Highlights of The East Africa Philanthropy Conference  | Ecosystem Changes And Establishing Collaborations In An evolving Philanthropic Landscape.

Executive Summary

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the 8th  East Africa Philanthropy Conference hosted by the East Africa Philanthropy Network - a membership organization comprised of local charitable trusts, foundations,  and non-grant-making organizations. The aim of the conference was to inspire philanthropy actors to adopt actionable tools, align with ecosystem changes and establish collaborations to thrive in an evolving philanthropic landscape. The underlying themes explored during the conference included; Amplifying impact through vibrant philanthropy, strengthening the enabling environment through evidence-based approaches, embracing technology and data, repositioning philanthropy to meet emerging demands, promoting inclusivity and gender equity through feminist philanthropy, demonstrating untiring generosity during challenging times and revitalizing the future through people-powered initiatives.

 The conference further delved into actionable engagements, community interventions based on evidence-based data, emerging models, and collaborative efforts to foster a conducive environment for philanthropy’s growth in Africa.

Program Overview

         *Background

The East Africa Philanthropy Conference was hosted by the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN) - the largest philanthropy support organization in the region connecting community foundations, corporate foundations, private foundations, and other types of grantmaking and non-grantmaking organizations to promote philanthropy.  The EAPN is a membership network of more than 60 regional and national philanthropy organizations drawn from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda that work in varied sectors to contribute to transformative change in communities through giving that is responsive, agile, and impactful.

 The Annual East Africa Philanthropy Conference is the signature philanthropy event, organized by a committee made up of EAPN members, partners and stakeholders to conceptualize, vision and plan, including determining the conference theme, agenda and selecting abstracts that inform the program that organizes this conference. The Conference gathers over 300 practitioners and philanthropic organizations in the region. It provides a platform for sharing experiences, and collective reflection, as well as the curation and development of philanthropic and social tools and investment practices for the continent’s people and partners. 

 The discussions at the conference centred on how African philanthropy can push the sector beyond conversations by specifically focusing on futuristic advancement, tireless generosity, and revitalizing philanthropy. The conference is expected to yield systems change frameworks for an agile and receptive practice of philanthropy in Africa. All abstracts must reflect consideration and engagement of one or more of the crosscutting contexts of:

*Objectives

The 8th East Africa Philanthropy Conference- an in-person event - aimed at spurring philanthropy actors towards engaging actionable tools to build a resilient sector by aligning to the changes inherent and unanticipated in the ecosystem. It also aims at ensuring relevance through establishing collaborations that embrace the new demands of philanthropy while creating an environment for philanthropy to thrive.

The conference also served as a convergence point for distinguished practitioners and influential philanthropic entities from both regional and global domains. It provided a dynamic, inclusive, and outcome-driven platform for stakeholders in African and global philanthropy to engage in strategic deliberations, forge invaluable connections, introspect on accomplishments and curate transformative initiatives that address prevailing sectoral accomplishments and hurdles.

The three-day conference provided the industry players and practitioners an opportunity to unpack the broader theme dedicating each day to two sub-themes. The cross-cutting themes for the conference were;

Thematic Area 1: Amplifying impact through a vibrant philanthropy

Thematic Area 2: Enabling Environment: Evidence Approach to Strengthening the Ecosystem

Thematic Area 3: Untiring Generosity Through Challenging Times

Thematic Area 4: Revitalizing & Re-imagining the Future: Building on People Power

Program Overview

*Day One

The conference converged all the different practitioners present in a plenary session and later diverged into separate break-sessions that were informed of the various themes and topics. During the plenary session, panel discussions and, PowerPoint presentations, lightning talks were the primary methodologies employed. Similar methodologies were applied during the break-out sessions with The Youth Cafe, Africa Youth Philanthropy Network and Africa Philanthropy Network utilizing the World Cafe methodology.

On the first day, the discussions delved into critical components of systems transformation, such as; driving systems change, retooling leadership and governance, leveraging local opportunities, and fostering solidarity, among others. Data, technology, and catalytic funding emerged as catalysts for amplifying impact. Informed by these expositions, priorities were aligned, while commitments to locally driven development were renewed, opening the stage for dramatic systems change. The discussions highlighted the transformative potential of technology in philanthropy and particularly AI; Generative AI, driven by advanced NPL tools like GPT-4, was acknowledged as a powerful to reshape African Non-profit and drive systemic change. Organizations can enhance decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and impact by leveraging data-driven insights and AI-powered analytics.  These insights captured the core of the combined philanthropist’s work and serve as a great resource for more contemplation and action:

*System-Wide Approach to Transform and Unite Philanthropy through Collective Action:

There was a resounding call for collective action that resonated throughout the plenary sessions, underscoring the transformative power of collaboration. It was evident that genuine impact can only be achieved by amplifying philanthropic efforts as a unified sector. By joining forces and inspiring others to do the same, we can foster systemic change that surpasses individual organizations. Emphasis was placed on the need to transform individual giving practices as well as the entire philanthropic system. Through thoughtful investment choices, philanthropists possess a unique opportunity to influence and shape the broader landscape of capitalism.

