Topic: Using the Present as an Entry Point for Better Funding and Partnerships
Host: East Africa Philanthropy Network & Development Dynamics
On 27 February 2025, I participated in the #LastThursdays Webinar hosted by Development Dynamics and the East Africa Philanthropy Network. The high panelled webinar dealt with the subject: Aid Disruptions – Impacts & Leverage Points for the Development Ecosystem. My topic was: Using the Present as a Gift or an Entry Point for Better Funding and Partnerships. You can watch the full conversation here. Below is a summary of my talking points.
Key Takeaways:
- Solidarity First – The current funding crisis is severe, and it affects both sides of the partnership. It is crucial to acknowledge the pain, process it collectively, and hold space for one another with care and empathy.
- Leadership Now! – While organizations struggle with uncertainty, leaders must step up and provide clear direction. The urgency of the moment requires decisions to be made with compassion, even when they involve difficult choices like layoffs or funding cuts.
- Empathy in Action – “Leadership should not be about simply being in charge but about taking care of those under one’s charge.” Simon Sinek. Empathy should translate into action, meaning organizations should explore ways to share burdens rather than abruptly cutting ties with employees or communities. We must strive not to duplicate the injustice that we are fuming against.
- Building Communities of Support – The non-profit and human rights sectors need to build strong communities of support, knowledge, and solidarity. Even if these spaces only serve as platforms for emotional support, they help leaders and organizations navigate challenges together. We who serve the common good, in times like these, have no one but each other.
- Rethinking Partnerships – Now is the time to analyze existing partnerships and assess their sustainability. Organizations must engage funders in honest conversations about long-term stability, withdrawal clauses, and responsible funding frameworks that ensure sustainability beyond immediate grants.
- African Leadership & Sustainability – We must never shy away from the political question. Where are our leaders while we are becoming a charity case? The real issue is not a lack of resources but poor and irresponsible stewardship. Sustainable solutions must focus on four key pillars:
- Rebuilding SustainablyLocal Philanthropy: Shifting towards homegrown funding models to reduce dependency on external aid.
- Leadership Development: Investing in resilient and value-based leadership who can steer organizations through uncertainty.
- Impact Investments: Boldly investing in infrastructure projects to ensure long-term viability.
- Responsible Partnerships: Negotiating flexible, long-term funding agreements that prioritize equity and justice.
Notable Quotes:
“We see you and we feel you. We must take a moment, even in a conversation like this, to process that pain and hold the space with care.”
“Empathy + Action = Compassion.”
“When leaders focus less on being ‘in charge’ and more on taking care of those in their charge, that’s a sure sign of a compassionate leader.”
“Africa is not poor. It is poorly led.”
Action Points:
✔ Cut Costs & Live Within Means – Organizations should reassess their financial priorities, eliminating unnecessary expenses while ensuring core functions remain operational.
✔ Strengthen Local Philanthropy – A shift towards self-sustaining funding models is essential, reducing reliance on international donors.
✔ Invest in Leadership Development – The future of the sector depends on building a new generation of resilient, values-driven leaders.
✔ Negotiate Responsible Partnerships – Organizations must engage in transparent discussions with funders to secure agreements that allow for sustainability, rather than short-term relief.
✔ Advocate for Good Governance – Governments must be held accountable as primary duty bearers for citizens’ rights, ensuring that civil society efforts complement rather than replace state responsibilities.
