I was recently asked my views on why it is important for grantmakers to fund organizations in Africa directly. My first response is that the question of why it is important is more often linked to what the foundation values and if gaining knowledge is a part of the “cost of doing business equation.” While it can be a desire for a foundation but other legal issues present problems to doing it easily, I do think it is important.

I think it is important for several reasons. The rationale for funding is to help address social problems through supporting the work of organizations actively involved in that area. Funders don’t DO the work– they support the work of others. The impact of that support goes beyond the support of a specific organization to do a specific project. Partnering with local organizations in a way that seeks to strengthen the field and values the overall strength of the organization beyond a specific project. It is an investment in the possibility of systematic change. This is taking a “big picture” long-term approach.

A stronger civil society sector also means a stronger sector to engage in both public and private sector partnerships that could mean more leverage of resources, a wider and more active base to engage with government for policy change, and collateral benefits such as employment.

One of the myths in working in countries with weak infrastructures is that they are cheaper. Often this is quite the contrary. Foundations working in several international regions often cite that costs associated with supporting project in African countries can be higher than in countries in Latin America or Asia. the intermediary organizations working in these countries know this and justify their overhead or indirect costs based on this. So for some funders, funding directly can be seen as more costly, not only because of weak infrastructure but the cost of supporting a local presence.

While cost is one consideration, knowledge is another commodity that can be gained through direct engagement with local organizations. While it might be easier and somewhat cheaper (although this is questionable) to work through intermediary organizations to implement projects in African countries, what the intermediary gains and the foundations do not, is knowledge– about the sector, country and most importantly, being a good and effective partner. With all the emphasis on knowledge in the field of philanthropy this is an important commodity. What do you think?

We are repeatedly reminded that we live in a global village. But what does that really mean?

Recently, I participated in a discussion with colleagues who are working to bring attention to the upcoming United States Social Forum in Detroit, MI that will be followed by the World Social forum in Dakar, Senegal. They were talking about an initiative coined “D2D — Detroit to Dakar”. As part of a broader coalition of organizations and individuals, they described the process they are stewarding to highlight the issues relevant to both communities. The discussion connected all kinds of “dots” including those between the common social justice issues facing both communities, the connection between the Diaspora communities and the connections between the work of social justice activists globally.

One the key points of the discussion was how important it is for funders to understand how forums such as the one in Detroit and Dakar contribute to building a strong civil society. Although the issues are global, this particular discussion focused on Africa. Marcia Thomas, Executive Director of USA for Africa commented on why it was important to make sure African voices are part of the Detroit discussions. (USA - United Support of Artists_ for Africa is celebrating its 25th anniversary and makes grants from funds generated from sales from the historic recording of “We Are the World” released in 1985.)

Philanthropy by definition, is a powerful and important force in supporting work to elevate the quality of life on the planet which includes connecting the dots to make our social fabric that much stronger.

If you would like to hear the full discussion with my colleagues on what Africa funders should now about the D2D Detroit to Dakar World Social Forum, click here to listen.

What are your thoughts?

Imagine an African government with a desire to encourage connection, transparency and collaboration among their donors. Imagine a group of foundations who have chosen not to operate in silos, but instead to share their work, find synergies and combine their resources for wide and sustainable impact.

Such an office exists within the Government of Liberia. It is a pilot project based within the Office of the President and financially supported by private dollars, that embraces reporting and the tracking of outcomes. A tracking system available for the world to see (via the web), provides an avenue of accountability by the country’s citizens and the world at large.

During the recent AGAG retreat my colleagues questioned, fairly, the issues of sustainability, and whether or not being housed within the government will dampen the integrity of the project. I could be proven wrong, but because there are many players involved — not just those from private foundations– it reduces the likelihood. The office has connected with nonprofits working on the ground, individual donors, and other leaders within civil society. Instead of remaining anonymous, the funders of the project have created a grassroots movement to get others donors involved; to let the world know about the project with the hope it might be a replicable model.

For those of you questioning the accountability of the Liberia leadership, be reminded we are all accountable. You can’t simply question whether or not someone is accountable; you must also be willing to step up if you find that they are not. That responsibility now belongs to you as well.

Regarding sustainability, honestly, only time will tell. But the leadership within the government and those foundations involved are committed to nurturing the project over the remaining two years. Not just through funding, but also by helping develop relationships, systems, and when appropriate, stepping away (often difficult for us) to let the leadership lead.

And for those of you who continually question the authenticity of African leaders – choosing to lump all into the same proverbial barrel - chances are you have plenty of corruption to deal with on your own soil. Let this leadership be free to choose a path of integrity and innovation for their people.

