Why should we be concerned about what is happening in other parts of the world? For many the answer is simple: it is our obligation as humans to care for others, our brothers and sisters, no matter where they live. For others, it may be that the world events of the past few years have brought into sharp relief how interconnected our lives are. More and more people realize that our future security, our health and our economic well being depend largely on how successful the world is at closing the gaps that exist between us and giving everyone a share in a collective future. The Pacific Northwest has long had a major stake in global issues and has always demonstrated a generosity of spirit and inclusiveness towards others.

SIF hopes to be a useful resource to the local philanthropic community and to those interested in international relations. We believe our community has a special role to play in the area of global development and relations. We hope this site is helpful to you.

Use us as a reference for good organizations: SIF carefully researches programs it provides major support to, assures to the best of its ability that there are no legal barriers to giving, and believes that each organization is worthy of your consideration. Occasionally SIF will take calculated risks in supporting new or developing ideas that it feels are important (see What We Support for examples, such as IGD, Oxfam, PENNAT, Global Washington, and Grameen Technology).

Join with us in our granting: SIF invites donors to join in funding projects that SIF selects. You may also contribute directly to SIF as a way to begin your international philanthropy or if you wish to do some philanthropy internationally, but cannot dedicate the time to the research. For more information about joining us in grant making, contact mvivero@seaif.org

Come intern with us: SIF is currently seeking a social media and program support intern. Ideal candidates have experience with social media and computer programs, including Adobe Contribute, are proficient in Spanish, and have extensive knowledge of Latin America, Central America in particular. Please see our post on idealist or download our flyer for more information.

Our Networks

Central America Network:This network is open to funders, practitioners, NGOs, experts and academics with invested interest in Central America. Our blog serves as an online platform to strengthen this network and encourage collaboration among its members. It encourages dialogue around relevant research, news and poverty alleviation efforts in the region.

To join the Central America Network, please fill out this form.

Global Washington:  Global Washington is a broad-based membership association that promotes and supports the global development sector in the state of Washington. Composed of non-profit organizations, foundations, businesses, government and academic institutions, our members work to build a more equitable and prosperous world. Global Washington convenes, strengthens, and advocates across key global development issues, generating new opportunities for growth for our members. SIF provided staffing as well as research and organizational funding.

Initiative for Global Development:  IGD is a business and civic leader organization bringing the business voice to the Administration and Congress of the U.S. in support of making global poverty alleviation a priority of U.S. foreign policy.  SIF supported its founding and growth through Global Partnerships, which was afounding and managing organization through the first 4 years.

Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide: ElAW is a global network of human rights and environmental advocates who use law and science to advance environmental justice. This network of public interest lawyers have agreed to collaborate, replicate successful environmental policies and learn from each other's experience.

Central American Leadership Initiative: CALI aims to develop a new generation of community-spirited leaders in Central America. CALI is designed to capture the energy, the talent, and the resolve of these leaders, who have already achieved a certain level of success in their respective fields, to inspire them to make a lasting significance in their region.