President Juan Orlando Hernández of Honduras figured prominently in a U.S. drug trial, but few think it will matter in a country mired in corruption. “We need to give the people of Central America a sense of hope. And that starts with fighting corruption and ending this ridiculous theft of Hondurans’ future,” says Eric L. Olson, director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at the Seattle International Foundation.
The situation at the U.S.– Mexico border is urgent, but the crisis is in Central America. The solution to this problem cannot be a return to Trump-era policies of inhumane treatment as a policy of dissuasion. Family separation and forcing migrants to remain in makeshift shelters across the border is morally wrong and bad policy.
Jeff Ernst, Kelly Josh, Eric L. Olson, Kristen Sample and Ricardo Zúñiga, the authors of this report, interviewed current and former US officials and development practitioners who carried out US assistance in the 2014–19 period, as well as experts and beneficiaries in the Northern Triangle, to gain their insights regarding the overall efficacy of this assistance. Ideally, the lessons learned through this exercise will inform current and future efforts to promote sustainable, positive change in the three countries.
This paper analyzes the drivers of migration hypothesizing that persistent government failure driven in large part by corruption produces a sense of hopelessness among Central Americans that contributes to and propels their decision to migrate.
The authors, Joy Olson and Eric L. Olson, conclude that addressing weak governance and corruption helps create a national context in which individuals can see a future in their own country.
James D. Nealon, Eric L. Olson and Kurt Alan Ver Beek write about how Biden needs to follow through on a proposed Central American regional anti-corruption commission. Otherwise, U.S. aid will not stop thousands of desperate people from fleeing countries that give them little hope to survive, much less flourish.
Seattle International Foundation bids farewell and gives thanks to its Deputy Director.
Seattle International Foundation (SIF) unites in solidarity with Central America as the region grapples with the destruction of two hurricanes—Eta and Iota—taking the lives of over one hundred people, displacing thousands more, and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and crops.
Help us find someone to direct our CAMY Fund.
Through SIF’s Independent Journalism Fund (IJF), we join the IWMF #JournoHeroes campaign to recognize this month, for the fourth consecutive year, the vital contributions of women journalists.
SIF bids farewell to Arturo Aguilar and begins an executive leadership transition.
The 2020 Central America Donors Forum recognized six civil society organizations in Central America for their resistance and reinvention in the midst of the global pandemic and crisis in the region. The Resistance Award, Reinvention Award and the 10th Anniversary awards will support these six organizations in their work and amplify their impact.
Apply for one of two CADF prizes for your organization’s chance to win $10,000 at the Central America Donors Forum 2020.
The Central America Donors Forum (CADF) will focus on the reinvention and resistance displayed across the region in times of crisis.
Serena Cosgrove, SIF board member, will develop an educational and research program in Guatemala on indigenous leadership, gender-based violence and access to justice. This is the third Fulbright fellowship she has received to carry out research in Central America.
Seattle International Foundation participates in a General Strike and Civic Day of action June 12 in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Seattle International Foundation (SIF) has signed, alongside more than 750 organizations, a series of commitments to support our nonprofit partners as well as the people and communities most affected by the pandemic.
The fund will provide grants of up to US$5,000 to community-based organisations and informal collectives led by girls and young women. The GR Fund is currently supported by CAMY Fund and 17 other organisations.
SIF honors a remarkable career dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting equity across Central America.
