International Migration Initiative Portfolio Review | OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS

Accepting the current crisis as the new normal and moving beyond the need to react



Observing our partners as they respond and adjust to the new reality in light of the crisis in
Europe and the Mediterranean, we see little attention given to long-term planning or
fundamentally new approaches to advocacy. There is a need to create more space for
reflection, stock-taking and development of mid- and longer-term strategies.



In addition, analysis of our investments in Governance and Enforcement has produced the
following learnings that apply to our decisions as grant-makers:



Influencing policy

• 
  Assess the balance between generating evidence to inform policymaking and the need
  to engage politically to create will for reform.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Consider bringing a greater diversity of actors to policy spaces.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Invest in capacity building of key civil society networks to engage in policy discussions
  
  
  
  and to navigate the political elements of migration debates.
  
  
  
  Supporting networks
  
  
  
  

• 
  Consider the specificity of supporting networks and build in resources for capacity
  building or other technical advice.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Ensure better financial health for secretariats of networks and plan for targeted support
  to individual members. Use a combination of project support and more flexible core
  funding.
  
  
  
  
• 
  When engaging networks in coordinating around global events, ensure project cycles
  allow adequate time for long-term planning, including substantive follow-up.
  
  
  
  Fostering collaboration among IMI grantees
  
  
  
  
  • 
    Actively identify potential opportunities for coordination and cooperation among
    grantees at various levels—in the corridors and globally.
    
    
    
    
  • 
    Build in funds for grassroots groups to participate in events and processes at regional
    and global levels.
    
    
    
    
  • 
    Ensure global grantees have sufficient resources, where needed, to do outreach to
    actors in local contexts.
    
    
    
    Donor engagement
    
    
    
    
  • 
    Develop clear messaging targeting other donors, particularly philanthropic actors, on
    the importance of approaching migration as a global phenomenon.
    
    
    
    
  • 
    Position IMI as a resource to other donors with respect to current discussions on the
    global stage.