JULY-DECEMBER2024
Photo: SaCoDé
LETTERFROM THECO-CEOS
Dear Friends of the Fund,
As we reflect on these past few months, we are filled with immense gratitude for the incredible progress we continue to make together We have witnessed firsthand how transformative collaboration can be Our partners continue to deliver deep impact, bringing vital resources, expertise, and commitment to the people they serve They have made meaningful strides in addressing the most pressing challenges facing their communities, from education and healthcare to economic empowerment and sustainable development
We are thrilled to share the upcoming launch of our new 2030 strategy a bold roadmap that deepens our commitment to African-led development and ensures we remain at the forefront of innovation and equity in our work. A key component of this strategy is the rollout of our improved Open Application System later this year. This system will expand our pipeline capacity and enhance our database of African-led organizations, giving us more insight into innovations and trends across the continent. It will also enable funders to easily connect with and directly invest in African organizations in various geographies and contexts. We are encouraged by the positive shifts in the philanthropic landscape and hope to amplify these changes by leveraging our open application system.
Our team has also experienced exciting growth in the past few months, with five new team members joining in the last two quarters. Their unique expertise and energy are already making a remarkable difference. We can't wait to introduce them to you
As always, our team has been busy engaging in pivotal gatherings like UNGA week in New York City and the African Philanthropy Forum in Marrakech These gatherings are an important opportunity to connect with our partners in person, learn from others, and advocate for the communities we serve
While there is still much to do, we remain steadfast in our belief that the future of development is African-led. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.
With
gratitude
Atti Worku Katie Bunten-Wamaru
OURPORTFOLIO OFPARTNERS
35
Our partners are driving transformative impact across key sectors, including gender equity, livelihoods, education, health, climate & environment, human rights, and technology.
13 partners countries women-led in unrestricted funding committed since 2021 of funding is multiyear $8,400,000
51%
Together, we are fueling impact for a future of Africa that is for and led by Africans.
Malawi
ACADES
Chimpembere Community Development Organization (CCDO)
Njira Impact
Rays of Hope
Wandikweza
Tanzania
Msichana Initiative
Shule Direct
The Community Forest Conservation Network of Tanzania (MJUMITA)
WoteSawa Domestic Workers Organization
Nigeria
Blossom Academy
Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust
Gender Mobile Initiative
HelpMum WAVE
Women’s Health and Equal Rights Initiative (WHER)
Uganda
Barefoot Law
Bless a Child Foundation CIYOTA
Fundi Bots
Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS)
Wezesha Impact
Burundi
Foi en Action SaCoDé
Democratic Republic of Congo CIYOTA
Ethiopia Drop of Water Kidame Mart
Ghana
Blossom Academy
Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS)
Kenya
AkiraChix
Clean Start Solutions
Dandelion Africa
Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF) This Ability
Liberia
Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP)
Rwanda
Uwezo Youth Empowerment
Zambia
Primrose Community Health Organization (PRICHO)
Zimbabwe
Friendship Bench
PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS
Photo: Uwezo Youth Empowerment
BUILDINGSTRONGER PARTNERSHIPS THROUGHSHAREDLEARNING
Over the past few months, there has been significant learning within and across our partners Our partners have consistently expressed a strong desire to connect, share insights, and learn from one another Given their extraordinary work and expertise, we believe that our partners have the most value to gain from exchanging and collaborating with one another
In September, partners in Uganda took the initiative by organizing the first ever partner-led gathering. Six organizations Barefoot Law, Bless a Child Foundation, COBURWAS International Youth Organisation to Transform Africa (CIYOTA), Fundi Bots, and Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS), and Wezesha Impact came together for this milestone event.
We are looking forward to supporting similar gatherings and creating spaces where partners can connect, leverage their collective knowledge, and identify new opoortunites for collaboration.
GROWING ANDLEARNING TOGETHER
InsightsfromPartnerSiteVisits
At the heart of our work is the belief that our growth and learning happens alongside our partners. We conduct annual partner reflections where partners share their impact, learnings, and challenges. We hold regular check-ins and prioritize meetings in person whenever possible. However, we recognize that an organization’s true impact, challenges, and opportunities cannot be fully captured on paper. It’s only by being on the ground, witnessing their work firsthand, and engaging directly with the communities they serve, that we can fully grasp the scope of their work
In the second and third quarters of 2024, we had the opportunity to visit 13 of our partners in Burundi, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
These visits required flexibility and investment from everyone. To ensure that the process was collaborative and to minimize additional burden on our partners, we co-designed and cost-shared the visits.
