Inter-American Foundation: Alternative to Traditional Foreign Assistance
ID-82-16
Published: Jul 13, 1982. Publicly Released: Jul 13, 1982.
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Highlights
In 1969, Congress created the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) as an experimental program to provide new direction and emphasis for U.S. aid to Latin America. IAF assistance is characterized by: (1) independence from U.S. and host governments' short-term foreign policy objectives; (2) responsiveness to the initiatives of Latin Americans; and (3) nonintervention in the affairs of groups supported. In the spirit of the present administration's scrutinization of foreign assistance programs, GAO undertook an extensive review of IAF.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Inter-American Foundation | The President of IAF should direct the staff to: (1) require that the grantees develop specific objectives which the staff believes are attainable; and (2) increase attention to the use of grant funds at the project level to verify application of funds in accordance with agreed terms. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Inter-American Foundation | The President of IAF should clearly define a monitoring policy which calls for the staff representatives to: (1) carefully plan monitoring activities to provide coverage of all active grants to better ensure timely identification of problems causing delays or cases of mismanaged funds; (2) play an active, constructive role assisting grantees faced with problems hindering project progress to identify possible options or sources of help; and (3) regularly check, during country visits, on grantees who are overdue in fulfilling reporting requirements. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Inter-American Foundation | The President of IAF should: (1) establish explicit policy guidelines and operating procedures for an active coordination program, setting forth the responsibilities expected at each staff level; and (2) establish a systematic approach to information dissemination so that valuable experiences are effectively communicated within IAF and to interested agencies, organizations, and individuals. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Developing countriesFederal grantsForeign aid programsGrant monitoringInternational organizationsForeign assistanceTechnical assistanceEmbassiesAid programsDepreciation