activities under any circumstances.
5. What is the minimum programme grant size?
Except in special circumstances, programme grants are generally not awarded below USD 25,000.
6. Does Oak direct the activities of its recipients?
No, Oak’s recipients are fully independent and determine their own strategies and priorities. Oak does not direct grantee work.
R. Discretionary grants
1. What is a discretionary grant?
A discretionary grant is a donation to a not-for-profit organisation that is initiated by an Oak Trustee, Advisor, or member of staff.
2. What type of support do discretionary grants offer?
Discretionary grants provide general operating support to registered not-for-profit organisations with a current mission that aligns with Oak’s programmes.
3. Where can I find information on discretionary grants?
Information on discretionary grants, including total amounts, is published annually in Oak’s Annual Report.
4. What should we do if Oak contacts us about a discretionary grant?
If Oak contacts you about a discretionary grant, you should follow up directly with the person from Oak who reached out to you.
S. Contact us
1. What if my question is not answered here?
If your question is not answered here, please contact the relevant programme team or contact us.