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?

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