Seattle International Foundation

The Seattle International Foundation (SIF) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting good governance and equity, particularly in Central America. It focuses on strengthening the rule of law and civil society to address inequality and facilitate social change.

Background

Founded in 2008 by Bill and Paula Clapp, the organization is rooted in Bill Clapp's earlier work with Global Partnerships, which he established in 1994 to expand opportunities for people living in poverty. Initially, SIF's activities extended globally, but in 2018, it refocused its efforts entirely on Central America, where it supports initiatives in countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Mission and Vision

SIF's mission is to champion good governance and equity in Central America by supporting the rule of law and strengthening civil society. The organization envisions just, peaceful, and prosperous societies in the region and works towards creating sustainable philanthropy through evidence-based interventions. It values integrity, social change, local leadership, multi-stakeholder partnerships, ethics, and justice in its work.

Programs and Initiatives

SIF implements several key initiatives to achieve its goals, including:

• Central America and Mexico Youth (CAMY) Fund: Provides technical and financial assistance to youth, enabling them to develop leadership skills and address local issues.
• Central America Donors Forum (CADF): An annual event that gathers leaders from various sectors to discuss regional priorities and foster collaboration for social impact.
• Independent Journalism Fund (IJF): Supports independent journalists to research and report on regional realities, promoting democracy.
• Centroamérica Adelante (CAA): A leadership development program that supports high-impact leaders addressing forced migration.
• Anti-Impunity Fund (AIF): Works to combat impunity in Central America by advocating and funding initiatives for justice.

Impact

Over the past decade, SIF has supported 243 organizations in 81 countries and contributed to the growth of 650 high-impact social change leaders. The organization emphasizes collaboration and coordination with other donors to enhance philanthropic efforts in Central America.

Values and Diversity Statement

SIF advocates for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in addressing complex challenges. It promotes anti-racism, decolonization, feminism, and social justice in its operations.