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ā€œto help ensure that a wider array of humanists, in craft and study, have access to conditions needed to best develop and deepen their contributions to our societiesā€

The Trust in Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

Overview

The Trust in Humanistic Inquiry and Expression was established to help ensure that a greater array of humanists, in craft and study, have access to conditions needed to best develop and deepen their contributions to our societies.

Conditions for Humanistic Work

The Trust arose out of a deeply informed understanding of the comparatively under-resourced and often perilous conditions for humanistic work in Africa and in much of its global diasporas, as well as perennially insufficient levels of support for institutions essential to facilitating such activity.

Global Histories for Art and Culture

These conditions are more often than not linked to global histories of artistic and cultural production and to the place, function, or status often allotted to the arts and cultures of Africa and its diasporas, as well as to communities that are intimately and structurally related, and regularly underrepresented or misrepresented in form, content, and value.

Representation and Self-Representation

The Trust therefore sees part of its work as addressing issues of representation and self-representation in future efforts in the humanities, with a central mission to improve their range, rigor, depth, quality, and contributions to shared societies.

View from Below of Bridge Cables
Lekki Ikoyi Bridge, Lagos, Nigeria, February 2019 (Babatunde Olajide)

The Trustā€™s Finances

Overview

The Trust in Humanistic Inquiry and Expression was established as part of the Declaration of Trust of the Chinyere and Chinelo Ikoku Charitable Trusts. It is therefore subject to the general fiduciary responsibilities outlined in the founding Declaration.

Annual Spending

These responsibilities include stipulations that limit appropriated spending in any given year to no more than 5% of the three-year average market value of the Trustā€™s current principal.

Appropriated Spending I

The Declaration also stipulates that no less than half of such annual spending be dedicated to work on continental Africa.

Appropriated Spending II

It is also expected that such annual spending be overwhelmingly dedicated (greater than 75%) to being of direct benefit to low-income communities and individuals.

To Fund in Perpetuity

Such stipulations are in line with best practices to ensure that the Trust continues to exist in perpetuity and that it continues to have assets to carry out its charitable purposes during that time.

Reports: In Charts and Numbers

Reports: In Charts and Numbers

Actor in Macbeth Costume
Macbeth, Undated (New York Public Library)
Schoolgirl in Uniform at Doorway Looking Above
In Uniform, Liberia, March 2019 (Adrianna Van Groningen)
Girl Kneeling in Busy Street
Tibetan Girl, 2017 (Journey Yang)

The Trustā€™s Works

Overview

Provided below is access to further information regarding good works conceived and funded under the rubric of this Trust. Note that the operations of said projects are typically the purview of The Ikoku Foundations, and so the links will often guide you to their sites.

The Database in Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

The Distribution in Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

The Report on Funding for Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

The Report on Funding for Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

The Fellowship in Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

The Fellowship in Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

The Grant in Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

The Grant in Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

The Newsletter on Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

The Newsletter on Humanistic Inquiry and Expression

Woman Bending Down to Tend Crops
Sierra Leone, 2017 (Annie Spratt)
Child in Costume Looking at Camera
NiƱo, Cusco, Peru, 2018 (Ben Ostrower)
Woman Seated on Mat on Floor, Holding Fan
Seated, Kpone Katamanso District Assembly Office, Tema, Ghana, 2017 (Nathaniel Tetteh)
People Holding Peace Banner and Respect Sign
Women's March, Boston, USA, 2017, (Alice Donovan Rouse)

Also at The Trusts

As stated earlier, The Ikoku Charitable Trusts is dedicated to fostering philanthropy and good works concerning Africa, its global diasporas and a range of shared societies ā€” toward the betterment of lives across the globe. And so in accordance with the above, The Trusts provides the following:

I.

A Nonprofit Dedicated to Africa

An independent, private, non-profit organization that serves the public interest in Africa and its global diasporas ā€” by advancing education and research and by also supporting creative ideas, civic endeavors and emerging communities, organizations and societies.

II.

Support for a Global and Just Future

A founding mission and ongoing emphases of support for good works that help the public understand Africaā€™s essential place in a global future, one that is to be more knowledgeable, environmentally sustainable, equitable and of benefit across communities in just societies.

III.

A Vision of the Public Good

A vision of the public good that accounts for the past while ensuring a just and shared future. That draws inspiration from peoples who, despite a history of systemic difficulties, maintain an unyielding belief that the betterment of their human condition will foster the betterment of those living around them and will enhance the present and futures of the regularly disenfranchised, marginalized and underserved.

More About Us

The Ikoku Trusts

About Us ā€¢ Governance ā€¢ Policies