How is IDEX different from other international organizations?
We have turned international development on its head. How? By supporting local ideas and leadership. IDEX values the knowledge, priorities, and problem solving that come from local communities. This is very different from traditional large-scale models of global aid, which are often top-down and paternalistic in their approach to poverty alleviation. When the poor own the solutions to their problems, they are lasting. Their solutions are based on the local culture context, and priorities. IDEX’s grantmaking focuses on: • Community-based solutions and the wisdom of local leaders who are grounded in their communities. • Multi-year flexible grants so that local partner organizations can apply funds where most needed. And they can plan for the future. • Mid-size organizations (budgets of $50,000 – $150,000). At this size, groups are small enough to supporting local leadership and innovation. Yet they are large enough to have good management systems, financial transparency, and accounting p
