Community foundations and the philanthropy ecosystem: Perspectives from Malawi and Zimbabwe
Community philanthropy organizations, also known as community foundations, are at the forefront of addressing local needs in Malawi and Zimbabwe. These organizations have varying levels of formalization. They serve as critical catalysts for mobilizing local assets, promoting community participation and addressing deep-seated development challenges. As external aid flows are diminishing across the continent, these organizations are increasingly tasked with bridging gaps and fostering resilience through locally-rooted solutions.
With the support of the Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support (WINGS), the SIVIO Institute implemented a project focused on strengthening the community philanthropy ecosystems in Malawi and Zimbabwe. This report builds from that and seeks to:
- Identify key actors and their interconnections.
- Understand the role and positioning of community foundations.
- Assess ecosystem strengths and challenges.
- Explore aspirations for ecosystem strengthening.
Authors: Rebekah Cross, Nolwazi Ndlovu and Shelly Satuku
Published by: SIVIO Institute
Published: October 2025
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