What we do: strengthen think tanks
We support independent research institutions – or “think tanks.” Instead of offering short-term funding for projects, we provide core budget support to allow our grantees to invest in long-term planning. We also help them improve their research quality, their communications activities, and their organizational structures.
Whom we support: innovative research organizations
Our 49 grantees are located in 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Through their research, they look for innovative solutions to some of their countries’ most urgent problems. To learn more about the institutions we support, please visit the Institutions page .
Why we do what we do: the importance of local development research
We believe that public policies work best when they are designed and implemented in-country. Local research can give policymakers the knowledge they need to help build equitable and more prosperous societies. But international donors often fail to invest enough in this kind of research. We hope to begin filling that gap by supporting sustainable and influential think tanks in developing countries.
How our program is governed: our International Advisory Group
We administer our grants according to standard IDRC policies. Our team is based at IDRC’s head office in Ottawa and in key IDRC regional offices. We receive funding from
Ten policy research and management experts make up our International Advisory Group, which guides the program. They advise our funding agencies and our staff on strategic directions and funding recommendations. For more on our funding model, please visit the Approach page.