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GFCF Annual Report, 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022

This GFCF Annual Report covers the period 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022. At the beginning of the period, many of the GFCF’s community philanthropy partners around the world were still very much in “COVID-19 response mode.” In many countries, subsequent waves of the virus meant that the pandemic was still being experienced as a public health crisis, and our partners continued to provide emergency support to vulnerable groups. In other parts of the world, where the immediate health impacts of the virus were no longer such an urgent priority, but where the long-term social and economic effects of the pandemic continued to make themselves felt, community philanthropy partners began to consider how best to support their communities over the longer-term.

As we entered 2022, COVID-19 finally seemed to be in retreat. Even if the world was far from being back to any kind of “normal”, a temporary reprieve from the collective trauma and massive social, economic and disruption of the pandemic finally seemed possible. However, that breathing space did not last long when, on 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. As millions fled to safety in neighbouring countries, GFCF partners in the region were again quick to act, providing direct relief to refugees in the form of food, accommodation, transport and psycho-social support, and launching local fundraising efforts to support this work. Beyond COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, the world continued to face a daunting array of challenges including the climate emergency, multiple humanitarian crises and the resurgence of authoritarianism.

At the GFCF, we have been consistently motivated and inspired by the actions of our partners around the world who have, time and time again, stepped forward to support their communities in these crisis-ridden and uncertain times. At the same time, however, we can’t help ask ourselves when these kinds of community-proximate, trusted, bridge-building organizations, with deep connections into the communities they serve, will finally receive the recognition and international donor support they deserve. Our own particular role at the GFCF therefore continues to be to shine a light on the growing field and practice of community philanthropy – that dignifies and harnesses community assets as an expression of voice, agency and power – and to insist on its recognition by others.

Against this wider backdrop, this Annual Report offers highlights from the GFCF’s three main areas of activity: grants to community philanthropy organizations; connecting the field and strengthening the evidence base for people-led development; and, building a global movement to #ShiftThePower.

Published by: GFCF

Published: February 2023

Download: ‘GFCF Annual Report, 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022

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