The 2024 East Africa Grantmakers Summit - The 2024 Grantmakers Summit

The sector has undergone significant changes driven by the desire to achieve greater impact. The turn of the 21st century saw the emergence of “New Philanthropy,” which brought about new players, innovative giving vehicles, and revolutionary strategies. The tech industry’s explosive growth played a key role in this shift, leading to the rise of younger and more diverse grantmakers who are more engaged in philanthropy.

However, our time’s unprecedented global shifts and complexities impose immense pressure on the sector to evolve strategically and enhance its effectiveness. The evolution requires a comprehensive strategy beyond just expanding activities and focusing on broadening the scope and deepening the impact of philanthropy. The grantmaking space must adopt refined methodologies that align with their diverse objectives and unique characteristics to achieve sustained and meaningful growth. These methodologies must ensure that our efforts are practical and strategically synchronized with broader societal goals.

At the core of this conversion is the imperative to fortify feedback mechanisms within the grantmaking process. Establishing a more adaptable and responsive framework is crucial, achieved through the deliberate engagement with and incorporation of feedback from grantees and the communities they serve. This varied approach enables grantmakers to precisely refine their strategies, guaranteeing that their initiatives are directly responsive to the precise needs and challenges of the intended beneficiaries.

(i) Assessing

This encompasses a thorough evaluation of the current environment. Grantmakers will systematically review existing initiatives, measuring their impact and relevance against the setting of global shifts and local needs. This involves leveraging data and analytics to gain insights into current models’ effectiveness and identify areas necessitating strategic recalibration.

(ii) Architecting

This will involve deliberately designing and structuring resilient and adaptable strategies to the dynamic global context. Grantmakers will explore innovative giving models, collaborative ventures, and integrative strategies emphasizing sustainability, equity, and systemic impact here. The summit will act as a collaborative forum for ideating and crafting these strategic frameworks, drawing on rich global best practices and innovative case studies to guide the architectural process.

(iii) Advancing

This focuses on the practical implementation and scaling of these strategically designed initiatives. It will entail moving beyond conceptual frameworks to execute actionable plans to achieve measurable and sustainable outcomes. Grantmakers will explore methodologies for effectively operationalizing and scaling strategic initiatives during the summit.

July 7th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Welcoming Reception Hosted at the JW Marriott Hotel, this event will set the tone for the summit, offering an elegant atmosphere where delegates can connect and engage. It will also encourage initial interactions among global leaders and thinkers. Not to be missed is an array of international cuisines and beverages completed by classical music, as is the tradition. This is crucial for establishing the collaborative spirit expected to pervade the summit.

Day One - July 8th - Revolutionizing Grantmaking This will focus on advancing social justice and trust-based grantmaking, aiming to dismantle the entrenched biases within traditional funding mechanisms related to systemic issues like racism and patriarchy. Participants will reassess their grantmaking strategies, from trust allocation to adopting flexible funding models, and evaluate if these amplify marginalized voices sufficiently.

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Arrival And Registration

8:30 AM – 8:50 AM Opening Remarks

8:50 AM – 9:00 AMSummit Inauguration through Spoken Word Performance

This session will explore critical themes essential to transforming grantmaking practices: deconstruction of power dynamics and innovative integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by reframing risk, transcendence beyond the limitations of short-term projects, and firm assertion of community authority in grantmaking. Additionally, discussions will cover the enforcement of radical transparency and accountability, the construction of synergistic partnerships for systemic impact, and formulating responsive and adaptive strategies.

Speakers:

Moderator – Diana Gichengo – The Institute of Social Accountability

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Tea & Networking - Connect, Collaborate, and Create Opportunities.

Tea break is the ideal time to expand your circle. Discuss how you can support each other’s work, share invaluable resources, and maybe even kickstart a joint initiative!

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Workshops – Ideation to Action

(i) Synergistic Catalytic Partnerships: Leveraging Collective Competence for Systemic Change

This session will explore the formation of synergistic catalytic partnerships to leverage collective competence for systemic change. It will focus on blending strengths and resources across various stakeholders to create impactful collaborations while addressing challenges like competitive resource allocation and differing priorities. Participants will craft strategies aligned with shared values and transparent communication, incorporating community feedback to ensure equitable and inclusive efforts.

