GENOGRAPHIC LEGACY FUND CHARTER DOCUMENT

Transcription

1 Revised April 15, 2011 GENOGRAPHIC LEGACY FUND CHARTER DOCUMENT This charter document is available for download from the Genographic Project Web site: INTRODUCTION The purpose of this Charter document is to identify the purpose, scope, strategy, program organization, roles, governance plans, constraints, and procedures necessary to achieve the Genographic Legacy Fund objectives. BACKGROUND From inception, the Genographic Project was designed to include a legacy component an important element that would reciprocate the positive contribution made to the project by indigenous and traditional communities from around the world. The Genographic Legacy Fund (GLF), funded by a portion of the net proceeds from the sales of the Genographic Public Participation Kits, effectively and indirectly links the scientific side of the project and public participants to the indigenous and traditional communities. Thus all contributors will combine to establish a shared, positive and ongoing legacy for the Genographic Project. The GLF is also meant to reflect the values and missions of the Genographic Project Partners. National Geographic Society s mission is to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge while promoting conservation of the world's cultural and natural resources. IBM is committed to providing diverse and sustained programs that support education, workforce development, arts and culture, and communities in need on a global basis. And the Waitt Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting projects that seek a deeper understanding of human history, expand the potential of the human mind and improve mankind's knowledge through historical and scientific exploration. One of the key goals of the Genographic Project is to raise awareness of the challenges facing indigenous groups while building community capacity and offering empowering support. The Genographic Project's Advisory Board, comprised of respected leaders in various scientific and other fields including indigenous advocacy will provide oversight and guidance to foster meaningful community/indigenous involvement and representation in the decision-making process surrounding the operation of the GLF. 1

2 PURPOSE The purpose of the GLF is to: 1. Increase overall awareness of the critical challenges, pressures and threats facing indigenous communities worldwide by providing a culturally-sensitive voice, by offering support through the Fund and by providing selected media exposure on selected projects, including the Genographic Project website and other appropriate media venues. 2. Deliver medium- and longer-term, tangible benefits to indigenous communities around the world 3. Focus on indigenous cultural conservation and language preservation as well as specific cultural education programs. 4. Empower indigenous communities and build capacity by funding relevant programs and projects that are sustainable beyond the established timeframe of the Genographic Project and thus establish a true legacy. PROCEDURES Sources of Funding The GLF is funded by two primary channels: 1. National Geographic s net proceeds on the sale of the Genographic Public Participation Kits A minimum of 50% of the net proceeds from kit sales are contributed back to the GLF. 2. Direct donations to the Genographic Project Legacy Fund as specified by donors. While the sources of funding are expected to remain consistent over the course of the Project, the Genographic Project team and GLF Steering Committee may amend the source channels and/or the contribution percentages at any time. All funds held as part of the GLF Fund are governed by this Charter, as it may be amended from time to time. Fund Management Funds designated for the GLF are managed by the corporate finance office of the National Geographic Society. Genographic Project management intends to pursue opportunities throughout the course of the Project to maximize contributions to the GLF. Grant funds are not used for investment income generation and no administration or management fees will be charged against the Fund. Administration The Genographic Project team at the National Geographic Society will manage the administrative component of the GLF on a day-to-day basis. The team will maintain close 2

3 coordination with other participants in the GLF (Advisory Board, Indigenous representatives, Project partners, etc.). Accounts will be provided, on an annual basis, to the GLF Steering Committee for its review. Identification of Projects Idea Generation The Genographic Legacy Fund will consider all viable project ideas that fulfill the GLF Purpose and that are submitted in accordance with the GLF guidelines and processes. The Genographic Legacy Fund will also rely on recommendations from the Genographic Project stakeholders who possess a strong understanding of key issues facing indigenous and traditional peoples and who have experience with and strong ties to indigenous groups. Grant proposals will be judged based on the selection criteria described below. Key stakeholders include: Research Team / Principal Investigators Global Research Centers Genographic Project Advisory Board Genographic Project Partners Indigenous groups / representatives Genographic Legacy Fund Steering Committee members Submission Process Funding decisions are made on an annual basis. Applicants should submit their application by filling out the online form. If you are unable to receive regular access to the Internet or a computer, you can mail your application to: The National Geographic Society Attn: The Genographic Project Legacy Fund th Street NW Washington, DC Alternatively, you may your application to genographiclegacy@ngs.org using the application form in Appendix A. We discourage applicants from submitting applications by mail or ; however, we will consider applications in both of those forms. A standard application can be found in Appendix A. Eligibility Genographic Legacy Fund grants are open to individuals, groups and organizations. 3

