International Alert and Search for Common Ground
Search for Common Ground and International Alert have decided to explore the possibility of combining our two organisations.
We are doing so because we share a conviction: that the world is at a critical juncture, one that demands the strongest possible collective voice for peaceful conflict resolution. In seeking a peer organisation that we respect, admire, and believe could meet this moment with us, we believe that Search and Alert may have more combined impact and influence together than either can achieve working separately.
During this exploration, which will take up to four months, nothing changes at this stage for our staff, programmes, partners, donors, or the communities we serve. Both organisations continue to operate fully and independently throughout. Should we decide to proceed with a combination, we will share news externally thereafter.
Frequently asked questions
About the announcement
1. What has been announced?
Search for Common Ground (Search) and International Alert (Alert) have entered exclusive exploratory discussions to determine whether combining the two organisations could create a stronger, more impactful peacebuilding organisation than either can build alone. This is the beginning of a process that will ultimately inform a decision both organisations will make in September.
2. Why are you exploring this?
We share a conviction that the world is at a critical juncture, one that demands the strongest possible collective voice for peaceful conflict resolution. We believe that together, Search and Alert may have more combined impact and influence than either can achieve working separately. Both organisations have worked as partners across many contexts and this process builds on a foundation of trust and shared experience.
3. As you are only beginning an exploration process and will not make decisions until September, why are you announcing this now?
Both organisations are committed to a consultative process with our global teams and partners. With staff at both Search and Alert being informed, and the conversations we will be having with partners and others, we do not believe that it is necessary or feasible to maintain confidentiality about the fact that we are having these discussions.
About the process
4. What happens next and when will a decision be made?
Both Search and Alert are entering a structured due diligence process covering a range of issues including finances, operations, programmes, legal structures, and culture. The process will take up to four months, with a final decision expected by September 2026. Should both organisations decide to proceed, an announcement will follow thereafter.
5. Will staff, partners, and donors be consulted during this process?
Yes. The due diligence process will include structured opportunities to hear views from staff, partners, and donors at both organisations.
About existing relationships and commitments
6. What does this mean for our existing grant, contract, or program relationship?
Nothing changes. All existing grants, contracts, programs, and partnership agreements continue to be managed and delivered exactly as planned throughout the exploratory period. Neither organisation’s legal status or operational capacity is affected by this process – these are due diligence exploratory discussions only.
7. Will this change anything for funding opportunities, applications or programming?
No. Both Search and Alert are operating as usual throughout this process. Partners and donors can continue engaging with both organisations as normal. Any decisions about a potential combination will not affect contracted or committed work.
8. Who should we contact if we have questions about our specific relationship with Search or Alert?
Please reach out directly to your existing relationship holder at Search or Alert. They are best placed to answer questions specific to your program or funding relationship and will be kept informed throughout the process.
About the organisations
9. Is this a financial decision?
Partially. While both Search and Alert are financially stable and have initiated this exploration out of our shared belief that together we may be able to have greater impact, we are also operating in a context in which the peacebuilding sector is under significant pressure. Funding cuts, fragmenting international institutions, and an increasingly complex conflict landscape demand stronger, more resilient organisations. We believe a combined entity might be better positioned to weather that environment, make the case for peacebuilding investment at the highest levels, deliver greater impact at lower cost, and provide a stronger platform for the local partners we work with. Over the coming 4 months we intend to test these assumptions together before coming to a decision.
10. What happens if the due diligence concludes that a combination does not make sense?
Both Search and Alert will say so clearly and continue to operate independently. Entering exclusive exploratory discussions does not commit either organisation to a particular outcome. The process exists precisely to make the best possible decision — and deciding not to combine is an option that remains open to both.