During our time on the ground, we met with team members, local communities, government stakeholders, and other organizations working alongside our partners The site visits were conducted by Atti Worku (Co-CEO), Lynn Sellanga (Senior Operations Manager), Nafissatou Sene (Portfolio Manager), and Julie Khamati (Portfolio Services Coordinator)
We’ve created a space where partners canbehonestandsharewhat’shappening with their organizations and within their communities. “
- Julie Khamati Portfolio Services Coordinator
The visits were an illuminating experience for our team providing deeper insights into our partners’ programmatic contexts, their strengths, the challenges they face and their areas of growth.
Site Visit Takeaways
These site visits provided our team with valuable insights, but they also raised important questions that we continue to grapple with. As funders, we aim to build truly equitable partnerships, and this requires ongoing reflection. How can we ensure that we aren’t unintentionally creating additional burdens for our partners? Here are a few key questions we invite others to consider:
What assumptions are we making in our partnerships that may not be inclusive of local contexts?
How can we minimize the financial burden of site visits, such as transportation costs and time spent away from essential work? How can we account for localized challenges like currency fluctuations, which are beyond the control of partners?
How can we co-design site visits in a way that respects partners’ time, resources, and expertise?
By engaging in open discussions with partners and co-designing solutions, we can ensure that site visits and our partnerships as a whole are more equitable and effective for everyone involved We are excited to take these learnings forward and to continue finding ways to deepen our relationships with partners
Photo: Julie and Lynn on a site visit with Shule Direct in Tanzania
Site Visits Uncover What Reports Can’t
While data, reports, and remote check-ins can provide an overview of an organization’s work and scope, they are limited in the insights and context they can offer. Site visits are a key part of a holistic and fully informed partnership.
There’s So Much that Cannot be Captured or is
Lost in Paperwork
By being on the ground, our team was able to engage directly with partners and better understand their challenges and context. Meeting the communities and individuals they serve allowed us to witness firsthand the full extent of their impact, local needs, and the unique motivations behind their approaches. These visits also strengthened our relationships, as we gained a deeper appreciation for the work partners do and the significant impact they achieve–often despite the roadblocks they may encounter
Site Visits Are Costly
There’s an assumption that site visits incur no costs for local organizations However, site visits are expensive, and the financial and logistical burden often fall disproportionately on partners.
Typical site visit costs include transportation to visit communities, labor to coordinate and host the visits, time spent away from regular duties, meal expenses, and more. These costs can often go unnoticed or unanticipated by funders. One solution we’ve found is co-designing site visits with our partners and sharing the financial and logistical burdens By doing so, we ensure that partners aren’t solely responsible for the costs, and the visits become a true collaborative effort.
KEYLEARNINGS FROMSITEVISITS
Unseen Barriers Hinder Progress
There are numerous unseen challenges that make it difficult for local organizations to meet funder expectations or requirements whether that’s adhering to specific reporting timelines or managing funds in a prescribed way. Many of these challenges go unreported or remain unsaid.
For example, local organizations often struggle with issues like currency fluctuations and power outages, which can severely disrupt and block program implementation. Additionally, language barriers can exclude organizations from funding opportunities. We found that Francophone organizations are unintentionally excluded from funding opportunities simply because calls for applications are often only in English Our team is committed to addressing these barriers and fostering greater inclusivity
Integrated Approaches Are Key
As funders, we can sometimes assume that organizations are spreading themselves too thin, believing that taking on too many issues reduces effectiveness However, on the ground, our team observed that integrated programming is often essential for creating meaningful impact. Many issues are interconnected, and focusing on a single area can overlook broader, systemic factors. Through our site visits, we found that many partners employ a multi-sector or sector-agnostic approach to be more responsive to local conditions. They understand that issues like education are deeply connected to gender, social dynamics, livelihoods, and even climate change. A multi-sector approach isn’t just ideal it’s often necessary to meet the full range of needs in the communities they serve
Photo: Julie and Lynn on a site visit with Foi en Action in Burundi
KEYSTORY: OUR2030STRATEGY
Photo: Msichana Initiative
DRIVINGRESOURCES, BUILDINGTRUST, ANDSHIFTINGPOWER
Formerly the African Visionary Fund, African Collaborative was founded with a bold mission: to shift capital and decision-making power to African-led organizations that are deeply rooted in their communities. Our model is yielding tangible results and is showing us what’s possible when African-led organizations are given flexible resources. However, the work is far from over. The funding gap remains significant, and more must be done to invest in a future of social change for Africans, led by Africans.