(ii) Deconstructing Power Dynamics: Towards a Paradigm of Equitable Grantmaking

This session will explore understanding and deconstructing traditional power structures within philanthropy that perpetuate inequities. It will trace these dynamics’ historical evolution and current manifestations, using real-world examples to highlight how power imbalances affect grantmaking. The workshop will introduce participants to community-led initiatives and grassroots empowerment, featuring case studies on participatory grantmaking to illustrate successful equitable practices. Additionally, the session will promote inclusive decision-making, offering hands-on activities for consensus-building and strategies to empower marginalized groups through capacity-building. Participants will learn to devise comprehensive strategies that embed equity in all aspects of grantmaking, ensuring diverse representation and fostering transparency and accountability.

(iii) Envisioning the Future of Social Justice: Proactive Philanthropy in Anticipating Societal Shifts

This session will explore proactive philanthropy in anticipating societal shifts, focusing on understanding emerging trends like demographic changes, technological advancements, and economic fluctuations. Participants will develop strategies to remain resilient and responsive to these shifts, emphasizing the importance of agile, innovative grantmaking. The workshop will also cover building organizational resilience through strategic learning, scenario planning, and risk management. Engaging with futurists and innovators will teach participants to craft proactive, future-oriented strategies to effectively address and preempt social justice challenges.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch and More Networking

Enjoy a lunch as nourishing for your network as it is for you. Sit down with fellows to uncover collaborative opportunities and enhance your strategies over great food.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Panel Discussion - Trust-Based Grantmaking: Confronting Systemic Inequities

This session will explore trust-based grantmaking, a model developed to address systemic inequities that have historically permeated traditional funding practices, influenced by systemic racism, patriarchy, and other forms of oppression. We will discuss the meaning of trust within the context of our sector’s efforts and its fundamental role in cultivating effective partnerships. Additionally, we will examine how systemic modifications can enhance trust within our organizations and broader professional networks.

Speakers:

Moderator –Gitahi Githuku – American Jewish World Service

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Workshops

(i) Demonstrating True Partnership: Ensuring Equity and Mutuality in Collaborations

This session will address the transformation of traditional partnership dynamics within philanthropy to ensure equity and mutuality. Recognizing that established models often favor larger organizations and marginalize smaller, community-based entities, this workshop aims to reconfigure these relationships to neutralize power imbalances and integrate all voices in decision-making processes. It will focus on establishing robust frameworks for accountability and transparent communication, setting shared goals, and enhancing responsiveness to partnership dynamics. Additionally, it will explore capacity building and equitable resource distribution to empower all partners equally.

(ii) First Mover Advantage: Setting the Stage for Trust with Flexible Funding Models

This session will explore the concept of ‘First Mover Advantage’ in philanthropy, emphasizing how grantmakers can set precedents and drive sector-wide innovation by being the initial supporters of novel initiatives. It will discuss the strategic benefits of flexible funding models like unrestricted grants and multi-year financial commitments, which grant grantees the autonomy to innovate and adapt to changing conditions without the burden of continuous fundraising. This financial assurance fosters an environment conducive to sustained development and innovation. The workshop will demonstrate how flexible funding can encourage other organizations to adopt similar approaches, potentially leading to significant and lasting changes across the philanthropic sector.

(iii) BEYOND THE CHECK: EMPOWERING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE THROUGH HOLISTIC SUPPORT

The predominant reliance on financial allocations as a solitary support mechanism has frequently proven insufficient in philanthropic engagement. This financial-first paradigm often fails to address nonprofits’ multifaceted challenges, including strategic misalignments, operational inefficiencies, and a lack of critical networking opportunities. Such gaps significantly hinder the capacity of these organizations to effectuate durable change and impede their ability to scale impact sustainably. The narrow lens of monetary support fails to cultivate the requisite resilience within communities, leaving them vulnerable to systemic inadequacies and diminishing the potential for long-term transformation.

