Our Processes

PLEASE NOTE: The NTR Foundation will not respond to unsolicited applications.  Applications for investment will be by invitation from the NTR Foundation only.

The NTR Foundation’s funding policy in terms of International Projects, is to focus investment into a small number of large multi-annual projects, using a venture philanthropy approach.

Venture Philanthropy is an approach which adapts some of the principles of venture capital to organisations that provide a public and/or social benefit. It also involves the provision of advice and other capacity building support, in addition to financial investment.

The NTR Foundation will enter a period of engagement with selected organisations, before any decision on investment is made. This period of engagement will follow a number of steps:

  • STEP 1 - The NTR Foundation will identify potential organisations whose work is closely aligned with the mission of the NTR Foundation.
  • STEP 2 - The NTR Foundation will then enter a period of consultation with selected organisation(s). This involves the NTR Foundation getting to know the organisation and its leadership team. The NTR Foundation will explore whether there is mission alignment and a cultural fit between the NTR Foundation and the selected organisation. The NTR Foundation will also seek to identify where opportunties exist to add value.
  • STEP 3 - Once the NTR Foundation has determined that the aforementioned criteria have been satisfied, shortlisted organisations will be invited to complete a grant proposal. The grant proposal should indicate the organisation’s goals and objectives, all social, environmental and economic benefits of the project, organisational and financial capacity and relevant experience including details of past projects undertaken.
  • STEP 4 - Participants that were successful in the grant proposal stage will undergo a due diligence process that will include reference checks, site visits and interviews. All decisions on investment are made in consultation with the NTR Foundation Advisory Board.
  • STEP 5 - The NTR Foundation Advisory Board members are drawn from the philanthropic, financial, academic and business sectors. The Advisory Board meets two to three times per year and it advises on investments valued at over €100,000. All investment decisions are then brought to the NTR Foundation Board for ratification.
  • STEP 6 - If an organisation successfully secures investment it will typically be a multi-annual investment of three years, which is performance based, with quarterly and annual targets that must be achieved for the following year’s money to be released. Quarterly meetings are held to discuss progress, opportunities, and challenges.
  • STEP 7 - In addition to funding, the NTR Foundation will offer non-financial support and expertise to the selected organisation. This includes business planning support to the selected organisation in its creation of its strategic and operational plan, to deliver on its mission. In addition the NTR Foundation will undertake a communications campaign to announce and profile the award winning organisation.

When the NTR Foundation invests in an organisation it is because it firmly believes in their mission, and the NTR Foundation will do all it can to support the organisation in achieving impact.