IFAR - FAQ

What is IFAR?

IFAR is a results-oriented foundation whose focus and programs were recently reformed. Its current emphasis is on fostering scientific excellence in agriculture and related fields through partnerships, collaboration and awards. IFAR is a nonprofit public charity with its headquarters in the United States of America, where it has the legal status of a 501(c)3 organization; i.e. it can receive and disburse funds from both public and private sources to serve the public good.

Why was IFAR reformed?

IFAR was established in 1985 as a support organization for international agricultural research. It focused its activities, in particular, on International Agricultural Research Centers (IARCs) with particular emphasis on Centers supported by the CGIAR (www.cgiar.org). Subsequently, other organizations undertook several of IFAR's original objectives. A window of opportunity existed, however, for IFAR to make an important contribution to agricultural research for sustainable development by concentrating its efforts on supporting scientific excellence. IFAR's Board, therefore, decided to sharpen its focus on this critical priority area, where it could make the greatest impact. IFAR's new focus is fully in keeping with its established legal status.

What are the new IFAR objectives?

The new objectives are in three clusters: (a) recognition and promotion of scientific excellence involving the work of CGIAR-supported Centers and partners; (b) promotion of science through professional development; and (c) prudent stewardship of CGIAR reserves, fulfillment of fiduciary responsibilities. In seeking to fulfill these objectives, IFAR will give priority to Africa and Southeast Asia. IFAR will not be involved in public awareness or resource mobilization.

How does IFAR operate?

IFAR's guiding values are service and maximum impact of resources. The following four principles that draw on these values govern IFAR's operations:

(a) To the fullest extent possible, all services required to fulfill IFAR's objectives will be sought pro bono, from appropriate institutions and individuals;
(b) IFAR will pursue policies and practices that hold general and administrative expenses to a minimum;
(c) IFAR's Directors will serve on an exclusively pro bono basis;
(d) General and secretarial support to IFAR is provided by the CGIAR Secretariat staff, on a voluntary basis.

How is IFAR funded?

IFAR has diversified resources, which presently include:

(a) Grants from public and private sector institutions, and individuals, interested in supporting IFAR's objectives;
(b) The King Baudouin Endowment Fund, established with funds received by the CGIAR when it was awarded the King Baudouin International Development Prize in 1980;
(c) The existing CGIAR Awards Fund, that supports awards to recognize outstanding scientific achievements by IARCs and partners, and by science communicators;
(d) Interest from the CGIAR reserves.

IFAR's funds are invested circumspectly, with an investment strategy that favors low risk.

What are IFAR's Programs?

Three programs have been established in 2003, linked to each IFAR objective described in Question 3, above:

(a) Support to the CGIAR Science Awards Program;
(b) Support to promising young scientists and policy makers from the developing countries, by providing additional training and professional development opportunities at the IARCs, consistent with their strengths and interests;
(c) Prudent stewardship of CGIAR reserves.

IFAR will also explore distance learning opportunities building on the capacity of the IARCs.

How can I benefit from IFAR's support in capacity strengthening?

IFAR's support to promising young individuals from the developing world is linked to opportunities offered by CGIAR-supported Centers or programs. (www.cgiar.org) As a result, IFAR will only consider applications for support which are made in conjunction with one or more of the IARCs.

Can IFAR directly fund my training needs?

No, individual requests for training will not be considered. Only where an application is made in conjunction with an IARC will it be considered by IFAR.

How can I get in touch with IFAR?

Our mailing address is:
IFAR
P.O. Box 27502
Washington, DC 20038-9998
U.S.A.
Our webpage and email are:
www.ifar4dev.org
ifar@ifar4dev.org