Yvonne Moore is the Executive Director of the Daphne Foundation, a family foundation focused on the causes and consequence of poverty in New York City and in Western Africa. Her foundation is part of a three-year pilot project, The Philanthropy Secretariat, based within the Government of Liberia. The focus of the Secretariat is to connect foundations investing in the country’s re-development to help increase impact, sustainability and improve their connections to and between other foundations, government and civil society.

Among the new initiatives discussed at the Annual AGAG Retreat last month, was the Philanthropy Secretariat established by the Government of Liberia. It is an attempt to harmonize national priorities and international aid. It is also a very useful tool for funders interested in finding out what and where others are supporting including local and national organizations working in various parts of the country. I don’t think there is a similar tool established by other countries in Africa. This might be something for the OAU to consider promoting.

The Secretariat is a joint project by the Government and a group of philanthropic partners and represents a new model. Given the “boutique approach” often used by private funders including individuals, it is promising to see a tool that can help promote a greater alignment between a country’s poverty reduction strategy and funding.

Like all new initiatives, when the organic process with which it had evolved was described, it was met with both enthusiasm and cynicism. There was also an uncomfortableness with the notion of government involvement in directing funding and the fear of corruption. But it was a healthy discussion that raised a lot of questions it is too soon to answer. Post conflict countries such as Liberia and Democratic Republic of Congo are usually too risky for private funders unless they are working in conjunction with public donors or are individuals supporting small projects with trusted and known partners.

It will be interesting to follow how this initiative unfolds. I talked recently with two funders who were part of a recent delegation that traveled to Liberia to learn more and visit projects. They both voiced their relief in the logistically and informational support the Philanthropy Secretariat provided, especially given the infrastructure challenges. While Liberia has come a long way since the civil war ended, there is much to rebuid.

Nonetheless, I am hopeful for many reasons, the least of them Liberia’s break from the mold in electing the first female head of State, President Sirleaf. All things start with an idea, that like a seed, can grow and flourish with cultivation. Like the 2008 film, Pray the Devll Back to Hell, that shows how a small idea can grow and make a change.

I am reminded of a familiar phrase voiced in discussions about the need for more coordination in international development aid — “the only thing worst than donor coordination is donor coordination.” Maybe in this instance, carefully stewarded, it can be a really good thing.

What do you think?

There is such a wealth of information on Africa produced in Africa. While the Internet has helped these organizations to elevate their profile so that more people are aware of them, social networking sites such as Facebook and YouTube provide platforms where the general public can get to know more about Africa.

The Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) is a research and capacity-building organization that works to encourage more dialogue between researchers and policy makers in eastern and southern Africa. The main office is located on the campus of Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia.

Institutions and individuals can join and gain access to the online resources that are quite interesting and varied and provide a platform for social science research on a range of topics. They also have a Facebook page where their list of “Favorite Pages” is another source of interesting information on a range or resources such as Wikigender.

YouTube has also provided a platform for the general public to access information about Africa by Africans. A recent example is the video of Chimamanda Adichie’s “The danger of a single story,” featured as one the Tedtalks. This is a powerful reminder to all of us of the danger of looking at Africa through a single lens. There is also a powerful YouTube piece on Rural Women Solar Engineers of Africa that showcases the rural women who brought solar electricity to rural villages the different countries in Africa. It also raises questions about effective and cost effective approaches to education, workforce development and the role of women. It also offers some concrete examples of effective approaches that have demonstrated to work.

For funders interested in supporting organizations and projects in Africa, there are lots of resources to help you to understand better the context of the community and to provide some food for thought. Don’t forget these social media sights as part of your research. While the “openness” of these platforms enables it to be a forum for possible misinformation, it also provides an opportunity to see and learn about things that are working but absence from the major newspaper and media outlets.

If there are some examples you would like to share, please send them to me at blog@africagrantmakers.org

My recent move back to my small mostly agricultural home town in Northern Virginia has given me a different perspective on many things. From my office I watch how the seasonal changes affect the woodlands behind my house.

As activists and leaders meet in Copenhagen to try to find common ground on an equitable approach to mitigating the impact of climate change, these talks have much more meaning for me. Like most folks, I guess I don’t really pay attention until things take on a more immediate face. Each time I have to cart my trash to the landfill, I am reminded how waste is poluting the earth. The idea of not buying bottled water because the plastic will be around for much too long makes a lot more sense. What has become much more vivid as well is how all of this affects the lives of so many communities in African countries, which is largely agricultural.

A recent report released by the United Nations Population Fund helps me to better understand the complexity of the situation. The report, “State of World Population 2009:Facing a changing world: women, population and climate” notes that the number of people living on Africa’s vast continent has doubled over the past 25 years. It is now over a billion of the 6.8 billion on the planet.

