Institutional philanthropy and popular organising in Africa : some initial reflections from social movement activists

Abstract

As popular forms of organising increasingly serve as sites for change in Africa, institutionalised private philanthropy, which has generally stayed away from such activist spaces is slowly engaging. While anecdotal knowledge exists, evidence-based analysis on these relationships is scarce. This study explored how African movements experience and see the role and nature of philanthropy in relation to their own functioning and objectives. It highlighted that it is not merely a question of whether it is appropriate for institutional philanthropy to engage, but the ‘how’ of engagement that matters most. As a result, different challenges and limitations emerged. The research reflected critical concerns raised by movements about philanthropic orientation, ideology, and practice, and called for radical mindset shifts from institutional philanthropy – particularly on aspects such as power, control, accountability, and impact – and provided practical observations for consideration.