Summary of the Process
Our strategy was developed through an inclusive and iterative process, grounded in design thinking principles. Led by Co-CEOs Katie Bunten-Wamaru and Atti Worku, alongside our Systems Change Strategist Sibabalwe Mona. We spent two years rigorously analyzing data, gathering insights from partners, team members, funders, and ecosystem collaborators to prototype, test, and launch our new strategy.
At every stage of this process, we maintained feedback loops to refine and validate our approach, ensuring that the strategy remained partner-centric and prioritized the needs of African-led organizations our primary stakeholders
A Continuation and Deepening of our Work
Our 2030 strategy builds on and deepens the work we’ve done since 2020. Inspired by the impact we’ve seen and the opportunities ahead, we are doubling down on our core commitments to drive resources, build trust, and shift power, while encouraging other funders to do the same.
By 2030, we aim to raise $50 million to fund and provide organizational support to 100+ African-led organizations delivering catalytic resources directly to the frontlines of impact across the continent
The Strategy in Action: Grantmaking Tracks
To better serve partners at different stages of growth, we’ve introduced three distinct grantmaking tracks:
Ignite: For chronically underfunded organizations looking to grow their impact and operations
Fuel: For organizations building momentum and looking to sustain and scale their impact
Thrive: For legacy partners from our first fund, continuing to drive transformative change
While these tracks provide structure, our partnership model will remain flexible and tailored to the unique needs and goals of each organization
Building an Evidence Base for African-Led Development
A cornerstone of our strategy is the implementation of a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework. This framework is designed to:
Generate data-driven insights to measure progress and identify challenges
Continuously improve the effectiveness of our partnership & funding practices
Demonstrate the value of trust-based funding and advocate for shifts in funder perceptions and practices
By embedding MEL into every aspect of our work, we ensure that our approach remains adaptive and aligned with the evolving realities of our partners and their communities. This commitment to learning and adaptation strengthens our long-term goals and builds a compelling evidence base for locally-led development.
ANCHORED BY OUR MULTISECTOR FUND, WE ARE LAUNCHING 7 SECTOR-SPECIFIC PORTFOLIOS, WHICH WILL GIVE FUNDERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DIRECTLY SUPPORT, LEARN FROM, AND ENGAGE WITH PARTNERS ALIGNED WITH THEIR SECTOR INTERESTS. WE BELIEVE THESE SECTOR PORTFOLIOS WILL SPOTLIGHT THE EXPERTISE OF AFRICAN-LED ORGANIZATIONS DRIVING IMPACTINTHEIRCOMMUNITIES. WITH THIS STRATEGY, WE’RE NOT JUST FUNDING CHANGE — WE’RE TRANSFORMING SYSTEMS, CENTERING AFRICAN LEADERSHIP, AND BUILDING A FUTURE WHERE SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENTISTRULYLOCALLYLED.
OURSECTOR PORTFOLIOS
EDUCATIONSANI
Education can be a catalyst for development when it offers students the tools they’ll need to thrive and unlock new opportunities Sani, the Hausa word for wisdom, reflects the local perspective our partners bring to their work in early childhood development, out-of-school youth programs, job readiness, and literacy programs.
