Bancroft Global Development
| Company type | Non-profit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Security advisory, demining, training |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Michael Stock |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
Area served | International (focus on Somalia) |
| Products | Training in demining, counter-IED, explosive ordnance disposal, law enforcement techniques, emergency preparedness, combat engineering, aviation security, public health initiatives |
Bancroft Global Development, originally known as Landmine Clearance International, is a non-profit security advisory organization based in Washington, D.C. that was founded in 1999. Alongside it operates Bancroft Global Investments, a for-profit entity launched in 2011.[1]
Overview
Established by Michael Stock in 1999, Bancroft Global Development began as a company specializing in landmine removal.[2][3] The organization rebranded from Landmine Clearance International to its current name in 2008.[1] Its headquarters remain in Washington, D.C.[4]
While Bancroft operates internationally, it concentrates much of its efforts in Somalia.[4] The organization's core objective is to offer training and enhance the operational capabilities of communities affected by armed conflicts.[5]Template:Vn Bancroft has supported partner governments by strengthening skills and capacities in areas including:Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
- De-mining, counter-IED operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and training explosive detection canines
- Law enforcement investigative techniques
- Emergency preparedness and response services
- Combat engineering and related operational assistance
- Aviation and airport security measures
- Public health initiatives
In Somalia specifically, Bancroft assists with capacity development for the Somali National Army as well as personnel from the African Union Mission to Somalia, such as the Ugandan People's Defense Force and the Burundi National Defense Force. The organization has played a key role in training and mentoring Danab, an elite Somali military unit that has since collaborated with the U.S. Military.[3] Additionally, Bancroft supports capacity building for the Somali Police Service and government prosecutors.[5]Template:Vn The firm has also partnered with other U.S.-based non-profits operating in Somalia, including Smile Train.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Over recent years, most of Bancroft Global Development’s funding has been sourced from the United Nations and the U.S. Department of State.[5]Template:Vn Bancroft Global Investments contributes considerable financial backing to the non-profit as well.Template:Fix/category[citation needed] In 2021, scrutiny arose regarding the organization’s finances when the Inspector General of the Department of State identified $4.1 million in unauthorized expenditures by Bancroft, notably $3.78 million classified as “incentive compensation” for staff.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Despite this finding, the State Department reviewed the Inspector General’s recommendations but opted not to take any adverse actions against Bancroft.
References
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