The development field recognizes African philanthropy by its unique characteristics – of being deeply rooted in community culture and traditions – of interpersonal connectedness and social solidarity. In recent years, the emergence of African philanthropy narratives aims to appreciate African giving models that continue to inform giving.

However, philanthropy in Africa has remained largely undocumented, with limited information. This does not show appreciation for its breadth and depth in the development sector.

According to Dalberg Research and Dalberg Global Development Advisors (2013): Frameworks for a New Narrative of African Philanthropy - African Grantmakers Network/Southern Africa Trust, South Africa, Community Philanthropy is the practice of mobilizing various resources at the community level – financial, civic, social, human, political, and intellectual – to improve the lives of the communities in the long run. This concept is rooted in local resource mobilization.

People seek to mobilize resources or give back to a community where they have shared interests, values or geographic positions based on specific needs. Civil society organizations are at the heart of institutional philanthropy based on community organizations undertaking philanthropy as Non-Governmental Organizations, Community-Based Organizations, trusts, and foundations.

The East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN) believes that increased information on Local Resource Mobilization Trends in East Africa will enhance the diverse models of community philanthropy in the region. This information will influence the interest of non-state actors to engage in local resource mobilization and grow the community of practice in community philanthropy.

EAPN envisions that establishing a framework for community philanthropy will inform the models of local resource mobilization that will harness the practice and growth of local giving in East Africa.

With support from International Center For Not-For-Profit Law (ICNL), the Network embarked on several activities with the aim of re-invigorating Community Philanthropy in the region, establishing structures that will support the continuation of collecting and aggregating information as part of the process of growing the understanding and practice of community philanthropy in the region