Frequently Asked Questions

Since EF began working in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, it has sought to strengthen local actors as the agents of positive social and democratic change. In doing so, EF has gained a reputation as a local actor itself – relying heavily on the type of expertise and knowledge that comes from years of experience in these countries to identify priorities and create programs. In a sense, localizing will simply put EF’s legal structure in line with the way we have been operating for more than 10 years. In addition, localizing allows the Foundation to ensure that its mission and goals for advancing civil society will be maintained over the long term.

In Georgia, EPF receives core funding from USAID (through a cooperative agreement) and from the Swedish International Development Agency. In addition to this core funding, EF raises a substantial amount of funds from other local and international public, private and corporate donors.

EPF’s funding levels are not expected to change as a result of localization. In fact, we hope that localization will allow us to increase the resources that are available to local partners and grantees.

Minimally! Because the assets of EF must be transferred to EPF, current EF grantees will be simply be transferred from EF to EPF in February 2008. Although EPF reserves the right to make changes if we believe it will improve transparency in the process, no major changes to contracts, grant agreements or grant application procedures are anticipated at this time.

The South Caucasus Cooperation Program has been fully integrated into each of EPF’s offices in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Although we will no longer be using the name “SCCP,” the Foundation will continue to carry out trilateral and bilateral grants programs and other cross-border initiatives. In fact, Cross-Border Cooperation is one of EPF’s core program mandates (click here to read more.)