General information on the PTF

• The PTF Board of Directors, Officers.and Volunteer Advisers
  

•  Documentation on the PTF

What, specifically, does PTF do?

First, the PTF finances specific discrete time-bound activities or projects initiated by civil society organizations aimed at fighting corruption. Such activities will often involve mobilizing individuals, called "partners," with specialized knowledge in the design and delivery of anti-corruption measures. These may be nationals or international specialists and most often are volunteers working "pro bono". Where a government, bilateral or multilateral agency is seeking the involvement of the civil society in the development of such programs, the PTF can assist the civil society organization concerned to have its own independent voice. Where appropriate PTF will help identify and sponsor partners to participate in these efforts and fund them, as one civil society organization assisting another as a way to ensure that the voice of civil society remains independent.

Second, where civil society organizations are themselves developing specific tools or activities to build their capacity to participate themselves in anti-corruption initiatives, tools such as surveys, monitoring mechanisms or information systems, the PTF can fund specialists to assist in specific, time-bound activities to strengthen that capacity.

Third, in special limited circumstances PTF may support workshops and seminars designed to strengthen specific anti-corruption efforts and build networks of individuals and organizations dedicated to transparency and openness in public affairs.

The fundamental criterion to determine if an activity is eligible for PTF funding is whether having sponsorship  independent of the major official donors is important to achieve credibility in the design, implementation and monitoring of anti-corruption programs. Priority willbe given to those efforts that are a part of a concerted effort of the public and private sector and the civil society, often funded by donor agencies, to foster greater transparency and good governance.

Examples of activities supported by PTF (click to see details):

• Monitoring of public contracts, public auctions for sale of public assets, and privatization of public companies

• Reviews of draft legislation or regulations related to fighting corruption

• Monitoring activities of official anti-corruption offices

•  Participation in public commissions or enquiries related to corruption

• Initiatives to strengthen systems of financial accountability

• Surveys to track corruption

• Other initiatives for civil society participation in anti-corruption program development and implementation.

How is the PTF Governed?

PTF is a not-for-profit corporation registered in New York. Kumi Naidoo, Secretary-General of CIVICUS, is Chairman of the PTF Board.  Pierre Landell-Mills is President and Chief Executive Officer, and Dan Ritchie is Secretary. While PTF maintains close operational links with TI, it is a separate organization with a distinct mission, operating procedures and staff. PTF headquarters are located at 4355 Klingle Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.See Composition of board.

Who are the Partners?

The partners supported by the PTF will be individuals with a strong commitment to building the civil society's role in fighting corruption, and specialized knowledge in designing and implementing anti-corruption measures. Ideally, they will come from the country concerned, or from other developing countries or transition economies facing similar challenges. Many specialists will come from the TI movement itself. Others will be drawn from national sources where the individuals have a strong reputation for integrity and professionalism. Still others may be senior citizens and retirees who will devote their time and energies at no cost to PTF.

Who is Sponsoring PTF?

A private UK Foundation provided a start up grant in 2000. Subsequently. The United Nations Development Program provided an initial grant also in 2000, followed by two further grants, for a total of US$283,473. In June 2003 Sida made a three-year grant of SK 3 million to be disbursed in three annual tranches. This latter grant has provided PTF with invaluable longer term backing. World Bank joined other funders in supporting the Partnership for Transparency Fund; 26 July 2004.

How do Organizations Apply for Grants?

Civil society organizations committed to fighting corruption may apply for a grant from the PTF directly. The applications should state clearly the nature, objective and modalities of the task to be undertaken, relevant background information to allow the application to be assessed, what specialist skills are sought, duration of the task, and an indication of what impact is expected. Grants typically are for $10,000-20,000 for very specific time-bound non-recurrent activities. How to Apply for a grant.