Hundreds of stateless activists and groups led by people impacted by statelessness have self-organized to serve their communities around the world, while also fighting to place their issues on national agendas and to take them to the international community. They have experienced first-hand the impact of statelessness and best understand and represent the needs and demands of their communities. As such, they should be at the center of statelessness discourse and agenda-setting. 

Yet, despite their key role, groups led by impacted people have insufficient resources, technical support, independence, agency and connections. Donor knowledge, commitment and funding levels to statelessness are low; and structural barriers to funding impacted-person-led groups are high.

As a result, impacted-person-led groups are rarely included or have the space to lead policy and decision-making.

The time has come for concerted action to promote equal nationality rights, protect the rights of stateless people and address the root causes of statelessness – all in a way that centres stateless people.

The Steering Group have engaged in extensive research and consultations in preparation for the establishment of the Fund. This included developing and disseminating a survey to map the resourcing needs and fundraising experiences of frontline groups in the statelessness field. We consulted with stakeholders experienced with regranting initiatives, pooled funds and participatory grant-making. We held online workshops to further shape the Fund, including its theory of change, the objectives of the pilot phase, and the transition into a longer-term fund.

We aim to make a compelling case for traditional and new philanthropy/donors to provide sustainable, unrestricted funding that will enable impacted-person-led organisations to set and pursue their own change agendas. These focus on changes in law, policy and practice at the local and national level.