Fund Usage Policy
Effective Date: April 20, 2026
1. Purpose and Scope
This Fund Usage Policy ("Policy") describes how the Embassy Row Project ("the Organization"), a philanthropic initiative founded by James Scott and headquartered in Washington, D.C., allocates and manages financial resources — including donor contributions, grant funding, and operational revenue — to advance its mission of empowering communities worldwide through strategic capability philanthropy. This Policy applies to all funds received and disbursed by the Organization.
2. Fund Allocation Framework
The Organization allocates funds across four primary categories. Actual percentages vary based on annual priorities, program demand, and available resources. The following represents the Organization's target allocation framework:
| Category | Target Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Program Delivery | 55–70% | Direct funding of scholarships, grants, analytical services, field operations, research programs, and capacity-building initiatives delivered through the Organization's 63+ institutes and platforms. |
| Technology & Infrastructure | 15–25% | Development and maintenance of analytical platforms, cybersecurity infrastructure, AI systems, quantum computing research, and the technology stack that powers the Organization's service delivery. |
| Operations & Administration | 10–15% | Organizational management, legal compliance, financial administration, human resources, communications, and governance activities necessary to sustain the Organization's operations. |
| Strategic Reserves | 5–10% | Funds set aside to ensure long-term organizational sustainability, respond to emerging crises, and maintain operational continuity during periods of reduced funding. |
These ranges are targets, not guarantees. The Organization's leadership reviews and adjusts allocations annually based on mission priorities, program outcomes, and financial conditions.
3. Restricted and Unrestricted Funds
The Organization distinguishes between restricted and unrestricted funds:
- •Unrestricted funds: Donations and revenue without donor-imposed restrictions. The Organization has full discretion over the use of unrestricted funds in accordance with this Policy.
- •Restricted funds: Contributions designated by the donor for a specific program, initiative, or purpose, where such designation has been accepted in writing by the Organization. Restricted funds are used exclusively for the designated purpose.
If a restricted fund's designated purpose becomes impracticable or the associated program is discontinued, the Organization will make reasonable efforts to contact the donor to discuss reallocation. If the donor cannot be reached within ninety (90) days, the funds may be reallocated to the most closely aligned active program at the Organization's discretion.
4. Financial Oversight and Controls
The Organization implements the following financial controls to ensure responsible stewardship of funds:
- •Segregation of duties in financial management, with separate authorization, recording, and custody functions
- •Regular internal financial reviews conducted by the Organization's leadership
- •Documented approval processes for all expenditures exceeding established thresholds
- •Maintenance of accurate and complete financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
- •Periodic assessment of program effectiveness and cost efficiency to ensure funds are deployed for maximum impact
5. Transparency Commitment
The Organization is committed to transparency in its use of funds. Donors who contribute above established thresholds may request a summary of how their contributions have been allocated. The Organization publishes impact metrics — including the number of organizations served, services delivered, and communities reached — through its website, annual reports, and public communications. The Organization does not disclose individual donor identities or contribution amounts without the donor's express written consent.
6. Prohibited Uses of Funds
Under no circumstances will the Organization use funds for:
- •Political campaign contributions, lobbying activities, or partisan political purposes
- •Personal enrichment of any officer, director, or employee beyond reasonable and documented compensation
- •Activities that violate applicable law, including sanctions, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorism financing regulations
- •Purposes that conflict with the Organization's stated mission of strategic capability philanthropy
7. Limitation of Liability
THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDES THIS POLICY FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND MAKES NO WARRANTIES REGARDING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SPECIFIC OUTCOMES FROM THE USE OF FUNDS. THE ORGANIZATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM ITS ALLOCATION DECISIONS. THE TARGET ALLOCATION RANGES DESCRIBED IN THIS POLICY ARE ASPIRATIONAL AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE BINDING COMMITMENTS.
8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Policy shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered in Washington, D.C. in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
9. Modifications
The Organization reserves the right to modify this Policy at any time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of the Services or making of Donations following any modification constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy.
10. Contact Information
For questions regarding this Policy or the Organization's use of funds, please reach out through our contact page.
Embassy Row Project
Washington, D.C., United States of America
A philanthropic initiative by James Scott — Est. 2007