Rethinking CSR and Local Giving: A Gulu Gathering Sparks a New Philanthropic Future
In February 2025, CivLegacy Foundation convened a powerful validation and collaboration forum at Acholi Inn, Gulu, uniting changemakers from Arua and Gulu to spotlight the role of local businesses in community giving. Centered on a groundbreaking study of business-led philanthropy across Northern and Eastern Uganda, the gathering challenged traditional CSR, emphasizing African-rooted giving built on solidarity, reciprocity, and resilience.
Against shrinking donor funding, participants explored how enterprises are stepping up, investing in education, health, environment, and economic empowerment through in kind support, CSR, and intentional partnerships. From Innovation Village’s dedicated philanthropy budget to stories of CivFund-supported organizations thriving on trust-based funding, the message was clear: African philanthropy is not a fallback, it’s the future.
This convening marks a pivotal shift, from transactional giving to transformative collaboration, and reaffirms CivLegacy Foundation’s belief that “a single bracelet does not jingle.” The movement is growing. Are you ready to build?