ABSTRACT
Local peacebuilders are committed, hardworking, and accountable to their communities. This chapter comprises an analysis of the discord and harmony between grassroots peacebuilders and politicians, consultants, funding agencies, and the public over the funding process. It emphasizes that both the International Fund for Ireland and the European Union Peace and Reconciliation Fund’s hierarchical and bureaucratic application, auditing, and reporting processes have undermined civil society organizations’ peace work creating competition among the various organizations. It includes a discussion of the significant role played by both funder’s development officers acting as a critical liaison between the funders and local communities, and their role in empowering grassroots applicants. It also covers the elusive benefits emerging from local grassroots organizations’ reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts.
