Risk and Compliance aspects
Open Source Europe: Grant Eligibility and Risk Assessment Policy
Introduction
Open Source Europe (OSE) is committed to supporting initiatives that promote positive social change and a more just world. This policy covers grants that a Collective wants to receive through OSE. OSE decides whether to support the proposed funding arrangement. If an application names OSE as recipient or signatory, contact the team before you submit it. OSE must first review and accept its role and commitments. The criteria below cover grant eligibility and possible compliance risks linked to terrorism or extremism financing.
Grant Eligibility Criteria
OSE prioritizes proposals from initiatives that:
- Operate in accordance with the law.
- Do not support or glorify terrorist groups.
- Show that they manage money responsibly, including transparent record-keeping and reporting.
Compliance Risk Assessment
OSE considers the following factors when it assesses potential compliance risks of a grant proposal. They are in no fixed order of importance:
- Beneficiary impact: Can the initiative show that its work benefits its target communities?
- Public statements: Does the initiative's public messaging avoid promoting violence or extremism?
- Transparency: Does the initiative publish financial statements and reports on its activities?
- Legality: Do the initiative's mission and activities comply with legal frameworks and international law?
Contextual Considerations
OSE takes context into account when it evaluates proposals. It carries out due diligence to understand the specific circumstances and actions of the initiative.
Information Sources
To assess grant proposals, OSE uses information sources that fit the circumstances of each case. It may use the following sources. They have no fixed ranking, and OSE does not have to check every source for every proposal:
- Initiative websites and reports.
- Credible news sources and independent research organizations.
- United Nations and human rights organization reports.
- Government watchlists and sanctions lists.
OSE's decision to support a grant
OSE may accept or decline to support a grant application, or to receive the proposed grant on behalf of a Collective. Do not assume that OSE accepts. The team explains the reasons for its decision to the Collective. It does not commit to a formal written report in every case.
Requesting a review
If OSE declines to support a proposed grant arrangement, the Collective may ask the team to review its decision. OSE does not have a formal appeals procedure.
Policy Review and Revision
This policy is reviewed and revised periodically, to make sure it stays effective and in line with best practices.
Conclusion
OSE is committed to balancing the prevention of terrorism financing with support for legitimate initiatives that work towards positive social change. This policy is the framework for that goal.
Need Assistance?
For questions or more information about risk and compliance aspects, please contact us at home@opensourceeurope.org.