Session Description

Global philanthropy circles have noted the growing need to shift from traditional “top-down” funding priorities towards more grassroots and community-led solutions. The people most affected by the intersectional inequities and structural gaps of unequal systems must not only be present at, but be at the centre of, collective efforts to act on the pressing problems of our times. Consequently, how can we partner differently to shift agency, power and resources to communities?

This session will weave best practices of participatory development approaches into a framework for change: from participatory grantmaking to reducing barriers at the project design stage, to strengthening leadership pathways during implementation, to sensemaking for systems change rather than measuring project outputs. Beyond project thinking, as we overturn the donor-to-NGO-to-beneficiary paradigm, we explore opportunities for collaboration across multiple sectors—including governments, private sectors, civil society organisations and social movements. At the heart of this conversation, panellists will share their journeys as we call for building deep listening skills, trust and long-term relationships as the basis for more inclusive and transformative community engagement.

3 Key Takeaways​

1. Community ownership and leadership of solutions must be at the centre of social change—but they require a robust ecosystem of collaboration to turn goals into asustainable reality.​
2. Centering participatory development approaches requires a commitment and investment from donors— starting with a recognition of the tools and methodologiesrequired and subsequently investing in them.​
3. Deep listening, trust, and relationships are the building blocks of inclusive, rather than extractive, community engagement.