General criteria

• XminY only supports groups, organizations or social movements that fight for an honest, just and ecologically sound society.
• XminY only supports projects that aim to mobilize and inspire individuals and groups.
• XminY only supports projects that go beyond specific individual or ethnic interests.

• XminY prefers to support demonstrations, blockades, occupations, direct actions, revolts, revolutions and other creative forms of confrontational action.
• XminY prefers to support grassroots organizations.
• XminY prefers to support politically controversial projects that have difficulty finding financial aid elsewhere.

• XminY prefers to support projects that lead to political actions.
• XminY prefers to fund projects that are part of a long term strategy.
• XminY supports projects with a maximum of 3,000 euros.

• XminY only supports projects with a total budget of less than 20,000 euros. 

• XminY doesn't fund structural costs like wages or rental costs. 

• XminY doesn't support conferences, seminars, debates or other meetings unless they clearly aim to prepare for political actions.
• XminY doesn't finance juridical procedures unless these are part of a broader activist campaign.

  
• XminY doesn't support political parties.

• XminY doesn't support groups that try to exclude other progressive movements.
• XminY doesn't fund projects specifically aimed at disabled people or children.

• XminY doesn't fund humanitarian aid or healthcare. 

• XminY doesn't fund emergency aid.

• XminY doesn't support cultural or educational projects that only aim at raising awareness.

• XminY doesn't fund micro-credit programs or income generating projects.

• XminY doesn't support projects through third parties. We want to cooperate directly with the groups we support, without an additional bureaucratic layer in between.

Earlier support for an action or campaign doesn't imply future support – each proposal will be judged separately and on its own merits. All proposals to XminY should comply with the General criteria above and with the following additional regional criteria: 


Criteria for Africa

• XminY only supports groups that can supply at least two references from other organizations or individuals.



Criteria for Asia


• XminY only supports groups that can supply at least two references from other organizations or individuals. 


Criteria for Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East

• XminY only supports groups with a broad appeal.
• XminY doesn't finance costs of travel or stay. 



Criteria for Latin America 


• XminY prefers to support young and developing groups and organizations. 



Criteria for Western Europe, North America and Australia 


• XminY prefers to support projects that can receive broader media attention.
• XminY doesn't finance costs of travel or stay.
• XminY funds projects with a maximum of 2000 euros and on average with 800 euros. 


Please consider: 


• XminY is largely made up of volunteers, supported by a small staff. Around 50 knowledgeable volunteers judge incoming proposals.

• Keep in mind decisions will take at least 8 weeks. It is no use to phone the office since decisions depend on meetings that have already been planned.

• Decisions are final and can not be appealed.
• You can always contact the relevant project coordinator if you are doubting whether a project meets our criteria.

• If you happen to visit the Netherlands, and you'd like to come and see us, you are very much welcome. Please make an appointment to visit our office well in advance and note that we are not able to finance your visit to the Netherlands. ​

XminY believes in the power of people to be the start of change themselves. Every great social transformation starts with brave individuals who take the first steps along the road to change. These are ordinary people who stand up in their communities, encourage bystanders and work together with them in the struggle for a fair, just, sustainable and tolerant world.

Bottom-up change
Within the vision of XminY, problems can best be approached ‘bottom-up’. Local activists and grassroots organisations know best what is the most effective way to realize their goals and how to give these unheard people a voice. XminY is proud to support these change-makers in their struggles.

Grassroots groups
XminY primarily supports groups that stand at the beginning of their struggles. Often, they are too small to receive support from big organisations or from governments; and sometimes their questioning of established interests makes them controversial in their own regions. What makes the projects XminY supports stand out is their critique of the current economical system and the importance they place on putting people and planet before profit.

XminY is a globally unique action fund and has supported social movements for more than 45 years. Many of the groups and organisations supported in the past have grown to become well-known organisations involved in mass social movements. From the ANC in South Africa to the indigenous peoples’ movement in Bolivia and the worldwide anti-globalisation movement, they all started with the supported of XminY.

XminY supports around 130 projects every year. This is only made possible by the dedicated support of our some 3000 donors. Every year between 150 and 200 new donors are needed in order for XminY to carry on with its work. XminY is committed to charting an independent and critical course and for this reason refuses to accept money from governments or business. The support of our donors is therefore crucial.