4 Applicants must provide details of indigenous affiliation. Applicants indirectly associated with a community must provide an overview of current or prior work in support of indigenous education programs and/or cultural or linguistic conservation efforts. These applicants should be seeking to expand their service to indigenous communities and have a demonstrated commitment to improving general awareness of indigenous cultures, histories and heritages. In order to ensure a direct benefit, candidate projects should be designed and conducted by, or in close association with, indigenous groups. Therefore, the majority of the people forming the group responsible for providing project governance must be members of the indigenous community in which the project will be implemented. Project Selection Criteria and Grant Awards Grant awards will typically not exceed US$25,000. The exact award amount will be determined by the availability of funds as well as the project s potential impact and the community s need (as demonstrated in the project narrative and detailed budget). The GLF Steering Committee may, on occasion, make awards to larger-scale, more complex projects. These projects might be undertaken in collaboration with other communities or in conjunction with other entities such as NGOs, local education institutions, government agencies, etc. Projects, regardless of category, will be geographically as well as functionally diverse but will maintain consistency along the following lines: Cultural education Cultural conservation and revitalization physical (sites, monuments, etc.) and intangible (stories, songs, etc.) Indigenous language perpetuation Other educationally-oriented efforts supporting a cultural heritage initiative The following criteria will be considered in selecting projects: Does it deliver a positive, tangible impact? Is there a documented relevance to an indigenous/traditional community? Is the cost-to-impact ratio consistent with the spirit of the GLF? Will there be a timely delivery of benefits? Will we be able to accurately evaluate the impact of the project? Are appropriate standards of governance in place (including the majority of the people providing governance be members of an indigenous community)? If required, is there an ethical evaluation and approval process in place? Are the proposed benefits and impact sustainable after GLF funds have been expended? What is the level of local community involvement in the implementation of the project? Grant Restrictions GLF grants are not intended to be used for indirect costs, overhead, legal actions and other expenses not directly related to the proposed project. Unless absolutely integral to the 4

5 proposed project, funds may not be used for travel or conferences or for construction or land acquisition. As a condition of the grant, grant recipients must sign a grant agreement detailing specific reporting obligations and other responsibilities which grant recipients will be required to fulfill as well as certain rights to be shared with the National Geographic Society and its affiliates in support of general outreach for the Genographic Project and the GLF. Selection Process Oversight GLF oversight and project approval authority rests with the GLF Steering Committee (GLFSC). The GLFSC is comprised of: members of the Genographic Advisory Board (specifically those members with a background in ethics and in cultural and indigenous issues), and senior representatives from the National Geographic Society, IBM and the Waitt Family Foundation. Applications will be reviewed initially for eligibility and merit by a preliminary review panel comprised of GLF program staff and Genographic Project management. If appropriate, the panel will attempt to follow up with an applicant with a request for any absent application information. The panel will forward to the GLFSC those applications that meet all eligibility requirements and best satisfy the selection criteria identified above. In addition, wherever feasible, the GLFSC will work with external indigenous representatives or groups in the various regions to ensure that a regional peer review element is embedded into the oversight process. Also, the individual Genographic Project principal investigators will be consulted for direct input to the GLFSC on grant proposals from their respective regions. On occasion, the GLFSC may elect to award a discretionary grant should the committee identify an especially deserving and eligible project but one that may require special handling. Discretionary grants would still fulfill the Purpose of the GLF and meet the grant selection criteria. Grants will be evaluated based solely on merit, regardless of the research status of the applicants. The GLF is not designed to serve as a means of obliging indigenous communities to participate in the research project. Role of external organizations The GLFSC may elect to work with other organizations to aid in the identification and implementation of specific projects or in fund disbursement. Cooperation with these organizations would be based on geographic advantage as well as on documented expertise in a specific area. Potential organizations might include NGOs as well as non-profits and international aid organizations. Overall, however, the intent of the Genographic Legacy Fund is to ensure community capacity-building, and therefore the any external organization will be in a support role of indigenous-driven projects. 5

6 GLF Promotion The GLF is an integral component of the Genographic Project. It is mentioned and described in all materials related to the Genographic Project (Public Participation kits, press kits, Web site, etc.). The GLF is also cited in relevant interviews and other media coverage opportunities. As the GLF evolves, additional promotional channels may be identified and implemented. 6

7 Timelines Funding decisions are made on an annual basis. Submissions for annual review will close at midnight US Eastern Time on the 15 th of June of each year for the duration of the Genographic Project or until otherwise modified. Award announcements will occur in coordination with the GLFSC, Genographic Project partners and receiving groups. Language To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, applications will be reviewed in English, the common language of the members of the GLFSC. Given the global reach of GLF, we understand that it may be difficult for some to submit an application in English. GLF will accept applications in other languages, given that GLF can with reasonable effort translate the language into English. Please note that translating applications requires additional review time and an application submitted in a language other than English may not be reviewed within the timeline outlined above. Communications Planning All announcements and communications related to the disbursement of funds and the support of specific projects will occur only with the prior agreement of receiving groups and in tight coordination with the Genographic Project team. Interpretation Any issues or decisions not covered explicitly by this charter will be reviewed by the GLF Steering Committee. National Geographic Society reserves the right to amend this Charter at its discretion, with the exception of the Purpose. 7

8 Appendix A Date: Genographic Legacy Fund Grant Application The application is due at midnight on June 15 th. your finished application to genographiclegacy@ngs.org. APPLICANT INFORMATION 1. TITLE AND NAME: 2. CURRENT POSITION AND/OR RANK: 3. ADDRESS AND NAME OF INSTITUTION: 4. CONTACT INFORMATION: Telephone number: Fax number: address: Website (if applicable): 5. INSTITUIONAL AFFLIATIONS OTHER THAN LISTED ABOVE (if applicable): DATE OF BIRTH (MM/DD/YYYY): 7. COUNTRY OF PRIMARY CITIZENSHIP: 8. HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE GENOGRAPHIC LEGACY FUND? Website: Word of mouth: Academic Institution: Other: 8