Day Two

The discussions explored pressing issues of our time, energizing philanthropy for impact, fostering collaboration, reshaping power dynamics, amplifying youth voices, advancing equity and inclusion, practising Pan-African and feminist philanthropy, and catalyzing collective action. These conversations highlighted the intersectionality of philanthropy in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, emphasizing the need for systemic transformation and joint empowerment. Inspirational insights were exchanged, illuminating a path towards an inclusive and impactful philanthropic future. Key highlights encompassed a wide range of topics:

Harnessing the Power of Co-Creation and Tailoring Solutions: Our discussions highlighted the importance of co-creation and tailoring solutions to local contexts in driving meaningful systems change. Co-creation empowers communities to take ownership of the development process, fostering a sense of agency, pride, and collective action. By involving local communities in the decision-making process, we can achieve contextually relevant and sustainable outcomes that address their specific needs and aspirations. Let us continue to prioritize co-creation and local context to ensure our philanthropic efforts have a lasting and transformative impact on the communities we serve. Step up and join us in shaping the localization agenda and championing local leadership. Together, we can drive transformative change by empowering local actors, strengthening local systems, and ensuring that those closest to the issues at hand make decisions.

Collaboration for Collective Impact:

Through knowledge exchange and collaboration, philanthropic actors can identify shared interests and leverage their strengths to drive meaningful change. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that collaboration may encounter challenges and obstacles. These trials and tribulations can serve as valuable learning experiences, fostering resilience and growth.

Harnessing the Power of Data:

Effectively collecting and documenting data about philanthropic initiatives not only highlights their viability and relevance but also enables advocates to make evidence-based arguments in policy and funding discussions. To secure philanthropy's influence in economic conversations, it is imperative to gather more data on the impact, reach, and scale of philanthropic efforts. By demonstrating tangible outcomes, philanthropy can assert its value and sway in shaping policies and financial decisions. Experience technology-driven mapping of philanthropic efforts, empowering informed decision-making and driving impactful interventions.

Navigating the complexities

Navigating complexities of policy influence demands a long-term commitment and strategic engagement with policymakers. It is crucial to recognize that policy change rarely occurs rapidly or effortlessly. This key highlight emphasizes the significance of sustained efforts over an extended period to shape policy, which entails building relationships, engaging in advocacy, conducting research, and mobilizing stakeholders. By clearly articulating the value and relevance of the philanthropic perspective and connecting it with policymakers' broader developmental priorities, we can convey the importance of the issues being discussed. By strategically engaging with policymakers, philanthropic actors can influence policy decisions, create an enabling environment for systemic change, and drive lasting impact on the systems that shape our societies.

Upholding Integrity and Equitable Power Dynamics:

Transparency, consistency in communication, and empowering others are crucial elements in fostering impactful dynamics for positive change within the philanthropic sector. By addressing power imbalances and keeping veracity, we can create a more equitable and effective philanthropic ecosystem. Maintaining evenness in messaging and behaviour, both within closed rooms and in open spaces, builds trust and fosters transparency with stakeholders. Upholding high ethical standards, demonstrating consistency, and ensuring alignment between our values and actions establish a strong foundation of trust. This trust serves as a catalyst for effective partnerships, collaboration, and long-term impact, reinforcing the credibility of philanthropic efforts and promoting accountability.

Promoting Disability Inclusion

Challenging the Colonial Legacy, and Driving Sustainable and Intersectional DEI Initiatives: Promoting disability inclusion in the workplace and challenging the colonial legacy within philanthropy are vital steps towards achieving genuine inclusivity and systems change, and discussions revolved around putting them into action. By shifting mindsets, creating accessible infrastructure, empowering disabled employees, and fostering collaboration, we embrace diversity and inclusivity. Simultaneously, by critically examining power structures, biases, and discriminatory practices, and prioritizing marginalized voices, we dismantle colonial remnants and foster transformative change. These efforts contribute to an equitable society. Take action towards our shared goals by joining our DEI Community of Practice. United, we can drive significant change and design an inclusive and equitable future for all.

