KEHATI Foundation is honored to be trusted as the Administrator of BAF. As the Administrator of this new initiative, KEHATI has gained a lot of experience in managing grants for cycle-1, cycle-2, and non-cycle funds, from the process of adapting to BAF's governance to enhancing the capacity of local partners with diverse characteristics.
During cycle-1, cycle-2, and non-cycle phases, BAF managed grant funds sourced from USAID, channeled through Conservation International (CI). These funds are sinking funds used to achieve the set targets, which are aligned with the BAF Strategic Plan for 2017-2022. Meanwhile, during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, BAF also distributed non-cycle grants funded by the Walton Family Foundation (WFF) and remaining USAID grant funds.
In addition to managing sinking funds, BAF also has an endowment fund, which is managed by trustees and fund managers based in Singapore. As an endowment fund, BAF can only use the returns on investment for grant distribution, while the principal amount cannot be touched. The initial fundraising target for the endowment fund was US$ 38 million; however, to date, the accumulated endowment fund has reached only 60% of the target. Therefore, fundraising activities will remain a key priority for BAF in the future.
With the end of USAID's sinking fund support, BAF's grant distribution in the next cycle will rely on the returns from the endowment fund. With approval from the GC, the process of drawing investment returns from the endowment fund will involve the Administrator and BAF's trustees.
Moving forward, BAF’s funding for marine conservation activities in BLKB is expected to continue strengthening the capacity of local Papua organizations in initiating and implementing their conservation programs. The long-term impact is that marine biodiversity can be maintained, thereby becoming a sustainable source of livelihood.
