The Need for Collective Action 


Central America is in a pivotal moment. Democratic institutions are weakening, civic space is under threat, inequality is deepening, and resources for long-term progress are shrinking. Throughout the region, local leaders and organizations are driving change at the forefront, but solutions for these complex issues require shared purpose and collective action. Philanthropy, civil society, governments and the private sector all have a role to play. 


SIF provides trusted platforms where these diverse actors can meet, share strategies, and collaborate. Through our convenings—both public and private—we help build the alliances needed to strengthen democracy, protect civic space, and expand opportunity across Central America.


Connecting Catalysts. Convening for Change.

At SIF, convening is how we turn shared challenges into coordinated action. We bring leaders together across borders, sectors and perspectives, and create trusted spaces where collaboration becomes possible. 

Our agendas are shaped by regional expertise, inclusive dialogue, and values-driven collaboration, ensuring conversations focus on the issues most urgent to Central America today. 

 

How We Convene

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CADF

We host the Central America Donors Forum (CADF), the region’s leading space connecting civil society, philanthropy, government, and business to discuss regional priorities, create opportunities for partnership and spark cross-sector collaboration.

Meeting_Room

Donor Roundtable

We provide a private, trusted space for philanthropic donors committed to Central America to share strategies and challenges, receive exclusive briefings from regional experts, explore opportunities for joint action and strengthen collective impact. 

Communication

Targeted Convenings

We facilitate focused dialogues on critical issues – from media freedom and human rights to civic space and U.S.-Central America policy. These convenings foster trust, deepen analysis, and support coordination and collective impact. 

Our Allies

  • Crowdsource

    Private foundations, philanthropic networks and bilateral donors

  • Corporate_Fare

    Civil society leaders , grassroots organizations, independent journalists, and private sector allies

  • Handshake

    Cross-sector coalitions advancing human rights and democracy

     

Our Impact

  • 6,700+

    Cross-sector leaders convened through 15 iterations of CADF, the premier event fostering cross-sector dialogue and collaboration

  • Currency_Exchange

    Catalyzed co-investment initiatives, enabling funders to pool resources for democracy, human rights, and equality in Central America.

  • 125+

    Organizations engaged as CADF sponsors, building a sustained community committed to coordinated action.

  • 60+

    Donor Roundtable gatherings have provided funders with trusted analysis and a safe space to share information and strategize responses to the region’s political, economic and social challenges.

From our Allies

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Ximena Andión

“This very complex time that the region is facing where democracy, the rule of law and civic space are at stake requires us as funders to rethink our role and recommit to support civil society. CADF is an opportunity to engage in multi-stakeholder dialogues and build alliances that can bring hope and social transformations to the region.”

Ximena Andión

Ford Foundation

Caroline Kronley

“CADF is so special: an annual opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect. Some of our most valued alliances – with both civil society partners and fellow donors – have sprung from a CADF panel or side discussion over coffee. At the Tinker Foundation, we rely on CADF as a space to learn, reflect and connect.”

Caroline Kronley

Tinker Foundation

⁠Kathy Hall

“We have been a proud sponsor of CADF for over ten years. This conference is more critical than ever as the region faces multiple crises, from terminated development assistance to accelerating climate change and worsening inequalities.”

⁠Kathy Hall

The Summit Foundation

Your support helps to:

Mobile_Ticket

Provide free and reduced-cost tickets to impactful low-income leaders to attend CADF.

Airport_Shuttle

Cover travel costs for expert practitioners to participate in panels, workshops and roundtables that facilitate the exchange of experiences, knowledge and solutions.

Partner_Exchange

Build a more representative regional space for collaboration and exchange.

Groups

Ensure Indigenous & Afro-descendant leaders can engage directly with donors and grantmakers to Central America.

Partner With Us

Across the region and globally, communities are facing rising challenges, resources are shrinking, opportunities are disappearing and many social leaders are under strain. Yet in the midst of this turmoil, the power of partnerships remains more vital than ever. 

Your support helps SIF sustain the platforms, networks and private convenings that drive cross-sector collaboration in Central America. Join us to advance justice, equality and democracy in Central America.

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Partner With Us