KUSASA
DIGITALFUTURES
As tech unlocks new possibilities, our partners are driving innovations that will bridge the digital divide and improve lives Our focus is on African organizations using everything from STEM education to digitization in agriculture to build a brighter futurecaptured by the Zulu word kusasa
LOKUMULIVELIHOODS
The Lingala word for dignity, lokumu, describes our partners’ approach to improving livelihoods They focus on reducing barriers to employment, connecting small producers to larger markets, offering skill development and training, and generating inclusive economic growth to help individuals and communities prosper and improve overall well-being
AFYAHEALTH
Afya is Swahili for both health and healthy Our partners deliver on that dual promise by building resilient health systems, influencing health policy, and delivering maternal and last mile services They also train health care providers and reach communities with interventions tailored to their unique needs
IDAJOHUMANRIGHTS
The work of advancing equal justice and addressing the systemic exclusion of African people must be led by African organizations Our partners pursue idajo, the Yoruba word for justice, by transforming the human rights landscape, calling out abuses against marginalized groups, and creating frameworks to promote peaceful, inclusive societies.
ASASECLIMATE
Our partners’ on-the-ground insight puts them on the frontlines of the response to climate change Their innate knowledge of the local environment, represented by Asase, the Akan word for earth, helps their communities conserve natural resources, enhance climate resilience, and build targeted interventions that are responsive to local ecosystems
SANKIGENDEREQUITY
African organizations see firsthand the impacts of exclusion in their communities – be it of women and girls, the LGBTQI+ community, or other marginalized people They respond with the pursuit of equity – or sanki in Pulaar – working at the intersection of equal rights, violence and exploitation, reproductive health, and financial inclusion
BEHINDTHESCENES
Photo: Shamira at the African Philanthropy Forum
GATHERINGS
Team Retreat
August 5-9th | Nairobi | New York City
We held regional team retreats concurrently in Nairobi and New York City, bringing together our typically remote team in these two locations. While we had location-specific meetings, we also connected virtually every day as a team thanks to technology to reflect, collaborate, and hold discussions. It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome and meet new team members, and to strengthen our bonds. We spent valuable time deepening our team connections, while also ensuring alignment in our work processes and systems approach.
Partner, Team & Board Lunch
September 26 | New York City
We hosted a lunch that brought together our team, partners, and board members in one room After a busy week filled with inspiring events and meetings, it was the perfect way to maintain the momentum and wrap up the week basking in the high energy of it all We were thrilled to have the privilege of bringing so many people together in one space and to connect in person.
Opportunity Collaboration
October 12-17 | Ixtapa, Mexico
Board member Jailan Adly attended Opportunity Collaboration along with 5 of our partners, including, James Katumba (Wezesha Impact), Akudo Oguaghamba (Women’s Health and Equal Rights Initiative (WHER), Bahati Satir Omar (Uwezo Youth Empowerment), Wendo Sahar (Dandelion Africa), and Brian Walusimbi (Bless a Child Foundation). It was another opportunity for partners to form new connections, as well as a wonderful gathering that brought everyone together.
CONFERENCEATTENDANCE, SPEAKINGENGAGEMENTS ANDFEATURES
Stories of Local Leadership
September 24th | AVFund, Rippleworks, and Food4Education
Over the past few months, we’ve had the privilege of participating in and contributing to a wide range of impactful events. From leading thought-provoking discussions at key conferences to engaging with diverse audiences through speaking engagements and media features, our team has been at the forefront of sharing insights, fostering collaborations, and amplifying our mission.
Local Voices, Global Impact: Enhancing Collaboration Between Local and International Organizations
July 31 | Devex
Atti joined a dynamic LinkedIn Live panel to discuss how we can bridge the gap between local and international organizations, incorporate innovative collaboration models and policies that support local entities, and explore the role of advocacy in driving systemic change.
From Pledges to Practice: Shifting Conservation Funding Approaches to Better Support Local African Organizations
September 24 | UNGA Week
During UNGA Week, Co-CEO Katie and Systems
Change Strategist Sibabalwe took the stage at Maliasili’s Pledges to Practice event. This session spotlighted funding models and practices that prioritize local communities, with a focus on African conservation and climate organizations leading community-driven solutions Drawing from AVFund’s model, Katie and Sibabalwe shared actionable insights on transforming funding practices to channel greater investment directly to local communities.
In partnership with Rippleworks and Food for Education, we hosted an intimate event where inspiring leaders from across the continent shared their insights on investing in local leadership.
