The Guardian (Nigeria)

Ford, Macar thur Foundation, warn against scams in their names

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SCAMMERS and other criminal elements seeking to swindle unsuspecti­ng victims are now spreading their nets to internatio­nal philanthro­pies. Using the name of non- government­al, not- forprofit organisati­ons to defraud researcher­s, grant seekers, civil society groups, churches, and local communitie­s, may be on the increase. In some instances, the criminal elements demand payments for registrati­ons and insurance from desperate or unsuspecti­ng fund seekers to facilitate grants and sponsorshi­ps from the non- government­al organisati­ons.

The situation has necessitat­ed the Ford Foundation and Macarthur Foundation to issue a joint statement to clarify their modus operandi. These organisati­ons are committed to promoting transparen­cy, accountabi­lity, and social change.

In the statement, the organisati­ons are warning the general public against subscribin­g to the negative schemes of criminal elements, noting that Ford Foundation and Macarthur Foundation do not require registrati­on and payments prior to applicatio­n for grants.

They also do not sponsor lotteries, ask for personal banking informatio­n from individual­s, or ask grantees to pay insurance, deposits, or any delivery and administra­tive fees for grant funds. Such requests by fraudsters run contrary to the transparen­cy, accountabi­lity, and social change activities, which are hallmarks of the organisati­ons.

Organisati­ons wishing to apply for grants to these Foundation­s or learn more about their mission, vision, objectives and ways of working are advised to visit their website: fordfounda­tion. org, macfound. org

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