Since AU Watch’s early beginnings, philanthropy has been the engine that drives our work. The generosity of our donors sustains our commitment to quality, independence, and impact and makes possible our efforts to provide practical, effective solutions to the major policy challenges facing Africa. By instituting strong procedures to review potential gifts and acknowledge financial support, AU Watch’s maintains the independence that is our principal asset and the cornerstone of what we do. AU Watch actively seeks support from a diverse group of donors to ensure that no single person, entity, or industry can be perceived to have influence on the work we do.
• All potential sources and terms of support undergo a thorough internal review that ensures our commitment to our independence and our full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding lobbying, foreign agency, and disclosure.
• As a matter of policy, AU Watch accepts gifts only from donors who do not seek to undermine or compromise the independence of our work or to otherwise attempt to predetermine or influence what we say, write or do. We do not accept support from political parties and religious organizations. We shall at all times disclose the support of donors who fund specific projects, publications or event.
• AU Watch is committed to transparency in our funding relationships. In each year’s Annual Report, we publish a full list of donors, grouped into ranges of gift amount, in the “Honor Roll of Contributors.” The AU Watch Annual Report is available on the AU Watch website or by calling the AU Watch development office at: +220 721 7689.
AU Watch News, our monthly magazine accepts advertising and sponsorship from corporations and governments. All advertising and sponsorship are clearly identified. Advertisers and sponsors have no influence over editorial decisions or articles appearing in the magazine. AU Watch News is also editorially independent from AU Watch
Why a Rigid Funding Policy?
AU Watch funding policies ensures its intellectual independence and integrity. Donors may not direct the outcome of any research or event. Additionally, AU Watch has strict conflict-of-interest policies in place for its Governors, staff members, and scholars.
One-way AU Watch maintains its independence is through a diversity of funding sources. These include sales of publications, AU Watch Online Radio and AU Watch TV advertisements, AU Watch Weekly magazine (subscriptions, advertising, events), grants from foundations, corporations, and individuals; investment returns from its endowment, and rental income from outside use of office facilities.