More research, democratisation of philanthropy, sharing of best practice and collaboration. These were the four key messages that came out of a Twitter chat in June that brought together a number of African philanthropic network organisations.

Part of the WINGS-initiated #LiftUpPhilanthropy campaign, participants of the digital meeting ‘#LiftUpPhilanthropy – how Africa is lifting up philanthropy’ included the East Africa Philanthropy Network, African Philanthropy Forum, African Youth Philanthropy Network, the Aga Khan Foundation, African Philanthropy Network, WINGS, SDG Philanthropy Platform and the Philanthropy Leadership Network. They noted the need map various successful strategies for promoting philanthropy across the continent, to ensure that the message that philanthropy is for everyone, ‘not the preserve of those with billions’, is clearly transmitted, and that older organisations invest their time and expertise in cultivating younger African youth philanthropy. Research was also seen as critical to the development of African philanthropy, not only to chart more and less successful stratagems, but also as ammunition for policy advocacy from third sector organisations.

For more information see: philanthropyinfocus.org