The workshop seeks to redefine the outlines of philanthropic support by advocating for a trust-based, multi-dimensional engagement strategy. This session will unveil a comprehensive framework wherein funders can extend beyond simple financial disbursements, embracing roles that encompass moral reinforcement, strategic partnership, and expansive capacity enhancement. Drawing from field-tested strategies, the workshop will offer robust methodologies for fortifying organizational capabilities and nurturing sustainable change ecosystems. Through this paradigm, participants will gain insights into constructing resilient partnerships that support and empower communities to own their developmental trajectories.

6:00 PM – 6:30 PM Connect to Innovate

Grab a bite and swap stories. This is your chance to pick up new strategies and fine-tune your approach to giving. Let’s learn from each other’s successes and stumbles!

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Dinner

Cap your day with a feast for the senses! Join us for an evening gala and let great food meet great moves. It’s your chance to let loose and enjoy the rhythm.

Day Two - July 9th - Innovative Philanthropy Day two of the summit will delve into "Harnessing Giving Vehicles for Influential Grantmaking" and "Scaling for Impact – Strategic Innovations for Expansive Grantmaking." This day critically evaluates new approaches like Direct Giving and Impact Investing, questioning their effectiveness in transforming traditional grantmaking. Participants will assess these tools' capacity to make more impactful and deliberate philanthropic efforts. Discussions will also explore scaling strategies that enhance reach and amplify impact, including technological advancements, improved data management systems, and innovative stakeholder engagement methods.

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Arrival And Registration

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Ignite Talk

9:00 – 10:00 AM Panel Discussion - Harnessing Emerging Giving Vehicles for Influential Grantmaking

This will focus on emerging giving vehicles such as impact investing, social bonds, direct giving, and donor-advised funds (DAFs). We will provide a comprehensive exploration of the mechanics, strategic roles, and alignment with the modern philanthropic demands of these tools. Discussions will highlight the strategic benefits of these vehicles, emphasizing their capability to amplify philanthropic impact and offer unprecedented management flexibility. Additionally, we will assess the motivations driving donors toward these innovative instruments, examining their expectations and the gaps they address in traditional philanthropy. The session will also explore strategies for integrating these tools into broader charitable goals, ensuring that each investment contributes to the overarching objectives and maximizes impact. Lastly, we will consider each vehicle’s advantages and potential drawbacks, aiding grantmakers in navigating complexities such as regulatory compliance and alignment with intended outcomes.

Speakers:

Moderator: Ebenezer Amadi – KEPSA

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Link Up, Lead Forward

Take a break and broaden your network at our Midmorning Mingle. Who knows? Your next major initiative might spark from a chat about pooling resources over this hour; make it count.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Workshops

(i)Workshop 1: Unlocking Domestic Financing: Strategies for cultivating local resources to ensure long-term sustainability.

This workshop aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the domestic financing landscape, identifying core sources such as government grants, private sector investments, and community contributions. It will explore the specific challenges and opportunities within this framework, emphasizing the importance of engaging diverse local stakeholders—businesses, community leaders, and individual donors—to build robust partnerships and trust fundamental for mobilizing sustainable financing initiatives.

(ii)De-risking Investments: Techniques and approaches to minimize risk while maximizing social return.

The workshop will introduce advanced risk assessment models to proactively address potential risks—market, operational, financial, and impact-related—from the start. It will also discuss diversifying investment portfolios across different sectors and regions using practical examples as a key risk mitigation strategy. Additionally, robust impact measurement frameworks will be explored to monitor project performance and adapt strategies as necessary. The session will cover the strategic use of blended finance instruments tailored to different risk appetites and return expectations, emphasizing continuous stakeholder engagement to align investments with community needs and achieve sustained, community-driven success.

