GLF is a non-profit, independent foundation. It operates with a minimum of staff, infrastructure, fixed assets and overheads, enabling it to limit its running costs. The Foundation seeks to recover direct project costs (ie international travel as well as in-country travel, accommodation and subsistence) from host governments. Where this proves difficult for a host, project sponsorship can sometimes be sourced via an appropriate donor or international agency.

GLF is funded by other foundations, corporations and private individuals. A limit is placed on donations from any one supporter to preserve GLF’s independence and credibility. GLF exercises careful judgement case-by-case to ensure that it is not in receipt of funds from any source likely to be considered damaging to its reputation for probity or its need to preserve the confidentiality and objectivity of its operations.

Donors can be invited to join GLF’s International Council, an executive community of supporters comprising business leaders, philanthropists and foundations. GLF is transparent with its Members and with its financial backers about the sources of its funds. In any public references to sources of funds, it will respect donors’ wishes to preserve anonymity.