IHRFG funder learning visits help members improve their understanding of timely and relevant international human rights issues, while providing opportunities to meet peer grantmakers and human rights leaders from around the globe. These learning visits take place every other year.

In a time of unprecedented popular uprisings and fast-changing political transformations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), IHRFG and Ariadne have joined together to organize a three-day learning visit to Tunis, Tunisia.

Learning visit participants will go behind the scenes and beyond the headlines to explore the following important questions:

• How can funders respond thoughtfully and strategically to fast-changing political, economic and social unrest?

• How can philanthropy be most effective in supporting popular movements and transitional justice in the MENA region, and beyond?

• What are some opportunities to collaborate with local and international grantmakers and philanthropists?

During the Funder Learning Visit, participants will:

• Examine effective entry points and lessons for grantmakers in supporting social justice movements and human rights work in MENA and other regions.

• Deepen their understanding of the human rights issues related to political transitions and social unrest.

• Gain insights from local human rights advocates and activists, and work to integrate these insights into grantmaking and philanthropy. 

• Become familiar with the status and role of indigenous philanthropy in the Middle East and identify opportunities for collaboration and to promote the human rights field.

• Meet, exchange, and identify collaborative opportunities with peer grantmakers from around the world.
  

A more detailed agenda will be available soon.

Security Advisory
IHRFG and Ariadne are watching the situation in the region carefully. We will only cancel the visit if we determine it is absolutely necessary. If we are forced to cancel the visit, we will immediately inform participants.

Attendance Eligibility
IHRFG events are open to grantmakers only. Current IHRFG members and individuals who are eligible for membership may join the learning visit.

IHRFG membership is open to staff, consultants and trustees of private foundations, corporate foundations, community giving programs, governmental giving programs, faith-based giving programs, philanthropic advocacy and support organizations, individual philanthropists with significant giving programs, and public charities (public foundations and community foundations) whose primary activity is grantmaking and who do not relate to other IHRFG members primarily as grant-seekers.

Please note: Staff of grantmaking institutions (that are also grant-seeking organizations) whose functions are solely or primarily fundraising are not eligible for participation.

The Funder Visit to the Arab region is limited to 30 participants.

Participation Fees
IHRFG sets its participation fees with the aim of covering the costs of joint meals, venue rental, and other conference-related costs. Participants will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

The fee for participation is US$350.

Contingency Planning
We continue to monitor the security situation closely, keeping in mind the safety and well-being of participants and local activists on the ground. In the unlikely event that we need to make further changes in the planning, we will be sure to inform you as soon as possible. We recommend you inquire about purchasing transferable or refundable airfare.

Registration
Registration is now open. The final day to register is April 1, 2012. Attendance is limited to 30 participants.

Accommodations
A block of rooms will be reserved at a local hotel in Tunis. The hotel will be centrally located, reasonably priced, and accessible to people in wheelchairs. Reservations will be handled via registration.

Questions?
Zara Bohan, IHRFG Program Assistant
Phone: 646.381.7586
Email: zbohan[at]ihrfg[dot]org