Bancroft Global Development Explained

Bancroft Global Development
Type:Non-profit
Foundation:1999
Founder:Michael Stock
Location City:Washington, D.C.
Location Country:United States
Homepage:bancroftglobal.org

Bancroft Global Development, previously named Landmine Clearance International, is a Washington, D.C.-based, non-profit security consulting firm established in 1999. Bancroft Global Investments, established in 2011, is a for-profit company that operates in parallel with the non-profit.[1]

Overview

Bancroft Global Development was founded by Michael Stock as a land-mine clearing company in 1999.[2] [3] In 2008, the organization's name was changed from Landmine Clearance International to Bancroft Global Development. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C.[4]

The organization operates around the world, although with a particular focus on Somalia. Its mission is to provide training and capacity building in regions torn by armed conflict.[5] Bancroft has experience helping partner governments to improve capabilities such as:

In Somalia, Bancroft 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. Within the Somali National Army, Bancroft has been responsible for training and mentoring Danab, a military unit that have since gone on to work alongside the U.S. Military. The organization also provides capacity-building support to the Somali Police force and government prosecutors. Bancroft has collaborated with other U.S. non-profits in Somalia such as Smile Train.[6]

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. In 2021, the organization's finances were called into question after the Inspector General of the Department of State found $4.1 million of unauthorized expenses by Bancroft, including $3.78 million in “incentive compensation” for employees.[7] The State Department reviewed the IG recommendation and rejected it with no adverse action towards Bancroft.

Notes and References

  1. News: A Bet on Peace for War-Torn Somalia. Stewart. Christopher S.. 2013-04-27. Wall Street Journal. 2018-09-14. en-US. 0099-9660.
  2. News: A War-Zone Real Estate Developer Takes On Somalia. February 15, 2017. The Wall Street Journal. April 26, 2013.
  3. News: U.S. Relies on Contractors in Somalia Conflict. Gettleman. Jeffrey. August 10, 2011. The New York Times. February 14, 2017. Mazzetti. Mark. Schmitt. Eric.
  4. Web site: Where Bancroft Global Development Bancroft Global Investments. www.bancroftglobal.org. en-US. 2018-09-14.
  5. Web site: Bancroft Global Development - GuideStar Profile. www.guidestar.org. en. 2018-09-14.
  6. News: Somalia launches first ever-cleft lip and palate surgery clinic - AMISOM. 2016-11-03. AMISOM. 2018-09-14. en-US.
  7. News: Walsh . Declan . Declan Walsh (journalist) . Schmitt . Eric . Eric P. Schmitt . Barnes . Julian E. . A C.I.A. Fighter, a Somali Bomb Maker, and a Faltering Shadow War . . October 24, 2021 . October 25, 2021.