Philanthropy Dialogues
Transforming Philanthropy in the Global South
Philanthropy Dialogues is a platform formed and led by women practitioners from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We came together to explore, learn, and experiment with new ways of working in philanthropy.
Our work focuses on strategic giving that is guided by people and communities. We want to build trust and shift power toward a more balanced, trustful and resilient philanthropic ecosystem.
The team
Andrea Rodericks
Chilande Kuloba-Warria
Gioel Gioacchino (PhD)
Gouthami
Jennifer Mohamed-Katerere
Lina Villa-Cordoba
Mariana Lomé
Sumitra Pasupathy
We are now excited about...
The Action Learning Lab is a platform to accompany and support collaborative experimentation, learning and change-making among different actors in the philanthropy ecosystem. It brings together international, domestic, and locally-led philanthropy and grassroots practitioners in the environmental and climate justice field to connect, learn together, and to foster new ways of working .
The Action Learning Lab will enable and accompany deep dive experiments in key change areas that target enquiries that center on shifting power, whilst protecting space for vulnerability, failure, risk taking, and aiming for new kinds of relationships to emerge.
We’ll keep you updated here.
The journey so far
About The Study
The philanthropic landscapes in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America are rich and diverse, with deep cultural complexity infused by local knowledge.
In 2023 we engaged along with others in two studies to examine the evolving landscape of philanthropy in the Global South. These studies funded by Oak Foundation, aimed to understand the dynamics, cultures, and attitudes within the philanthropic sector. The reports given here delve into the emerging trends and transformative practices shaping the philanthropic sector and identify a new set of potential partners based in the global majority that can accelerate local funding.
ASIA-LATAM STUDY
Part 1
Executive Summary
Part II
The Study
Part III
Through over 150 interviews, two Learning Series and reviews of existing research material, the studies identify potential intermediaries capable of distributing funds to grassroots organisations with agility and cultural sensitivity.
Part IV
Demonstrated Cases of Partners, Intermediaries, Networks and Organisations & Findings from Piloting a Self-Assessment Tool
AFRICA STUDY
Part V
Africa study executive report: Proposals to strengthen localisation, identify intermediaries and transform funding systems
Part VI
Assessing the philanthropic landscape in Africa to strengthen localisation, identify intermediaries and transform grantmaking
MaJor Findings
Learning Series
Potential Intermediaries
Interviews With Community Leaders And Other Relevant Actors
Experienced Consultants Across Regions
The studies identify potential intermediaries capable of distributing funds to grassroots organisations with agility and cultural sensitivity. Key findings highlight the importance of local knowledge and community-centric approaches.
Need for Structural Change Within Philanthropy
Trust and Relationship Building Are Key
Evolving Role of Intermediaries And Re-granters
Regulatory Constraints
Ample Opportunities for Philanthropic Support
The Ecosystem is Diverse And Strategic
Promising Practices and Examples
Recruitment And Training
Intermediaries should hire diverse, social justice-oriented local leaders to enhance strategic decision-making and legitimacy. Examples include Fondo Semillas and Global Greengrants.
Navigating Legal and Fiscal Barriers
Intermediaries must understand and work within legal frameworks to support community groups. Hispanics in Philanthropy exemplifies this with its trust-based due diligence system.
Innovative Granting Procedures
Effective intermediaries use public calls, participatory grant making, and context-based due diligence. Semillas and Resolve in Hong Kong are leading examples of these practices.
Support and Connection
Intermediaries should invest in relationship-building, capacity strengthening, and collective problem-solving. Examples include the National Foundation for India and the Samdhana Institute
Attracting New Donors
Ensuring sustainability by expanding donor networks, conducting impact assessments, and demonstrating transparency. Yayasan Kurawal and ARROW are notable for these strategies.
Incubating New Intermediaries
Supporting the creation and growth of new intermediaries in various regions and themes, leveraging existing successful models like Women Win and the Keystone Foundation.
Interested in getting more involved with a community of practice to develop capacities and exchange knowledge on how to shift power and keep the dialogue going in the philanthropy ecosystem?
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Founding Partners
