A new platform aiming to increase transparency across the aid industry is set to launch in the coming months, this summer, one that will allow subgrantees — such as local nonprofits and social enterprises — to review their prime counterparts publicly.
The concept is being described as a “Glassdoor for Primes” by its creators at Unlock Aid, an advocacy organization focused on international aid reform. Just like the original employer review website, Unlock Aid’s platform will shed light on which major aid players follow through on their commitments to subcontractors, such as those regarding funding, decision-making, salary equity, or intellectual property.
“Too often, we’ve heard the same stories: organizations would be promised the world to help another organization win a proposal, only to get cut out of the award later on,” said Walter Kerr, the co-executive director of Unlock Aid. “This portal can provide more sunlight into which of these bigger international companies are good partners to smaller and local groups, and which ones are not.”