Ahead of the WINGSForum, co-hosted this year with the Africa Philanthropy Network (APN) in Nairobi, Kenya from October 3-5, 2023, the theme of the forum, ‘Transforming Philanthropy to Transform the World,’ has sparked a deep reflection on the need for change within the philanthropic sector, prompting us to question what it truly means to transform philanthropy, where we stand in this transformation, and what it will take to achieve it.

In conversation with the Executive Director for the Kenyan Community Development Foundation (KCDF), Ms. Grace Maingi, the concept of transforming philanthropy is explored. Ms. Maingi believes that transforming philanthropy is about elevating the culture of giving. “In my view transforming philanthropy is about ensuring that the culture of giving is elevated to ensure that it encompasses and recognises all forms of giving for good especially philanthropy that happens within communities. It includes breaking down the harmful stereotyping around philanthropy and recognition of traditional forms of philanthropy and investments into documenting those. Lifting philanthropy to bring about dignity as it does good, focuses on key systems change challenges that perpetrate inequity and oppression, ensures true solidarity and trust focused partnerships.”

She envisions that transforming philanthropy will enable the recognition and documentation of traditional forms of philanthropy at the community level. This recognition can inspire innovative strategies to address global challenges from a community perspective. It also provides an opportunity for actors outside of traditional philanthropy to contribute to the conversation and focus on systems change within the development sphere. This transformation can influence partnership perspectives, fostering true ‘ubuntu’ as we collectively strive to make the world a better place to live.

On the other hand, the Executive Director of the Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF), Mr. Moses Isooba, adds to the discussion by highlighting the need to disabuse ourselves of the notion that resources for development are solely concentrated in the Global North. “Philanthropy recognizes that communities possess their own assets, including money, skills, knowledge, and networks. Leveraging these assets empowers communities, giving them a voice and the power to transform the world. Transforming philanthropy also requires reinventing the language of development, shedding old hints of colonialism and embracing a decolonization agenda. By dropping binaries and hierarchies, a new language can foster a more equitable relationship between the West and Africa.”

Key issues for transforming philanthropy are restructuring our giving and mobilizing domestic resources to ensure equitable distribution and utilization. It is essential to dismantle structures and systems that perpetuate injustices and inequalities. Lasting impact can only be achieved through community-driven systems change.

As we anticipate the WINGSForum, the call for transforming ourselves and our ways of working to address the global polycrisis becomes increasingly urgent. Philanthropic organizations must embrace change, transforming their practices and institutions. By coming together, learning from one another, and sharing ideas, solutions, and pathways to change, we can collectively shape a better future. This is a reminder that no one is coming to solve our challenges; we are our own solution.