Modernizing Due Diligence for Impactful Philanthropy:

As the philanthropic landscape evolves, it is imperative to adapt our due diligence practices to stay relevant and effective. Embracing modern methodologies and innovative evaluation approaches, such as data analysis, technology-enabled tools, and impactful measurement frameworks, enables us to gain deeper insights into organizations' effectiveness and potential for sustainable change. It was emphasized to delegates that due diligence is not intended as a punitive measure but rather an opportunity for proactive action. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, team development, strong branding, and effective communication, we can modernize our due diligence processes to attract support, build trust, and make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.

Day III

The transformative half-day was dedicated to driving systems conversion and robust philanthropy through collective action. We were engaged in practitioner-led sessions that focused on actionable calls such as championing people’s power, leveraging alliance for social impact, collaborating with the 4th estate to amplify local-led philanthropy, fostering localization, and empowering community interventions. We were led to reflect on adaptive strategies that enhance pliability and embrace systems transformation.

 A Collective Approach to Adaptation and Resilience in Philanthropy:  This discussion recognized philanthropy as a fast-evolving sector and emphasized the need to get intentional about cultivating resilience, whether it is in navigating global challenges and responding to shifts in public policy.  To build collective resilience, we must reduce risk and resource inequities, engage local people in mitigation, shift powers,  create organizational linkages, boost and protect social support, and have a robust plan in place, which requires flexibility, decision-making skills, and trusted sources of information that function in the face of the unknown. There was an emphasized call to action for actors to advance the gathering of critical voices in African philosophy, showcasing how communities are building movements and innovative ways of organizing and working together.

People Power: Leveraging Collective & Social Capital for Impact: We embarked on a deep exploration of the immense power of collective and social capital in driving meaningful impact. We uncovered innovative pathways towards fostering resilient civic engagement, catalyzing transformative shifts within philanthropy through decolonization and power redistribution and empowering localized philanthropic initiatives. We were called out to challenge conventional boundaries, dismantle barriers, and forge a future together where individuals and communities become the driving elements for lasting and inclusive transformation.

 Weaving Resilience to revitalize civic engagement in the Global South: Social Justice funders are invested implicitly in systems change- working to transform the root causes of inequality. They, however, are not mere catalysts- animating processes that remain unchanged in the end but are an intrinsic part of the change itself. So, what does this mean for philanthropy in a world and an East African region that is in flux, facing unexpected events and emergencies, engaging demands for new forms of power, and shifting in its economic and funding architecture? This discussion explored what it means to be resilient and resourceful in ways that strengthen the sector.

 From the systems we have to the system we want: How can community Philanthropy pave the way for fostering people power: #ShiftThePower is no longer just a hashtag but a global movement that is moving from the margins to the mainstreaming the conversations on international development and philanthropy. A key set of actors within this are community philanthropy organizations that are stepping away from traditional development models. Instead, they are championing new ways of deciding and doing that centre local agency, relationship and trust-transforming the sector from the bottom-up. In this session, practitioners highlighted their work in Africa and how they experimented with and advanced community philanthropy.

The localization debate-from Disclosures to Tangible Outcomes: We delved into actionable strategies focused on sharing perspectives, perceptions and recommendations on translating discourse into action on the localization aspects such as decentralization and devolution, participatory planning and implementation, and effective partnerships building. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the importance of equal opportunity for local resource allocation whilst existing efforts and interventions are already in place.

 Conclusion

 The three days conference was very educative and provided a good platform for practitioners to join forces and synergies in pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable future through the transformative power of high-net-worth individuals in philanthropy, examining strategies to enhance both influence and inclusivity in their giving practices.

 The Youth Cafe has an affiliated entity, The African Youth Foundation, which is an independent  funding organ of The Youth Cafe for empowering youth to take charge of their lives by giving them necessary opportunities. We seek to create African based , youth-led cooperation activities that pursue long-term impact and positive change to African Youth. Our  activities are aimed at supporting the award of small grants to innovative ideas in coordination with pilot dialogue and engagement mechanisms led by young people.

Our activities seek to benefit over 4 million youth aged 16 to 35 years across the African continent with special emphasis and attention to all genders, various minorities and marginalised  groups such as youth with disabilities, refugees, youth in informal settlements etc. Our target groups seek to ensure that most youth in Africa can have their voice heard regardless of their backgrounds or cultural and traditional affiliations considering the rich African cultures within the continent.

 We employ various approaches in Youth empowerment. Our continental approach involves  bringing together  African youth-led initiatives to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas and practices in the development of innovative projects.  Through the creation of a joint grant programme and pilot dialogue and engagement mechanisms, the project will create opportunities for the development of joint activities that have long-term positive impact.

Learn more about The African Youth Foundation and apply for a grant.