In 2025, the Funder Safeguarding Collaborative (FSC) commissioned Accountable Now to conduct in-depth research on how funders approach safeguarding. Building on this research, a Co-Creators group of funders and civil society organisations has been working with Accountable Now and FSC to develop a draft standard aimed at strengthening safeguarding within grant making.

Every year, funders invest billions toward positive change but this impact is undermined when organisations cause harm through action or omission. While funders are increasingly taking safeguarding seriously, efforts are often weakened by inconsistent expectations on grantee-partners, under-investment, and tick-box compliance. This new standard, primarily for philanthropic trusts and foundations, seeks to address these gaps by identifying effective practices and promoting greater alignment in keeping people safe.

Extensive safeguarding guidance already exists within the sector, but none of it addresses the specific context of grant-making organisations. This standard is not intended to duplicate what exists rather it focuses specifically on funder actions and how safeguarding is integrated into grant-making practice.

We now want to hear from practitioners and civil society organisations. Accountable Now is seeking feedback to ensure the commitments and behaviours in the draft standard are clear, relevant, and useful — particularly regarding the potential impacts on grantee-partners. The Drop In sessions on August 27th offer two opportunities to share your perspective:

• Are the commitments and behaviours in the draft clear, concise, and relevant? Is anything missing?
• Could any commitments or behaviours have unintended negative consequences or hinder good safeguarding practice?
• If your philanthropic partner or funder were to implement this standard, what would change for you as a grantee-partner?
• What other advice or feedback do you have at this stage?

Sign up for the AM Session (10:00–11:00 CEST) or the PM Session (16:00–17:00 CEST). To learn more about the project, email Bao Han or review the Safeguarding Standard for Funders: Draft Version for Public Consultation.

Are you a funder? Find relevant information and consultation workshop details here.