“While the developed countries have contributed the most to human-induced climate change up to now, people in poor countries—most dramatically in Africa—already are much more likely to die as a result of the climate change that occurred up to 2000″

Maybe big, global issues loom too large for most of us to think we can make a difference. But as this report points out, efforts have to come from all sides. For example, guarding the rights of women and working for reproductive health has an impact on climate change. Supporting civic education in African communities is important in building community awareness and participation. Supporting agricultural practices that respect traditional knowledge is also part of the effort.

There are so many great efforts underway in African communities to combat climate change. I’d like to highlight some of them so if you have links to website or videos about African efforts to combat climate change please drop me a line so I can highlight some of them.

Foundations are a source of funding to support the work of a range of organizations making a difference in their communities. But often, they also help to strengthen a sector by connecting organizations to each other.

The recent AGAG segment of “Conversations With/Dialogues On” highlighted an example of this. The Global Fund for Children (GFC) organized a knowledge exchange workshop to bring together organizations working in english and french-speaking countries in West Africa focusing on children. If you missed it, I encourage you to listen to audio excerpts and read a summary on the AGAG website.

Networking is important and central to building and sharing knowledge. Unfortunately, it is often hard to trace specific results back to the connection of ideas and people made during these types of events. Yet, sharing our stories and what we have learned is at the center of our lives.

The McKnight Foundation Collaboration Crop Research Program is another example of making important connections. This competitive grants program connects researchers from many different countries working to increase food security for resource-poor people in developing countries. The collaborative research projects are grouped in “communities of practice” and includes a range of stakeholders including scientists and farmers. There are communities of practice in west, southern, east and the horn of Africa. The program links experts from countries across the globe.

In 2008, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation make a five year grant to the McKnight Foundation for $26.7 million dollars to support the project. The CCRP website is wealth of information about the projects including progress reports and impact. The leadership team pairs the McKnight International Program Director, Jane Maland Cady with the CCRP Scientific Director, Rebecca Nelson, who is employed by and based at Cornell University.

Two good examples of making connections and building knowledge useful in building strong communities in Africa. If you know of some other interesting examples, I invite you to share them with me. Send them to nmutima [at] agag.org.

I tend to be an “information junkie.” So that means I often get waylaid when doing research. Sometimes my curiosity pays off and I stumble across something exciting such as The Ujima Project which is funded by AGAG members the Open Society Institute and the Ford Foundation.

The Ujima Project describes itself as a “new experiment in journalistic transparency.” It collects and assembles information from sources about spending by governments, NGOs and businesses in African countries. The list of lobbying activities is as fascinating as the list of USAID spending is mundane and list of weapons sobering.

Information overload takes on an entirely new meaning when you realize not everyone has access to it. Despite all of the offerings of the internet, in many African countries access is both uneven and expensive.

The project grew out of the Great Lakes Media Institute that was established to train Rwandan journalists. The site was developed by a software firm based in Uganda. It is still in the beta stage, but worth watching.

In these times of tight resources, the question of what is working is an important one. So is how to measure it. Evaluation is big business. I am often reminded of a colleague who asked at a meeting about evaluation if we value what we measure or measure what we value? Good food for thought.

While big issues such as poverty and injustice loom as large systemic challenges, change is most dramatic when we see how it affects individuals. The Gates Foundation is a familiar name and its mega-grants often dwarf the resources of other foundations. In keeping its manner of doing things in a big way, the Foundation recently launched the Living Proof Project. It is a multi-year campaign designed to show how U.S.-supported initiatives to fight malaria, AIDS, and other diseases are saving and improving the lives of millions of people in developing countries. The web site tag line is “U. S. investments in global health are working.”

Check the videos, infographics and photo gallery and the reports of evidence of success. In addition to the website it has launched a television ad. Check it out. Maybe this will start a trend of foundations doing ads to show their impact. What do you think? Comments are welcome.

Communications can be a powerful tool in advancing human rights. Figuring out the best way to support African development initiatives means being willing to talk about sucesses and failures.

I encourage you to check out the report from Atlantic Philanthropies, What We’ve Learned: Lessons From A Communications Campaign for South Africa’s Rural Poor.” It presents some insights from communiction strategies used by a coalition of NGOs who came together to fight the illegal evication of farm workers.

The photographs in the report are incredible and are part of a photography book that helps to put a face on this issue. It is hard to believe that over a million farmers were evicted over the decade between 1994 to 2004. This reports reminds us that overcoming apartheid in South Africa only marked the beginning of the work to be done to reverse generations of injustice. It also reminds us how important it is share what we have learned about what works and what doesn’t.

The Atlantic Philantrophies was founded by Chuck Feeney, who became a billionaire as the co-founder of Duty Free Shops and secretly transferred all of his wealth to The Atlantic Philanthopies in 1984. In 2008 Atlantic made over $34 million in grants to support development efforts in South Africa.