(iii)Expanding Fiscal Sponsorships: Practical approaches to leverage fiscal sponsorships for greater agility and impact in project execution

This workshop will explore the strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of fiscal sponsorship arrangements. Discussions will focus on the critical elements of selecting the right sponsor, one whose mission aligns with the project’s goals and can provide administrative support. Best practices for managing these relationships will be explored, highlighting the importance of clear agreements, regular communication, and shared objectives to ensure mutual benefit. Additionally, the workshop will cover transition strategies for projects that may eventually seek independence, providing a roadmap for gradually building capacity and reducing reliance on the fiscal sponsor.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch and More Networking

Lunch is not just about the food; it’s about feeding new ideas, too. Share a meal and discuss how we can make a bigger, bolder impact in philanthropy. You might even find yourself brainstorming with a guru who can help advocate for policy frameworks that support our activities—excellent, right?

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Scaling for Impact – Strategic Innovations for Expansive Grantmaking

This session will focus on enhancing systems and infrastructure to support large-scale operations efficiently and effectively. We will discuss scalable operational procedures to ensure flexibility and quality in growing demands, including streamlining processes and enhancing team coordination. Additionally, advanced stakeholder engagement methods will be explored to build strong relationships and maintain effective communication, which is crucial for aligning scaling efforts with community needs. The session will also cover refined data management systems to handle the complexities of expansion, providing secure and scalable solutions for robust data analysis. Technological upgrades to increase operational capacity and impact measurement techniques for assessing the effectiveness of initiatives will also be highlighted. These discussions aim to equip organizations with the tools to manage growth successfully without compromising performance or impact.

Speakers:

Moderator – Dawit Dessie

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Workshops

(i) Strengthening Long-Term Viability through Strategic Financial Support

This workshop is designed to empower grantmakers with the necessary knowledge and strategies to support the long-term sustainability of their grantees. Participants will learn about the critical role of strategic financial support, including methods to diversify funding sources and craft detailed financial plans aimed at enduring sustainability. The workshop will also address strengthening financial resilience, improving financial management practices, and capitalizing on partnerships to bolster grantees’ financial bases. Further discussions will focus on investing in capacity building, monitoring financial performance, and providing practical financial oversight tools. Through these comprehensive topics, grantmakers will be equipped to enhance their grantees’ financial health and long-term sustainability, ensuring their efforts are impactful and sustainable.

(ii) Amplifying Impact through Cross-Sector Partnerships and Digital Resilience and Transformation

This adopts a dual focus to address contemporary organizational and sectoral development challenges. The workshop begins by exploring the necessity of digital transformation in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, highlighting advancements like Artificial Intelligence. Participants will learn strategies for enhancing digital resilience, such as securing leadership support, implementing staff training, and investing in infrastructure to harness digital technologies effectively and sustain organizational adaptations to technological changes.

The session will then shift to the significance of multi-sectoral engagement in addressing complex socio-economic issues. It emphasizes that isolated interventions are often insufficient, advocating for integrated approaches that leverage various sectors’ diverse strengths and resources. Participants will gain insights into building and maintaining effective partnerships, with practical techniques for engaging potential partners, building trust, and aligning objectives for mutual benefit.

(iii) Enhancing operations and impact reporting through precise data and metrics.

This focuses on the critical role of accurate and coherent data in strategic decision-making. This session addresses the challenges organizations face due to unreliable or fragmented data, which can lead to significant strategic misalignments. Participants will learn advanced strategies for developing a robust data management framework that ensures the integrity and coherence of data crucial for business decisions. The workshop will cover the use of cutting-edge data storage, integration, and security tools to build resilient data ecosystems. Additionally, it will delve into data analysis and visualization techniques, enabling participants to transform complex datasets into clear, actionable insights. The session also highlights best practices for setting and communicating key performance metrics and integrating continuous feedback mechanisms to cultivate an adaptive, data-driven organizational culture.

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Bridge Ideas, Build Futures

Wind down the day with a creative twist. Meet peers who are eager to share and discover new practices in philanthropy. Exchange your best methods and learn what’s working for others—it’s the perfect scene for that next big idea to rise from a casual chat here!

6:30 PM – 9:00 PMDinner

Shake off the day’s activities and enjoy an evening of delicious dining, lively music, and spirited dancing. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, connect, and finalize those promising ideas with your peers before they depart.

