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?

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?

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.

The Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group (AGAG) is a network of funders supporting development efforts in Africa. AGAG members are a diverse group and include funders based in North America, Africa, and Europe, who use different approaches in their work with a range of partners across many sectors. Despite their different approaches, they are part of learning community committed to promoting increased and more effective funding in Africa through building and sharing knowledge.

In addition to providing a “space” where Africa funders can connect, learn, and support each other to be more effective grantmakers, AGAG compiles information on funding trends and conducts projects to explore relevant topics. All of these activities generate an interesting mix of information and conversation.

We launched this blog as a platform to share information about some of the dynamic and exciting approaches being takes to address Africa’s challenges and promise. Coupled with the AGAG website, we are excited to be part of the efforts to elevate Africa’s profile within the philanthropy community and provide a trusted source of information about grantmaking in Africa.

Niamani Mutima
Executive Director
nmutima (at) agag.org