Goals

In line with the #ShiftThePower Manifesto(opens in new window), the programme aims to create a ‘genuine alternative to existing ways of deciding and doing’. It is not simply about what the programme practically does but equally about how it is delivered. The programme aims to challenge the status quo in philanthropy and development by fundamentally centring locally- led, participatory, co-created, democratic and distributed ways of working. We believe that by changing how things are done, we can create a more just, equitable, inclusive and sustainable way of doing philanthropy and development.

The prevailing narrative around aid often disempowers and dehumanizes people in the Global South. We seek to change this narrative by demonstrating how targeted funding can support communities, providing them with the agency and resources needed for growth and development. 

Our ten-year funding commitment allows organisations to develop long-term strategies, build resilience, and gather evidence on effective practices, strengthening local connections and civil society as a whole. 

Alongside our Anchor Partners, we are supporting local civil society organisations to experiment with projects that are more effective, sustainable, and reflective of their communities' priorities, ensuring that no one is left behind. 

Partner Voices

“We have access to power, and it is our duty to advocate for women's rights. When we have grants, we use this funding to promote the work of women’s rights organisations and we join them in solidarity. If you’re aware of your privilege stand by your fellow woman, advocate for her as this is how we can all promote equality.” – Eunice Agbenyadzi, head of programmes at STAR-Ghana, one of the Anchor Partners

“The Catalyst Fund grant was the first ever grant for the organisation which we used to legally register as a community trust, put in place basic organisational policies and procedures, and operationalised our board. From the £3,000 grant, we managed to set ourselves up to attract a grant of $154,000 from a regional body, which is our biggest grant achievement so far. We were also able to leverage the organisational changes we experienced to attain further funding because of the registration, and this was from a global funding body” - Catalyst Fund Partner

“We have had really good support and communication from Comic Relief and we feel like equal partners.” – Anchor Partner

“The Shifting the Power programme presents an opportunity for us to work with local CSOs in a manner that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the citizens of Malawi. It responds to the long-standing cry of Malawian CSOs for community defined development agendas and a localized approach that supports people to move out of poverty and deprivation” - Robert White, Tilitonse Foundation CEO

Recommendations for the sector

Building and sustaining movements requires relatively long-term core support and strategic flexibility to build trust-based accountability enabling and sustaining movements for social change (access to emergency funding is also critical). Flexibility and trust-based accountability enable organisations/movements to adapt their strategies to the shifting context and to meet their constituents’ needs as these evolved. Routine requests for feedback, and responsiveness to critiques of reporting format ensure reports focus on what has been achieved in relation to what matters to organisations and constituents, rather than funder expectations. 

 Strengthening connective tissue

The invitation to apply with other partners built significant relationships and learning among partners, even though it takes time to establish a shared vision, build relationships and trust, and a shared understanding of what and how each partner can best contribute to the whole. 

Supporting learning and sharing lessons with the field 

A voluntary peer learning process, owned and shaped by participants and facilitated externally, creates an effective space for learning across diverse organisations working with diverse constituents and contexts. Sharing lessons with the field gives groups exposure.