9 9. EDUCATION (HIGHEST DEGREE) Institution: Department or Major: Degree: Year: 10. IN THE EVENT WE CANNOT REACH THE PRIMARY PROJECT MANAGER, PLEASE PROVIDE AN ALTERNATE CONTACT PERSON: Name: Address: address: Phone number: PROJECT INFORMATION 11. INFORMATION ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY Indigenous Community s name: Location: Name of the project: 12. FIELD DATES Start Date: End Date: 13. AMOUNT REQUESTED FROM THE GENOGRAPHIC LEGACY FUND (US DOLLARS) Amount: 14. IS THE WORK PROPOSED HERE A DISSERTATION PROJECT? Yes or No 15. SPECIAL QAULIFICATIONS OF THE PROJECT MANAGER FOR CARRYING OUT THIS PROJECT. Please list below: 16. DOES YOUR PROJECT INVILVE TRAVEL TO, OR EXPENDITURES IN, CUBA, IRAN, SUDAN, NORTH KOREA, SOMALIA, ZIMBABWE, OR CUBA? Yes or No PROJECT DESCRIPTION (Please keep responses to words) 17. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MAIL GOAL 9

10 PROJECT DETAILS (Please keep responses to words) 18A. DESCRIBE YOUR PROPOSED PROJECT IN SUITABLE DETAIL IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW. PLEASE ADDRESS HOW YOUR PROJECT WILL RAISE GLOBAL AWARENESS ABOUT THE CULTURAL LOSS FACED BY INDIGENOUS AND TRADITIONAL COMMUNITIES. ALSO, PLEASE ADDRESS CHALLENGES THAT YOU WLL FACE IN UNDERTAKING THIS PROJECT. 18B. PROVIDE DETAILS REGARDING LOCAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE PLANNING, GOVERNANCE, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF YOUR PROJECT. 10

11 18C. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS REGARDING THE ETHICAL EVALUATION YOU PLAN TO CONDUCT BEFORE UNDERTAKING THIS PROJECT. BE SURE TO ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: ARE THE PROJECT'S METHODS AND TECHNOLOGIES APPROPRIATE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND ITS GOALS? DOES THE PROJECT CONCEPT COME DIRECTLY FROM OR ADDRESS AN EXPLICIT NEED EXPRESSED BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS? WILL THE COMMUNITY, WITHOUT REQUIRING COMPENSATION, BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING THIS PROJECT? 18D. HOW WILL THE BENEFITS AND IMPACT OF THIS PROJECT BE SUSTAINABLE AFTER GLF FUNDS HAVE BEEN EXPENDED? WHAT PLANS ARE IN PLACE FOR SHARING THE BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT WITH THE COMMUNITY IN AN ACCESSIBLE MANNER (DISTRIBUTION, ARCHIVES, ETC) 11

12 ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS (Others to participate in the project): 19. Name: Birth Date: Country of Primary Citizenship: Institution: Role and special qualifications: Name: Birth Date: Country of Primary Citizenship: Institution: Role and special qualifications: Name: Birth Date: Country of Primary Citizenship: Institution: Role and special qualifications: GEOGRAPHIC INFORAMTION: 20. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF PROJECT: 21. GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES: 12

13 Latitude: Longitude: BUDGET ITEMIZED DETAILS ITEM DESCRIPTION AMOUNT REQUESTED Printing and Publication Supplies Vehicle Rental and Fuel Training Salaries Event and Outreach Documentary Equipment Computer Equipment Other Equipment Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous TOTAL BUDGET FUNDING FROM OTHER SOURCES 22. Amounts and types of support already received for this project from individuals or institutions other than NGS: Funding Source Description Amount 23. APPLICATIONS NOW PENDING WITH OTHER FUNDING ORGANIZATIONS FOR THIS WORK (if applicable): REFERENCES 24. Please provide the names and addresses of three individuals competent to provide us with an appraisal of the project and/or an evaluation of the applicants qualifications and ability to successfully do the work. 1. Name: Relationship to the project or applicant: Phone number 2. Name: 13

14 Relationship to the project or applicant: Phone number 3. Name: Relationship to the project or applicant: Phone number LETTERS OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT In addition to references, we ask that you please provide signed letters of community support. These letters can be ed to or mailed to: The National Geographic Society Attn: The Genographic Project Legacy Fund th Street NW Washington, DC PROJECT REPORTING AND EVALUTAION Directors of projects that are awarded funding are required to submit reports and other deliverables on a schedule to be outlined prior to the disbursement of any grant. In addition, the GLF Steering Committee may conduct periodic assessments of progress during the course. We may also engage an outside evaluator to assess the impact of the project in meeting the goals outlined in these guidelines. PICTURES AND ATTACHMENTS Please feel free to include pictures and supporting materials along with your application. 14