What Happened: In March 2023, Mountaintop CEO Reed Shafer-Ray traveled to meet with Mountaintop partners in six countries. During this trip, Shafer-Ray met with a potential host to learn more about the organization's work. Mountaintop had originally said that the organization would be able to host a Fellow if they met specific financial obligations, but could not promise a fellowship otherwise. However, Mountaintop was moving forward with conversations regarding contracting and, with the organization's express permission, listed the host organization on the Mountaintop website as an example of a potential host site. Because the financial obligations were not met, Mountaintop decided not to partner with this organization to host a Fellow. This led to disappointment for the organization that had spent its time cultivating the relationship with Mountaintop, coordinating Shafer-Ray's in-country travel, and giving Shafer-Ray a tour of its facilities.

 

How Mountaintop Responded: In response, Mountaintop apologized to the host for setting unrealistic expectations by visiting the organization's facilities and by listing the organization on its website. Mountaintop now has a policy to

1. Never visit an organization if they are in the process of applying to host Fellows;

2. Never list another organization on Mountaintop's website unless they have a formal relationship with the organization.

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Mountaintop's Learning and Commitment: Mountaintop has learned to become much more aware of inherent power dynamics that come into play when serving as the decision-maker to provide fellowships and financial support, especially in resource-constrained environments. Mountaintop commits to avoiding situations in the future that could cause individuals or organizations to be led to believe that they have received support before a partnership has been formalized.