Business + Intellectual Property Attorneys
With urgent reflections like “the house is on fire,” the conversation cut through speculation to focus on action, how to rebuild with intention, equity, and local leadership at the center. From calls for radical solidarity to the importance of language and partnership, the dialogue emphasized one thing: the future of development lies in community-driven, collaborative, and context-aware systems.
Among the leading voices was Jacqueline Asiimwe, CEO of CivSource Africa, who passionately called for a shift from individualism to collective strength. Rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, "I am because we are", Jacqueline emphasized the power of local giving, community-led philanthropy, and re-centering African agency in development. Her insights reminded us that long before external aid, African communities had systems of resilience, generosity, and growth that sustained them, and those systems remain vital today.
Read more about the highlights HERE:
Watch full conversation HERE:
Last week, CivFund joined colleagues from the East Africa Financial Resilience Resource Hub ; Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) and Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) to reflect on the evolving funding landscape for civil society. With shrinking civic space and shifting donor priorities, we explored ways to strengthen financial resilience, foster collaboration, and build sustainable funding models. At the heart of our discussions was one key question: How do we ensure civil society remains strong, independent, and impactful? The journey continues, guided by Ubuntu, "I am because you are."
Read reflections from our CEO, Jacqueline Asiimwe, on the three-day retreat HERE:
At the Elevate Prize Foundation’s Make Good Famous Summit in Miami Beach, renowned activist and philanthropist Abigail Disney called on donors and foundation leaders to lean into courageous giving. Speaking boldly, Disney challenged the philanthropic sector to speak up, take risks, and act, especially as fear and silence grip many in the wake of political and social upheaval.
As traditional development systems collapse, a new call to action emerges: give differently, partner better, build locally. At Humentum’s webinar “Global Development is Crumbling”, leaders like Jacqueline Asiimwe and Andrew Julius urged a shift from charity to collective responsibility, rooted in Ubuntu, local leadership, and radical solidarity.
“The house is on fire,” said Ali Al Mokdad. The future? It’s locally led, equity-driven, and powered by community wisdom.
Read more:
#GivingDigest #UbuntuInAction #ReimagineAid #LocalLeadership #CollectiveGiving
Bill Gates has announced that the Gates Foundation, the world’s largest private philanthropy, will sunset in 2045, committing to give away $200 billion over the next 20 years. The funding will accelerate work in global health, vaccine development, HIV prevention, education, and maternal and child health. Gates, now the sole chair, says:
“I want to see the impact of this work in my lifetime.”
#PhilanthropyDigest #GatesFoundation #GivingWhileLiving #GlobalImpact
