Philanthropy highlights blog

CivLegacy Foundation joined stakeholders at the Makerere–CAPSI workshop, launching a 5-year research project involving 17 African universities. The study will explore how the non-profit sector contributes to youth employment across Africa, focusing on dignified and inclusive work opportunities. With input from government, academia, and civil society, the research aims to generate data that will inform policy, unlock economic potential, and better position the sector as a key driver of youth empowerment.

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In April 2025, CivLegacy Foundation joined over 100 youth leaders and stakeholders at a national policy dialogue focused on youth unemployment and Uganda’s NDP IV. The convening unpacked gaps in current youth employment programs and emphasized the urgent need for youth-centred planning, system reform, and skills development. With voices from government, research institutions, and youth-led organizations, the dialogue called for bolder strategies to turn Uganda’s youth bulge into a golden opportunity.

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In January 2025, Uganda’s Parliament approved the National Development Plan IV, emphasizing the need for stronger public-private partnerships and greater involvement of non-state actors. The 2025 Philanthropy Forum Uganda convening echoed this vision, calling for a bold shift toward collaborative, people-powered development. With reflections from key leaders, including CivSource Legacy Foundation’s Catherine Mutesi Mugabo, the forum challenged stakeholders to align resources, co-create solutions, and rethink aid and accountability for lasting impact.

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On Good Deeds Day 2025, we turned streets into stages, waste into worth, and generosity into a living, breathing force for change. From Kampala’s vibrant march to heartfelt performances and acts of kindness, we saw what happens when community rises with purpose.
This wasn’t just a celebration, it was a call to keep doing good, boldly, locally, and together.

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#GoodDeedsDay #OmutimaOmugabi #DoingGood

In February 2025, CivSource Africa, in partnership with CivLegacy Foundation and Orima & Co Advocates, hosted a three-day residential masterclass focused on legal compliance, governance, and sustainability for community foundations in Uganda. With a growing movement to formally recognize community foundations in law, this training brought together sector leaders united by a vision: to build lasting institutions rooted in trust and community.

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On October 18, 2024, CivLegacy Foundation hosted Progress and Partnerships for Community Foundations in Uganda, welcoming leaders from the Mott Foundation and Women Solidarity Initiative Uganda. The event highlighted the transformative role of community foundations in empowering grassroots movements and overcoming challenges.

Read more about our efforts to empower grassroots movements and build resilient communities.

In this webinar, experts explored how local and regional organizations can redefine funding narratives and assert their autonomy with donors. Key discussions highlighted the challenges of direct funding, the value of local intermediaries, and the need for inclusive, relationship-focused due diligence. The dialogue emphasized evolving funding practices to empower grassroots organizations and foster equitable partnerships.

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Watch this webinar as panelists; Youssef Kromah, Itumeleng Malefetsa, MA in African Philanthropy (Candidate), Madonna Vicky Ainembabazi explore this need with practical & tangible solutions to funding models. Rama Diallo will be moderates the webinar.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH CONVERSATION

Join film director and producer Josie Fomé and Jacqueline Asiimwe, CEO of CivSource Africa, for an insightful conversation following the screening of The Rise of Local Philanthropy. This powerful documentary delves into the experiences of communities in Kampala, Uganda, when international aid organizations withdrew at the height of the pandemic, leaving many Ugandans without critical support. Despite this, local organizations rose to the challenge, filling the gap and providing essential aid. Watch the film and discover their inspiring story.

The film is available here: • The Rise of Local Philanthropy

CivLegacy Foundation's recent study explores the impact of the localisation agenda on global development, highlighting challenges like funding imbalances and structural power issues that local organisations face. The report emphasizes the need for a collaborative, community-centered approach that prioritizes direct funding and local-led solutions.

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What started off as a convening to facilitate conversation within a community that dreamed of philanthropy and development done better has since birthed a movement. This movement saw multitudes of development practitioners, philanthropy support organisations, non-profits, grassroots organisations, funders, academia and more converge in Bogota to collectively celebrate the milestones achieved so far, strategize for the future and form connections to further advance the shift in the development system.  The Global Fund for Community Foundations convened the #ShiftThePower Global Summit, a gathering that was highly diverse and largely attended by participants from all over the world and different corners of the philanthropy and development space.

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WINGS' 2023 Forum featured a highly anticipated session, 'Decolonising Philanthropy: A Global South Exploration,'. The session delved into the intricacies of decolonization, offering insightful perspectives from practitioners in Brazil, Uganda, Ghana, and Mexico. Addressing systemic imbalances in philanthropy, participants challenged established notions and advocated for introspection. The conversation explored colonial actions in the sector and proposed strategies for decolonization, unveiling tough truths about outdated dynamics. Beyond issues of White supremacy, the dialogue encompassed challenges within African collaborations and the need for a mindset shift among funders from the Global North. The forum called for a reassessment of aid flow, philanthropic narratives, and the role of intermediaries. Emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort, the session encouraged a focus on transformation in day-to-day practices. This compelling discussion at WINGSForum 2023 aimed to inspire funders to genuinely embody transformation.

November 28, 2023, marked a momentous day as Uganda joyfully participated in the worldwide observance of Giving Tuesday. Embracing the profound concept that is both simple and impactful, the essence was clear: a collective commitment to contribute skills, time, talent, and treasure to causes that resonate deeply. Guided by the empowering theme #LeavetoGive, individuals stepped away from their daily pursuits to embark on a journey of giving, amplifying the spirit of generosity and communal support.