Reflections on the 2017 WINGS Forum from a first-time participant

300+ delegates assembled in Mexico City, February 2017

“Critical Philanthropy: Addressing Complexity, Challenging Ourselves” was the title of the 2017 WINGS Forum, held in Mexico City in February. Did the Forum live up to its title? Hear from Constant Cap of the Kilimani Project Foundation in Kenya, on the complexities and challenges raised by the Forum, and what he took back with him to his office (beyond the signature Forum maracas!).  

African philanthropy: trust, engagement and accountability

The WINGS Forum 2017 offered a chance for many who work within and support the global philanthropy sector to meet, discuss and review the role of philanthropy in addressing modern day issues. The role and place for philanthropy on the African continent emerged throughout the Forum. It was acknowledged by one speaker:

Building a wall around Africa in today’s world would easily put the world out of business. However, unfortunately, a number of African governments are focused more on investing in military power over people, while more money and resources leave the continent to companies not paying taxes, than what is coming onto the continent through philanthropy.

There is obviously the need for a clearer focus on social justice. It is also important for African organizations to attract more local resources, so as not to distance themselves from their communities and the people they serve. Many young Africans view NGO’s as “ropes that tie the continent to colonial ships where people preach water and drink wine.” The sad reality mentioned at the WINGS Forum was that “If NGOs died, people would not attend their funeral.” I see this as a challenge to community philanthropy organizations: how can we stay relevant?

From my perspective, community philanthropy organizations need to recognize the importance of transparency in order to attract more local funding through more diverse channels. Learning from other parts of the world, we can look at different models of fundraising and resource generation like crowd funding, community involvement, face- based fundraising, social businesses, charity runs and other events etc. We have to capitalize on resources already existing in our communities, such as volunteers, foster a local culture of giving, and celebrate our impact and successes, no longer working behind the scenes.    

The other thing that I will take from the WINGS Forum is that it is particularly important for us to recognize that in the 21 century, we cannot carry on business as usual. There is a need for us to encourage more community participation in order to better understand the realities on the ground. In as much as we all depend on money, we have to lead with our values, in order to realize bigger impact from our work moving forward.

Constant Cap, Coordinator, Kilimani Project Foundation 

African delegates celebrate announcement of WINGS Forum 2020, Nairobi