Discussions and criticism regarding current development paradigms and the role of civil society organizations have become increasingly complex in the last few years. International cooperation practices related to development were specifically discussed at the Global Summit on Community Philanthropy. In addition, the need for shifting the power and advocating for direct interventions and investments in communities were clearly identified during the Summit. In that framework, community foundations and so‑called "community philanthropy organizations" would become key players, in that they could channel the flow of resources directly to local communities. Such a hypothesis, though plausible, lacks unequivocal evidence on which to better advocate to #ShiftThePower. This paper was prepared within such a...

This case study profiles the Ikhala Trust, a community grantmaker operating within the Eastern Cape, South Africa. From its early beginnings, its evolution as a grantmaker and connector, to becoming an organization with policy influence in South Africa is outlined. Some of the organization's challenges and successes are described, as well as reflections on where it is now on its journey. As such, the case offers important lessons for people in the community development ecosystem – community leaders, CBOs, NGOs, government, academia and the corporate sector. Most significantly, the story helps the reader to see the potential for people organizing locally and informally through self-help networks and social movements, and...

This paper describes the current state of community philanthropy in Brazil and worldwide, by defining concepts and mapping important trends and experiences in the field. The paper, which proposes a preliminary approach to the issue, was prepared on the basis of bibliographic and document research, as well as testimonies gathered during interviews held with a number of professionals engaging in philanthropy and private social investment in Brazil. This paper was conceived as an open-ended endeavour, a starting point, which does not purpose to be a complete or finished document, but rather a kick-off point to a reflection on the practices and experiences surrounding this topic, to contribute to the strengthening...

This E-Book tells the story of South Africa’s Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT). It charts the journey of the organization, which began when Norwegian social action partners agreed with SCAT’s three South African founding members that an organization should be formed to support anti-apartheid work in South Africa. Later in the journey, SCAT made a major shift to fund only initiatives in rural communities – work that is widely regarded as being critical in transforming underserved communities towards greater well-being. The E-Book features the voices and perspectives of former and current SCAT Trustees, staff, as well as partners working in four programmatic areas (access to justice, food security, gender equality...

This paper explores the potential for ‘systems theory’ to #ShiftThePower from external agencies to local people in the delivery of international development programmes. The paper is in four parts. Part 1 explains the background to #ShiftThePower and explains why a systems lens is required to achieve its aims. Part 2 describes key concepts in ‘systems theory’ and how they can be harnessed for social advance. Part 3 suggests that there are five dimensions of systems change required if we are to #ShiftThePower. Part 4 suggests a ten‑step framework for taking the work to the next stage. It was prepared in advance of the November 2019 "Pathways to Power" Symposium. Author: Barry Knight Published...

This case study profiles the Ikhala Trust, a community grantmaker attempting to unleash the power that exists in local communities and shift and share the power of dominant institutions. Established in 2002, the trust provides small grants and mentoring support to community‑based organizations operating within the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Small but mighty (and working with the small and potentially mighty) it has been at the vanguard of an approach to development assistance that is a clear departure from conventional philanthropic endeavours. Its grantmaking ethos is about valuing and investing in people and their assets, while helping to build capacities and networks so that community‑based organizations can build community relationships themselves...

This research was carried out by the Uluntu Community Foundation, to build knowledge of the available local resources in the communities where it works, and a deeper understanding of current trends and practices of giving in the Matabeleland regions. The study will serve as a baseline for the foundation, and inform its future activities. Published by: Uluntu Community Foundation Published: October 2019 Download: ‘Local giving / philanthropy in the Matabeleland Regions of Zimbabwe: What role for Uluntu Community Foundation?’

From 2013 – 2019, six U.S.‑based donor organizations, all active internationally, came together with the support of the GFCF to work as an alliance to build and promote community philanthropy as a global movement. There were three underlying factors that made this initiative unusual: The Alliance was a mix of private and public donor entities, who do not often work together in this way. It was based on a commitment to work collaboratively over a number of years around an idea. A key motivation was to promote new approaches to community philanthropy as an important part of the development portfolio to donors operating internationally. Surely, this makes it a story worth...

Community philanthropy is a growing sector across the world, but its progress has gone largely unnoticed in the world of mainstream "development financing." This is unfortunate for two main reasons. First because there might be a significant amount of money at the community level that is already being, or could be, mobilized for the SDG effort. And second, perhaps even more importantly, because the quality of that money in terms of its unique characteristics make it a resource worth focusing on. At a time when all the stops are being pulled out to find funds to meet the SDGs, this unique source of finance is being overlooked. This paper looks at four...

Community philanthropy has its origins in long‑held practices of exchange, mutual aid, solidarity, and community development. ‘Local people helping each other by sharing resources for the common good’, is an inclusive and caring practice that is found in most, if not all, cultures and communities. Nevertheless, despite renewed attention to the concept of community philanthropy among both nonprofits and philanthropists, there is limited guidance for those who wish to apply or invest in community philanthropy approaches. This paper provides an overview of an extensive review of the available literature and seeks to clarify, for those that may be working in the field of development, what it means to practice community philanthropy. Author: Dana R.H. Doan Published by: GFCF Published: August 2019 Download: 'What Is...

Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace has recently published four studies on philanthropy – in India, Russia, the Arab region and Brazil. These studies have taken a broad view of philanthropy, encompassing everything from individual giving, to giving by private and corporate foundations, CSR, community philanthropy, social justice philanthropy, self-funded movements and impact investing. One area of further exploration, as detailed in this report, is individual giving by ordinary people. Seen as an area of great promise in India and Russia, it is at an earlier stage in Brazil. In the Arab region giving to the social sector is barely making headway, though traditional giving is very much alive. Author: Caroline Hartnell Published by: Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace Published: July 2019 Download: 'Individual...