Bancroft Global Development is a Washington, D.C.-based 501 non-profit, with roots in the late 19th century. It improves stability in conflict zones by providing on-the-ground training and mentoring to law enforcement, military and peacekeeping missions. Since its founding, Bancroft Global Development has worked in dozens of countries. At present, the majority of its activity is in Africa. Bancroft Global Investments is a for-profit partnership that operates in parallel. It was established in 2011 and makes long-term investments in local enterprises where Bancroft Global Development creates the right conditions. This unique structure produces a virtuous cycle that benefits local people and investors alike. Its portfolio of current and previous investments includes real property and infrastructure, hydroelectric and solar power, wireless telecommunications, electronic banking, and modern freight transport.
Overview
Bancroft Global Development is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with operations around the world. The organization's purpose is to provide education and capacity building to deliver permanent solutions to the economic, environmental and societal harm caused by armed conflict and the hazardous remnants of war. It performs its mission by directly mentoring government officials, police officers, and soldiers charged with ending armed conflict. Bancroft Global Development also collaborates with other U.S. non-profits such as Smile Train and Give to the World. Over the past five years, the majority of Bancroft Global Development funding has come from the United Nations and the U.S. Department of State. Bancroft Global Investments also provides significant financial support to Bancroft Global Development.
History
Bancroft Global Development was founded by Michael Stock, a graduate of Princeton University, as a land-mine clearing company in 1999. In 2008, the organization's name was changed from Landmine Clearance International to Bancroft Global Development, reflecting the broader focus on other forms of stabilization and capacity building. At the time, Bancroft Global Development was headquartered at 2136 Bancroft Place in Washington, D.C. Over the past 10 years especially, Bancroft has focused on direct mentoring and capacity building initiatives in conflict-affected states. At present, there are more than 125 Bancroft Global Development mentors from 21 countries advising local partners. Bancroft has particularly deep experience helping partner governments improve capabilities in public safety and violence-prevention functions, such as: · De-mining, Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Explosive Detecting Dogs · Law Enforcement Investigations · Emergency Management and Response · Combat Engineering and Operational Support · Airport and Aviation Safety · Public Health
Current Projects
In Somalia, Bancroft Global Development provides capacity building for the Somali National Army and for members of the African Union Mission to Somalia including the Ugandan People's Defense Force and the Burundi National Defense Force, in counter-IED, combat engineering, convoy operations, and trauma medicine. Within the Somali National Army, Bancroft Global Development has been responsible for training and mentoring Danab, a military unit that have since gone on to work alongside the U.S. Military. The Danab Battalion serves as a model for professionalism, adherence to human rights, effective maintenance, discriminating and proportional use of force, and responsible management of transport assets, communications equipment, weapons, and financial resources. Bancroft Global Development also provides capacity building to the Somali Police force and government prosecutors. The support of the Somali Police Force strengthens law enforcement and judicial effectiveness, bolsters cooperation amongst criminal justice agencies, and supports the rule of law while advancing human rights. They have achieved this through direct mentoring and creative partnerships drawing on the participation of cities with large Somali diaspora populations, such as Minneapolis, Minnesota.
