SIF is a mission-driven foundation with deep regional expertise in Central America and is a supporting organization of Seattle Foundation. We receive funding from individuals, foundations, and institutions committed to social change in the region and make grants to social organizations and leaders advancing equality, human rights, and democracy.

Our role goes beyond moving funds. We act as a long-term philanthropic partner by:

• Providing tailored support to locally rooted organizations and leaders
• Practicing responsible stewardship and compliance
• Convening donors, partners, and local leaders for shared learning and collaboration.

This approach reflects a trust-based model grounded in accountability and shared learning.

SIF works with:

• Foundations, institutions, and individual donors seeking meaningful mission-aligned impact in Central America
• Social organizations, movements, and leaders rooted in the region and led by local actors.

We prioritize relationships built on trust, mutual respect, and long-term engagement.

SIF advances equality, human rights, and democracy by strengthening the people and institutions that make accountable and inclusive societies possible.

Rather than implementing programs directly, we invest in locally led organizations, connect actors who influence systems, and help channel resources and knowledge where they can have lasting impact. Our collaborative role supports civic participation, and expands the space in which communities can shape their own futures.

Our work focuses on long-term change. We build the relationships, leadership, and trust that allow societies to address challenges.

SIF allocates funds to organizations and initiatives that align with our mission and grantmaking priorities in Central America. Funding decisions are made by SIF in accordance with its charitable purposes. Decisions are informed by:

• Long-standing relationships with partners
• Deep regional knowledge
• Donor alignment with SIF’s values and strategies

At this time, SIF does not have open calls for proposals; our grantmaking is by invitation only. If you would like to tell us about your organization and work in Central America, we encourage you to share information through our inquiry form.

Yes. SIF can support certain non-501(c)(3) or international organizations using IRS-compliant grantmaking methods. Depending on the circumstances, SIF either:

• Documents that an organization is equivalent to a U.S. public charity (equivalency determination), or
• Applies expenditure-responsibility oversight, including grant restrictions, monitoring, and reporting.

These processes allow SIF to fund locally led organizations while maintaining full legal compliance.

Expenditure responsibility is a compliance standard used when a U.S. charity funds an organization that is not recognized as a U.S. public charity. It requires the funder to conduct due diligence, restrict the charitable use of funds, and monitor how funds are spent.

As a public charity, SIF applies expenditure-responsibility procedures, or an equivalency determination when available, to ensure grants further exclusively charitable purposes and comply with U.S. tax law.

Fiscal sponsorship allows eligible charitable projects to operate under SIF’s tax-exempt status when aligned with our mission. SIF provides administrative oversight, financial management, and compliance oversight, and ensures expenditures further charitable purposes. 

Fiscal sponsorship at SIF is selective, relationship-based, and supports specific charitable initiatives to further our broader mission.

In select cases, donors and foundations may work with SIF to align their philanthropic goals with our grantmaking strategies in Central America. This collaboration is values-driven rather than transactional, and focuses on shared strategies informed by SIF’s regional expertise and long-standing partnerships.

SIF provides clear, meaningful reporting tailored to the nature of each partnership. This may include:

• Grant summaries and financial reporting
• Periodic updates on partner organizations and initiatives
• Annual giving summaries for planning and tax purposes

Our approach emphasizes transparency and learning while minimizing the administrative burden on partners.

Eligible donations to SIF are tax deductible. U.S.-based donors receive a tax receipt for their records. Tax treatment may vary depending on the structure of the gift, and SIF will coordinate with donors or their advisors as needed.

General support and recurring funding help organizations plan and operate effectively. SIF ensures all grants are used for charitable purposes consistent with our mission and compliance obligations.

These forms of support:

• Strengthen organizational resilience
• Reduce administrative burden
• Demonstrate trust in local leadership

These solutions are among the most effective ways to support sustainable change.

Donor confidentiality and data security is of the utmost importance to SIF. We use secure systems and follow best practices to protect financial transactions and personal information. 

For donors and foundation representatives, please contact SIF here.

SIF partners with a wide range of organizations, movements, and leaders in Central America advancing equality, human rights, and democracy. Our partners are locally rooted, community-led, and engaged in long-term social change.

They include:

• Youth-led collectives, grassroots networks, and social organizations
• Indigenous, Afro-descendant, feminist, women-led, and LGBTIQ+ youth groups
• Independent, not-for-profit, and public interest media organizations, including investigative outlets, fact-checkers, and community radios
• Cross-sector coalitions and civil society leaders

We work with both established organizations and emerging initiatives, prioritizing relationships grounded in trust, shared values, and regional expertise.

At this time, SIF does not operate an open application process; our grantmaking  by invitation only. However, if you would like to tell us about your organization and work in Central America, you can share information through our inquiry form. 

In addition to grantmaking, SIF supports organizations and leaders through a combination of accompaniment, convening, and advocacy.

This support may include:

• Long-term accompaniment and capacity support, including mentorship, skills-building, and safety and resilience tools for leaders and organizations;
• Convening and alliance-building, bringing together organizations, movements, donors, journalists, and allies across borders and sectors; together, they share strategies, strengthen collaboration, and amplify impact;
• Advocacy support, leveraging SIF’s convening power to elevate Central American voices, connect partners with decision-makers, and give visibility to leaders working in restrictive or high-risk environments.

Our approach is relationship-based and responsive. We strengthen organizations while respecting their autonomy, leadership, and lived expertise.

SIF convenes organizations, leaders, funders, journalists, and other allies across borders and sectors. Our gatherings allow our community to share analysis, align strategies, and build long-term collaboration in support of equality, human rights, and democracy in Central America. This approach turns connection into coordinated action and lasting alliances.

SIF promotes informed dialogue and civic participation by elevating perspectives from Central America and facilitating connections among stakeholders. Through coordination and narrative amplification, we support advocacy that links local realities to public debate.

SIF does not support or participate in political campaign activity and conducts its work in accordance with applicable nonprofit regulations.

Reporting requirements are proportional and designed to support accountability, learning, and legal compliance. 

CADF is an invitation-only event. Please reach out to our team via the Contact page on the CADF website or through the form below to request an invitation.

When registration is open, you can find the access code in our most recent newsletter. For more information, please visit the Participate page on the CADF website.

Please submit an application during our request for session proposals window. For more information, visit the Proposals page on the CADF website.

By sponsoring CADF, our allies help strengthen civil society leadership, foster collaboration, and build more equitable/sustainable communities across Central America. In return, sponsoring organizations enjoy significant visibility, strategic networking opportunities, and participation in shaping critical conversations for the region. A variety of sponsorship opportunities and benefits are available for organizations of all types and sizes.

Please reach out to our team via the Contact page on the CADF website or the form below to learn more about supporting CADF.

SIF maintains a strict no-solicitation policy at CADF. We strive to provide participants with learning and networking opportunities in a distraction-free environment, free from the dynamics of solicitation from grantseekers. 

For more information, please read our Code of Conduct page.