International Programs
Supporting justice, dialog, and inclusive leadership through Civil Society partnerships
The McConnell Foundation’s International Programs extend the reach and impact of our funding, directly improving the lives of millions. We invest in peacebuilding to create the conditions for lasting stability—supporting access to justice, healthy environments and livelihoods, and inclusive decision-making. Our decade-long approach emphasizes local leadership and strengthens community-level capacity to drive long-term, sustainable change.
Strategic Focus Areas
Access to Justice.
When people have equal access to fair, timely justice systems, it reduces violence and strengthens social cohesion—laying the groundwork for lasting peace. Many persistent social challenges stem, in part, from insufficient justice mechanisms – making rule of law, transparency, and awareness essential for meaningful, long-term change.
Inclusive Leadership.
Everyone should have the opportunity to have meaningful input in decisions that shape their lives. Inclusive leadership fosters peace by ensuring that diverse voices are represented and valued. This shared sense of agency reduces social tensions and strengthens collective ownership of solutions
Ecosystem Resilience.
Sustainable, reciprocal management of natural resources creates healthy livelihoods, reduces health and economic vulnerabilities, and builds resilience to natural disasters. Resource scarcity, over extraction, and unequal access to land, water, and other natural assets is a common cause of local and large-scale conflicts. Protecting ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring fair access to natural resources supports the well-being of both people and the planet.
Note to Colleagues and Grantseekers
The McConnell Foundation does not accept applications for international grants. However, we appreciate collegial exchanges of knowledge, lessons learned, and being appraised of the work others are doing in our fields of interest. If you are working in Nepal or Laos and have an interest in communicating with us, please contact Jesica Rhone at (530) 226-6223 or by using the email contact form.
Opportunity:
Nepal offers significant opportunities for impactful social work, with high levels of need alongside diverse and resilient communities, rich cultural traditions, and a capable civil society. Nepal is actively working to strengthen its structures and services, and while ongoing change and upheaval can challenge stability, it also creates valuable civic space to improve social systems and contribute to meaningful locally led efforts.
History:
The Foundation launched its international grantmaking program in Nepal in 1999, investing in rural development, community schools, and efforts to combat domestic violence. When civil war erupted in 2003, we decided not to withdraw but to refocus and solidify our commitment to Nepal for the long-term. Guided by a volunteer steering committee of diverse Nepali citizens and peacebuilders, we committed to a decade-long peace program that shaped our approach and strategies in Nepal. While our work has evolved, the mission established by that committee still drives us: “The McConnell peacebuilding program in Nepal promotes a culture of peace built on respect for diversity, rights, and nonviolent responses to conflict. We support innovative, inclusive peacebuilding activities that foster dialogue and participation at every level of Nepali society.”
Unique Flag
Nepal’s flag is the only non-rectangular national flag. Two triangles symbolizing the Himalayas and Hinduism & Buddhism.
Diverse Geography
Small yet diverse, Nepal has 8 of the world’s 14 highest peaks, plus jungles, lakes, and rivers, ideal for trekking and nature.
Multi-ethnic & Multilingual
Nepal has 80+ groups and 120+ languages, reflecting rich cultural diversity.
Current Goals:
When asked what “peace” means to them, a frequent response from people in Nepal is, “the ability to live with dignity.” For us, living with dignity includes:
• The ability to influence the decisions that shape one’s life
• Access to fair, transparent, and timely justice systems that uphold human rights
• Resilience to natural disasters, fair and sustainable access to natural resources, and biodiverse ecosystems
Featured Collaborations in Nepal
Natural Resource Conflict Transformation Center of Nepal
Nepal Youth Foundation
Mahila Shakti Bikash Kendra Nepal
Opportunity:
With critical ecosystems and species under threat from growing infrastructure in Lao PDR, there is a great opportunity to work alongside community, government, and academic organizations to link local conservation with livelihood and health programs in ways that support Laos’ Social and Economic Development Plans.
History:
The Foundation’s board of directors decided to expand the international program to an additional country in 2006. After in-depth exploration, the decision was made to fund in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The McConnell Foundation is working on three principal issues: developing legal aid, water quality management, and preserving biodiversity.
Land-Linked Location
Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar
Land of a Million Elephants
Called“Lan Xang”or “Land of a Million Elephants,” they symbolize strength and prosperity in culture, labor, and ceremony.
Conflict Impact
Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history due to the Vietnam War, with millions of unexploded ordnance still affecting it today.
Current Goals:
The McConnell Foundation is committed to strengthening justice systems and protecting the environment in Lao PDR. Rule of law, transparent grievance processes, and access to fair, timely justice are essential to social progress. That’s why we support initiatives that strengthen these systems—whether through nonprofit and community-based projects or through government programs that share these specific goals. Civil society in Lao PDR needs encouraging, and our environmental conservation grants are designed not only to protect biodiversity but also to build the capacity of local organizations and communities. We aim to: • Halt biodiversity loss across the country • Foster an engaged, active civil society • Support community-led solutions that address environmental risks while creating sustainable livelihoods Through these efforts, we hope to strengthen both people and nature—building a trajectory for a more just, resilient, and sustainable future for Lao PDR.
Featured Collaborations in Lao PDR
Legacies of War
The Asia Foundation
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The McConnell Foundation’s international programs contribute to global Sustainable Development Goals 5: Gender Equity, 15: Life on Land, and 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
