The Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) is the only organization working globally to build community philanthropy as an essential element of people-led development.
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the GFCF works with like-minded partners around the world who believe that change must be led from the ground up.
Community philanthropy builds on assets that already exist within communities rather than depending only on what comes from outside. When local resources are brought to the table, a flatter power dynamic is created and traditional donor-beneficiary imbalances are challenged.
We create partnerships with organizations that are building community philanthropy around the world, supporting their efforts with small grants and advice.
We use our grantmaking, data collection, convenings and research to ground our work and to advance the evidence base for community philanthropy as a strategy to #ShiftThePower.
We partner with other people-led development advocates and supporters and are a resource to donors looking to increase the effectiveness and durability of their programmes.
We provide small grants aimed at stimulating and support the development of community philanthropy organizations around the world.
We collect data, commission and conduct research, and work with partners to consider appropriate measurements and metrics.
We seek to engage other actors and influencers in broader philanthropy and international aid sectors who want to shift power closer to the ground.
We provide advice and information to donors and INGOs interested in exploring community philanthropy as a strategy.
With twelve years of grantmaking and field-building experience and partners all over the world, we can provide information, advice and strategic and technical support to donors and other development organizations interested in community philanthropy.
By embracing community philanthropy as a development strategy, external donors and international NGOs can play a key role in helping to build long-term buy-in and ownership at the local level by fostering community leadership and control over resources.