Building on last year’s Fireside Chat, we heard from remarkable African changemakers who shared powerful stories of innovation, triumph, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Co-CEO Katie provided the welcoming remarks while Co-CEO Atti and Doug Galen, CEO of Rippleworks moderated.
Our esteemed panelists were Wawira Njiru (Food 4 Education, AVFund Board member), Linda Kamau (AkiraChix), Lizzie Kiama (This Ability), Jacques Sebisaho, MD, MPA (Amani Global Works), and Katumba James S (Wezesha Impact)
Philanthropic Collaboratives as a Pathway to Transformation
October 28 | African Philanthropy Forum
Katie (Co-CEO) and Shamira (Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager) attended the African Philanthropy Forum's Conference in Marrakech, Morocco. Katie took to the main stage at the African Philanthropy Forum, joining a panel to spotlight the transformative power of philanthropic collaboration across the continent. Alongside fellow collaborative leaders, she shared actionable insights and reflections on building and managing philanthropic collaboratives in Africa
Atti was featured in a video produced by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Philanthropy Together While it was released in August, it was first publicly screened at the African Philanthropy Forum in Morocco.
OUR GROWING TEAM
INTHESECONDHALFOFTHEYEAR,WEWELCOMEDFIVE NEWTEAMMEMBERS:ATECHNICALPROJECTMANAGER, MONITORING,EVALUATION,ANDLEARNINGMANAGER, PORTFOLIOMANAGER,STRATEGICPARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR,ANDTECHNICALPROJECTASSOCIATE.
Chamrid Kpadonou
Technical Project Manager
Ghana
Chamrid’s expertise lies at the intersection of technology, advocacy, and information management. As the Technical Project Manager, he is leading our team on the exciting initiative to design, launch and maintain an improved open application and grants management platform aimed at enhancing accessibility and promoting equity.
Doris Kamathi
Portfolio Manager
Kenya
Doris' career is defined by a commitment to empowering women and youth, particularly through supporting young female social entrepreneurs and preparing women for the workforce Joining as a Portfolio Manager on our team, Doris is helping build systems and fostering strong relationships with our partners, continuously seeking ways to support them while often serving as their primary point of contact
Mena Kalokoh
Alfred Muli MEL Manager
Kenya
Alfred is a specialist in Public Health, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning, with over a decade of experience in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Sexual Reproductive Health sectors As our inaugural MEL Manager, he is leading a comprehensive assessment of the impact of our first fund, while also strengthening the evidence base demonstrating the effectiveness of supporting African-led initiatives.
Strategic Partnerships Coordinator
United States
Mena has collaborated with organizations across Africa and North America in communications, fundraising, and program development. Since joining the Fundraising & Partnerships team, she has focused on strengthening our donor relationships and securing funding to elevate both our partners' social change initiatives and the impact of AVFund’s work.
Michelle Wanjala
Technical Project Associate Kenya
With years of experience in streamlining grant procedures to ensure effective resource distribution, Michelle is a seasoned grants management specialist An integral part of the Technical Programs team, she is working closely with the technical project manager and making significant contributions to the development of our open application system
WHAT’SNEXT FORUS?
Photo: Friendship Bench
THATWILLDRIVEOURMISSIONFORWARD:
Launching our open application system
Aligned with our new strategy, this system will facilitate more insight into innovations and trends in Africanled social innovation, and improve our ability to connect funders with high-impact African-led organizations working across a variety of sectors and geographies
Continuing to build on and deliver Portfolio Services
We will continue connecting partners to aligned funders, share learning and networking opportunities, and remain committed to highlighting not only the work of our partners but also ensure they are recognized as subject matter experts in their own right
Making new grant commitments & onboarding new partners
Our team will be expanding our network of partners in 2025 We look forward to collaborating with more organizations working at the frontlines of impact
Showcasing the impact of the Fund’s first three years
Led by our MEL Manager, we are releasing an Impact Insights Report that reflects on and highlights the impact of our first fund The report will be shared widely in Q3 of 2025
Continuing to foster team connections
We’re excited about our upcoming team retreat, which will deepen collaboration and spark innovation across our team.
Attending conferences
You can catch our team at the Collaborative Fund Summit, Global Philanthropy Forum, and the Skoll World Forum in 2025.
Introduction to Collaborative Funds
Produced by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Philanthropy Together