Highlights
Philanthropy in Africa does not begin with institutions. It lives in neighbours showing up for one another, families sharing what they have, and communities taking responsibility together through long-standing cultures of care. In one Kampala suburb, residents recently came together to repair a road that had long been dismissed as a government problem. Some brought cement and gravel, others offered labour and tools, while a few pooled money to bring in extra support. What emerged was more than a repaired road. It was a powerful reminder that giving is often local, relational, and deeply rooted in collective responsibility. Across the continent, this same spirit appears in rotating savings groups, diaspora support for community projects, and informal giving circles that respond quickly to everyday challenges.
In February 2025, CivLegacy Foundation convened stakeholders in Gulu for a powerful validation and collaboration convening on local business philanthropy, spotlighting how businesses in Gulu, Arua, Jinja, and Mbale are already supporting communities through corporate social responsibility, financial contributions, and in-kind giving. Against a backdrop of shrinking donor funding, the convening called for a stronger shift toward African-led philanthropy, deeper collaboration between civil society and the private sector, and more intentional, structured local giving that can drive long-term social impact and sustainability across Uganda.
#AfricanPhilanthropy
Reflections from Peace Connect 2025
Peace Connect 2025 brought together civil society activists, community defenders, peacebuilders, and Indigenous groups in Nairobi for a gathering rooted in care, reflection, and collective response to a year marked by funding shocks, shrinking civic space, and escalating conflict. In these reflections, Josephine Atuhaire explores the shift toward community-led pathways for resilience, including community philanthropy, mutual aid, and local accountability, while questioning donor-driven measures of success and calling for power, decision-making, and risk to move closer to communities. With wellbeing intentionally centred through rest, counselling, and space to process, the gathering became a lived reminder that collective care is possible and that peace remains within reach when shaped and resourced by those closest to the work.
Makerere University and CivSource Africa have established the Ukarimu Centre, a first-of-its-kind academic and practice hub in Eastern Africa dedicated to researching, teaching, and amplifying African philanthropy. Based at Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences and supported by CivLegacy Foundation, the Centre will generate African-led research and learning that elevates everyday giving, strengthens locally grounded philanthropy, and informs policy and practice across the region.
In September and October 2025, more than 400 delegates gathered at Mestil Hotel, Kampala for the 2025 National Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Convention, a national platform for learning, reflection, and joint action across Uganda’s civil society ecosystem.
The WINGS “Acting Together to Lift Up Philanthropy” Training of Trainers offered a powerful lens for understanding and strengthening philanthropic ecosystems. It aligned well with CivSource Africa’s 5Cs, adding a complementary focus on capacity, capability, connection, and credibility. A key highlight was the Kumu mapping exercise, which revealed hidden champions and immediate collaboration opportunities within the network. The training also reminded us that real impact is measured not only in outputs, but in trust built, alignment strengthened, and pathways opened, insights now shaping our work at CivSource Africa and CivLegacy Foundation. Read more
CivLegacy Foundation is proud to celebrate our own Josephine Atuhire, Programme Support for Philanthropy, whose commitment to strengthening giving ecosystems continues to shine on regional and global stages. Josephina participated in and completed the inaugural #LiftUpPhilanthropy Training of Trainers course convened through WINGS, joining 26 participants from 20+ countries to deepen practical skills in ecosystem mapping, facilitation, and strategy for building stronger philanthropic systems. The course marks an important step in growing a global community of ecosystem builders equipped to support more connected, locally grounded, and resilient philanthropy movements. The reflection piece captures key insights, lessons, and what comes next for this growing network. Read more