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Funding practice
How innovative financing is powering real change within the NGO sector
A vision for a better world, and unilateral actions are no longer enough to realise true change. In the wake of large-scale humanitarian need, disruptions in the traditional funding sources, and a growing funding shortfall, …
Embracing unrestricted funding to drive transformation
In 2022 we were grateful to become an early recipient of funding from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott. This was a huge boost for us because of the generosity ($20 million) but also because it was, unusually …
The future of investing is impact
Like many foundations around the world, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is on a journey to make better use of our investment assets. As with our £50 million of annual grant-making, we want our £1.2 billion endowment …
Old habits prevent generous sustained funding for women and girls
Women’s and girls’ organizations received $8.8 billion in philanthropic support in 2020, which is 1.8 percent of total charitable giving – a key finding from the 2023 Women and Girls Index (WGI)*. A somewhat larger figure …
Most grantmakers don’t seem to know if they are effective
Is your foundation any good? I don’t mean: is it big, or does it give away a lot, or does it run an efficient process, or do the grantees achieve much. Rather, I mean: are …
Reflections on power dynamics and collaborations in funds working with systemic change
With money comes power. It’s an age-old saying, and no matter what type of foundation you are, power dynamics between relationships are an ever-present element. This is an issue the philanthropic sector as a whole …
Donors are ignoring Black women at the forefront of our most important social movements
Angela Davis once said, ‘When Black women move, the whole structure of society moves with them.’ Throughout history, Black women have been at the center of struggles for change. In recent years, they have led …
Trust-based philanthropy rewards ideas
Growing up in a rural village in northwestern Tanzania, Josephina Joachim was a young woman who experienced hardship and injustice. Hoping to shift the narrative for girls who came after her, she and her colleagues …
Philanthropists’ role in empowering Africa’s environment guardians
African communities have for centuries played a critical role in forest conservation. By empowering these communities, philanthropists have stepped in to not only preserve rich cultural heritage but also tap into their invaluable wisdom for innovative …
Scaling with government: Key lessons for mission-driven organisations
At the 2024 Skoll World Forum Marmalade Festival, Spring Impact, Global Innovation Fund and Grand Challenges Canada co-hosted a side event to unpack key lessons for mission-driven organisations scaling with government. We were joined by …
