Our Process
The way we build relationships with partners
© Firetree Fund
Discovery
The process starts with the organisations we've already worked with, assessed and built relationships with over years of direct engagement.
RELATIONSHIP GRANT(S)
Firetree conducts in-depth assessment of the organisations' model, governance, financial systems, leadership capacity, and more.
LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP
Organisations that meet Firetree's criteria are considered for the Fund portfolio. Ongoing support, site visits and learning exchange are part of the relationship.
FUND PORTFOLIO
After a period of deep partnership funding, established organisations with proven models and strong leadership are invited to join the Fund portfolio for co-funding by values-aligned funders.
What we assess
This assessment framework reflects the synthesis of our approach rather than a generic checklist. It should be viewed as a framework built from years of direct operational experience.
It is not a tool a non-practitioner can apply from the outside, a pass/fail gate, or a substitute for the proximity and trust that comes from years of real partnership.
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Fills a genuine gap not covered by government or existing services
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Decision-makers have deep knowledge of the issue, community and context
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Our existing contextual knowledge of the geography
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Appropriate legal registration and structures are in place
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Clear understanding of root causes and problem-solution fit
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Quality and internal coherence of the programme model and activities
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How effectiveness is measured and how the model evolves as a result
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Demonstrable results against the organisation's core objectives
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Community focus embedded in team DNA
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Capacity to learn, adapt and redefine approaches
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Role clarity, competencies and talent across the organisation
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Leadership quality and management style
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Collaborative, open culture with appropriate checks and balances
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Strong SOPs for programmatic work and child protection protocols
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Robust financial management systems and policies
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Compliance across HR, safeguarding and child protection
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Engaged, diverse board with relevant expertise
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Fundraising strategy aligned with programmatic vision
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Composition of Management team and complementarity of skills
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