MELVIN CHIBOLE

Managing Director - TechSoup Africa

JESSICA HORN

East Africa Regional Director - Ford Foundation

DEGAN ALI

Executive Director - Adeso

JACKSON OBARE

Regional Manager, Eastern and Southern Africa - ForumCiv

ROSEMARY AMONDI

Regional Director - Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs

DEVANG VUSSONJI

Director - AXUM

NADIA KIST

Director of Africa Partnerships - Blood:Water

AISHA SKYES

Founder & Managing Partner - Refined Advisory

WANJA NGURE

Programme Manager, Grantmaking - UHAI EASHRI

MENDI NJONJO

Director - KCB Foundation

CHLOE EDDLESTON

Manager - Social Finance, UK

INVIOLATA WANYAMA

Marketing Evidence and Impact Director - MSI Reproductive Choices

GRACE W. MAINGI

Executive Director - Kenya Community Development Foundation

LILIAN TAMALE

Fund Manager - CIVFUND

LULU NG'WANAKILALA

Executive Director - Legal Services Facility

VICTOR MUGAMBI

Advocacy & Events Associate - Global Fund for Children

GITAHI GITHUKU

Program Officer - American Jewish World Service

EBENEZER AMADI

Program Manager - Bopinc

Dear Delegate,

Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Grantmakers Summit. We are committed to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience as you prepare to join us in Nairobi, Kenya. Please review the following logistical details to facilitate your travel and accommodation arrangements.

Venue

The summit will occur at the JW Marriott Hotel on Chiromo Lane, Westlands, Nairobi, approximately 19 kilometers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Hotel Information

Visa Information and Requirements

Non-East African Community (EAC) members are required to secure an e-visa before departure. Ensure you have:

Referral Visa Cases

Applicants from countries that require clearance from the Director of Immigration Services should check the Referral Visa Category status here. Avoid booking flights or accommodations until your visa is approved.

Flights and Airport Transfers

Arrivals are at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, located 19 km from the venue. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. Look for the “2024 Grantmakers Summit” placard at the Arrivals terminal for transportation to the hotel, which will be at your expense. Should you need assistance, feel free to reach out.

Accommodation

Guests are responsible for covering their own accommodation expenses. If you would like to stay at the JW Marriott, please secure your accommodation by reserving through this LINK. Other recommended hotels include:

Book directly or via Booking.com.

Meals

Hotels generally offer breakfast. Lunch and dinner will be provided on summit days, with welcome receptions on the 7th and dinner on the 8th and 9th. Additional meals will be at your expense.

Delegate Costs

Any expenses outside the provided conferencing will be your organization's responsibility.

Weather and Clothing

Expect pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 22°C. We recommend packing layers, including sweaters for cooler times and comfortable attire for daytime activities.

Time Zone

Nairobi operates on East African Time (GMT+3).

Health and Medical

Your health is a priority. We adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure a safe environment for all attendees. If you require prescribed medications, please ensure that you bring an adequate supply for the duration of your stay, along with the prescription or a doctor’s note, as necessary. We will provide regular updates on health measures and any protocol changes.

For further clarifications, please contact:

We look forward to welcoming you to Nairobi for an engaging and productive summit.

Your well-being is our primary concern, and we are committed to ensuring your health and safety throughout the summit. We adhere strictly to established safety measures to maintain a healthy environment and to provide you with a secure and enriching experience. Please visit our website regularly for the venue’s latest updates and specific safety procedures.

Be assured that we are working closely with the venue and safety experts to implement health and safety protocols that will be adapted based on the public health situation at the time of the event. Before the event commences, we will inform participants of any updates or changes to the health and safety measures and requirements.

We anticipate pleasant weather in Nairobi with average temperatures around 16°C (62°F), peaking at about 22°C (72°F), and dropping to lows of approximately 11°C (52°F). We suggest packing versatile layers, including sweaters or jackets for cooler mornings and evenings and comfortable clothing for daytime activities.

Your proactive participation is essential for maintaining health and safety during the conference. We encourage you to bring your essentials, such as prescribed medications. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific health or well-being needs. Ensuring your safety is a collective effort.