Programs & Initiatives
BNN implements a focused set of programs in partnership with trusted funders to strengthen civil society, promote good governance, and protect Belize's natural environment.
How our programs align with BNN's mission
Active Programs
Increasing Domestic Resource Mobilization by Promoting Corporate, Natural Resource, and Professional Integrity
Funder
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
Implemented in partnership with Global Financial Integrity (GFI)
As a sub-grantee of Global Financial Integrity, BNN supports Norad-funded work to promote financial transparency and accountability in Belize. The program advances beneficial ownership reform, builds investigative journalism capacity, and monitors natural resource and professional integrity issues.
Primary Activities
- Draft and disseminate policy resources on beneficial ownership and public access to information
- Plan and conduct journalist trainings on corporate transparency, beneficial ownership, open-source research, and investigative journalism
- Support journalistic fellowships to ensure publication of investigations
- Disseminate reports on natural resource integrity and environmental issues through social media and journalist networks
- Monitor and analyze natural resource integrity issues in Belize for advocacy purposes
- Produce media-friendly factsheets on professional integrity for gatekeepers
- Identify and support journalists to attend workshops on professional integrity
- Engage in capacity-building with civil society partners
BNN Mission Alignment
Civil Society Capacity Building in Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama
Funder
U.S. Embassy Panama City
Implemented in partnership with Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC)
As a sub-recipient of the Financial Services Volunteer Corps, BNN supports a regional civil society capacity-building program funded by the U.S. Embassy Panama City. BNN leads implementation primarily in Belize, promoting CSO capacity and collaboration in the advancement and protection of human rights.
Primary Activities
- Promote civil society organization (CSO) capacity building among Belizean NGOs
- Foster collaboration among civil society actors for the protection and advancement of human rights
- Strengthen organizational governance and compliance practices of member organizations
- Support BNN members with practical tools for effective civil society participation
BNN Mission Alignment
Strengthening Member Engagement by the Belize Network of NGOs
Funder
Summit Foundation
Implemented by BNN
This ongoing program strengthens BNN's organizational foundation by expanding its membership base, deepening relationships with civil society actors, and strengthening internal systems to meet regulatory standards. The program positions BNN to build greater collective influence in Belize's regulatory and policy landscape.
Primary Activities
- Expand and strengthen BNN's membership base through targeted outreach and engagement
- Deepen relationships with civil society actors and strengthen ties among member organizations
- Increase organizational visibility to attract new stakeholders, donors, and partners
- Strengthen BNN's internal governance systems to meet regulatory standards and foster institutional credibility
- Build BNN's collective influence in Belize's regulatory and policy landscape
- Ensure resources are managed effectively and decision-making processes are clear and inclusive
BNN Mission Alignment
Completed Programs
Building the Capacity of NGOs in Belize to Participate in Carbon Policy Development
Funder
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) — Belize Country Office
Led by BNN in collaboration with TNC, WCS, Oceana, and the Carbon Working Group
This program built the capacity of civil society organizations to meaningfully participate in Belize's national carbon policy process. BNN convened a civil society coalition, engaged the NGO Senator, and worked with the Government of Belize to ensure that any carbon policy and associated legislation is transparent, equitable, and inclusive.
Primary Activities
- Organize and facilitate stakeholder meetings with government departments, ministries, private sector, and civil society on carbon policy
- Lead a civil society coalition to develop and present joint carbon policy positions and recommendations to government
- Work with the NGO Senator to ensure proposed carbon legislation is fully vetted through the CSO coalition before passage
- Convene regular carbon working group meetings (comprising BNN, WCS, TNC, WWFCA, Belize Maya Forest Trust, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association, Maya Leaders Alliance, and others)
- Curate a seminar on climate change and carbon markets to build the knowledge base of BNN member organizations and the public
- Compile and submit recommendations to inform an eventual draft national carbon policy and legislation
BNN Mission Alignment
Building the Belize Network of NGOs Effectiveness for Good Governance through Advocacy and Communication
Funder
Summit Foundation
Implemented by BNN
This Summit Foundation grant enabled BNN to advance its strategic advocacy goals on behalf of civil society organizations in Belize by strengthening communications, expanding its social media presence, and deepening member engagement. BNN leveraged the NGO Senator to establish formal accountability sessions with government on pertinent policies and legislation.
Primary Activities
- Advocate on behalf of civil society by engaging the NGO Senator in evaluating and shaping key policies and legislation
- Establish regular accountability sessions with government to evaluate and plan advocacy efforts
- Improve external communications and expand BNN's social media reach and visibility
- Launch a digital outreach campaign including transition to a digital newsletter and boosted social media
- Strengthen member relationships through regular check-ins and targeted communications
- Use social media campaigns to raise awareness and build support for critical governance issues
BNN Mission Alignment
Our Funding Partners
BNN is grateful to work with partners whose values align with our commitment to transparency, good governance, and civil society strengthening.
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
via Global Financial Integrity (GFI)
Financial transparency & accountability
U.S. Embassy Panama City
via Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC)
Civil society capacity building
The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Belize Country Office
Carbon policy & environmental governance
Summit Foundation
Good governance, advocacy & organizational effectiveness
Interested in Partnering with BNN?
BNN welcomes partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to good governance, civil society strengthening, and sustainable development in Belize.