The International Education Funders Group (IEFG) is an affinity network of foundations and donor-advised funds that support basic education in low- and middle-income countries. The 2023 International Education Funders Group conference ‘IEFG Together: All systems go’, brought together its global network of members to explore how to adopt a more systems change approach to their work, and the implications of systems change efforts for education philanthropy.

Conference report

IEFG 2023: Getting into systems change

Elika Roohi, Digital Editor, Alliance magazine

IEFG wanted its members to take the three days and explore the meaning of systems change, recognise the need to tackle education from alternative angles and unpack how to promote systems change through advocacy and research. But the member body didn’t expect its members to come away with a consensus on the subject – instead, it wanted attendees to have a better understanding of how to apply systems change to their work and realise it will look different everywhere. Read more…

Interview

Education conversations in Edinburgh: Catching up with IEFG’s Jo Kelcey and Laura Savage

At the end of their first gathering of members since 2019, we had the chance to sit down with International Education Funders Groups Director Laura Savage, as well as outgoing Director of Programmes Jo Kelcey.

We had the chance to catch up about the theme of the conference, why IEFG picked systems change to dig into, and what they want their members to take away from Edinburgh. Read more…

Reflections from delegates

Collaboration as the pathway to educational systems change

Guilherme Barros, Lemann Foundation

The “IEFG Together 2023” conference brought together education funders to discuss the top issues of the day, showcasing the pivotal role philanthropy can play in advancing education equity through systems change. One key takeaway from the event is the vital importance of cross-sector collaboration, with Brazil offering a promising success case for the Global South. Read more…

Reflections from IEFG Conference on systems change philanthropy

Abe Grindle, Co-Impact

There was much discussion about what “systems change” means. The term has suddenly become ubiquitous in our sector but often feels like just a buzzword used to mean many different things. At the conference, and for us at Co-Impact, I felt there was a shared sense that a systems change is an enduring improvement in a government (or market) system, which results in that system consistently delivering more/better results for all of the people it was intended to serve, especially those who are typically least served by it. Read more…

The stage was set but there were no chairs to sit on…

Luke Aspinall, Maitri Trust

As delegates arrived for IEFG Together: All Systems Go!, a small sign invited us to take a chair from the stacks around the room and sit down. With uncomfortable sideways glances, we obliged, seating ourselves as far from the stage as possible. We filled the hall from the back in perfect rows facing forward – even though we had not been told how to arrange ourselves – thus began our journey into systems change. As the facilitators pointed out, despite the opportunity to do otherwise, we had reverted to known norms, creating a familiar ‘system’ in how we chose to sit. Read more…

Let’s all take a step back: how understanding trajectories, trends and dynamics can help us work better

Caroline McLaughlin, Heriot Row Advisors & Laura Savage, IEFG

The small group of us who coordinate philanthropy networks have developed a unique perspective on philanthropy. Through building networks, we aim to support grantmakers, build connections, and champion the potential of philanthropy to those who work within and alongside the sector. 

Over time, we have come to observe certain trends. These are present in the debates that members of our networks are having. Read more…

Will is not enough for systems change

Muza Gondwe & Faith Rose, BHP Foundation

I arrived at my first IEFG conference full of will. A will to learn, a will to contribute to change and a question of will I fit in?  

I was wide-eyed, armed with my best meet-and-greet smile, ready to be immersed with fellow education funders. The university setting welcomed us as a place to learn. This was helped by the consistent sense, throughout the conference, that all participants (funders and speakers) have an equal voice. Read more…