Source: http://www.greengrants.org/2011/06/10/mining-study-small-grants-and-strong-networks/
Communities around the world are faced with serious social and environmental consequences of industrial mining. Social problems can include an influx of outsiders into often isolated communities, increase in HIV/AIDS, conflict and violence, and loss of farming land and fishing grounds. Environmental problems include air and water pollution, new health problems, erosion, and destruction of habitat and productive land. On a broader scale, national treasuries may not benefit sufficiently to justify these costs, and in some cases the opportunities for corruption are significant.
In recent years a vigorous civil society response to these issues has emerged around the world. Community-based groups are responding to daily livelihood and health issues. National coalitions are advocating for justice and transparency. International networks are promoting a more even playing field between mining companies, host governments, and affected communities. Together, these groups have made strides in towards greater responsibility in the mining industry.
Global Greengrants Fund has contributed to this movement with small grants as part of a larger effort by other funders, civil society organizations, and communities.
Strategy of the foundation is to support social movements for justice and sustainability. These large, loosely organized collections of individuals, organizations, media, and academia come together to bring about change for problems of this scale.
In order to evaluate their approach, Global Greengrants Fund conducted a study of how small grants can support social movements in the mining sector. The Fund endeavored to determine how their grantmaking strategy is strengthening networks and alliances to solve complex social problems.
The study chose two cases: Ghana and Peru.
Small Grants and Social Movements:
Two case studies of grantmaking and extractive industries
Peru and Ghana, though seemingly worlds apart, are both home to destructive mining activities. For years, Global Greengrants Fund has funded projects challenging the negative impacts of mining in the two countries. This study sought to evaluate the impact.
Hypothesis
Small grants improve the ability of local organizations to respond to the changing strategies of mining companies and governments seeking to impose a mining project or mute criticism of existing projects.
Process
Consultants in each region examined data and interviewed advisors, grantees, and community members. They constructed an analysis of Global Greengrants Fund’s contribution to the broader changes achieved by civil society, and the role of small grants more generally in bringing about change.
Findings
Research in both Ghana and Peru supported the hypothesis. The study clearly demonstrates that small grants awarded quickly to the appropriate leaders are key to strengthening grassroots social and environmental movements and protecting natural resources.
It was found that the most effective grantmaking has the following characteristics:
– Recommendations come from advisors close to the communities
– Grants are flexible, consecutive, and long-term
– Responsive, particularly around an opportunity for urgent action
– Sensitive to the current political climate
– Considerate of the most vulnerable populations, as well as those at higher levels in the process
