Foundation for Civil Society (FCS)

🎉 Exciting news! Our five winners for #MyGivingStory2024 have been selected! Meet the incredible changemakers: 1️⃣ Khadija Swalehe Ally 2️⃣ Rahma Gharib Mohammed 3️⃣ Pilly Hussein Ndobeji 4️⃣ Godlisten Charles Lwambati 5️⃣ Yohana Matiko Isack The selection process was no easy task; every story submitted was truly inspiring and showcased a remarkable dedication to making a difference. We’re thrilled to celebrate these winners, whose impactful stories stood out. Each of them embodies the spirit of generosity, resilience, and community support that #MyGivingStory aims to highlight. We can’t wait to see how their initiatives unfold and inspire even more people. Stay tuned to follow their journeys as they continue to make a positive impact in their communities! 💫✨ #GivingTuesday

🌍 Day 2 : #2024APNAssembly is about knowledge production and the stories we tell ourselves about African philanthropy. How much do indigenous insights and wisdoms contribute to our research, methods of analysis, decision making and doing? We will also examine the use of language, both our native tongues /vernacular as well as rhetoric in furthering or hindering meaningful participation of community as rightful investors in their development. We will explore key questions : 1️⃣ How can philanthropy counter inequalities and power imbalances? 2️⃣ How can we build solidarity towards narratives that showcase African philanthropy as a relevant driver of community-led transformation? Brian Kagoro, Managing Director of Programs at the Open Society Foundations led a powerful Ignite Talk focused on the importance of African wisdom in philanthropy and development. He emphasized the need to center indigenous knowledge systems in the narrative-building process, particularly when it comes to African philanthropy. Brian pointed out that African communities have long engaged in collective action for mutual benefit. Brian dicussed core principles of Ubuntu and how they have long underpinned African approaches to risk mitigation and social responsibility. He explained that African giving is not charity, but an obligation to the collective well-being of society. This collective force, rooted in mutual care and responsibility, has been essential in African communities for a long time. In his view, the genius of African societies lies in approaches that uphold social resilience and determination . He stressed that the stories we tell about ourselves shape the way we understand our identity and collective strength, and urged the importance of documenting and sharing these stories in the development narrative.

In his opening remarks at the #2024APNAssembly, APN Chair and Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) Executive Director Justice Rutenge highlighted the power of diverse voices, experiences, and dreams coming together—united by a common belief in the transformative strength of African philanthropy. Justice Rutenge emphasized the importance of reclaiming the African philanthropic narrative, drawing from the philosophy of Ubuntu, he highlighted that African philanthropy is rooted in interconnectedness, collective responsibility, and communal welfare—values that have long existed in African societies through practices like pooling resources for weddings, funerals, and community projects. As the Assembly kicks off, Rutenge called on participants to use the platform to redefine the future of philanthropy in Africa—focusing on agency, justice, and identity. He stressed that African philanthropy is not just about wealth redistribution but about empowering communities to drive their own transformation. The he said that #2024APNAssembly provides an opportunity to tackle the complexities of power, history, and culture, and to build lasting partnerships that shape the future of African social justice and sustainable development. #AfricanPhilanthropy #Ubuntu #SocialJustice #Decolonization #CommunityLedChange #2024APNAssembly

At the #2024APNAssembly, the panel discussion Own Your Power: Who is Really in Charge? explored the complexities of power and its role in shaping our communities. The conversation underscored the importance of understanding the forms of power and the contexts in which they operate. Where does power truly lie in our operating context? This is the question we must ask ourselves as we seek to address the power imbalances that influence every aspect of our societies. BundiKabanze emphasized that power is central for communities to function —but how we distribute and interact with that power is what truly makes a difference. Power can be a tool for positive change, but it can also be abused and misused. Shifting the power is necessary for creating more equitable systems. Justice Rutenge highlighted the critical need for communities to be in the driver’s seat of development. He brought attention to people and community centred development in philanthropy & its importance to community-driven priorities in the development agenda. Through initiatives like the East African Financial Resource Hub with Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) CivSource Africa and Kenya Community Development Foundation aim to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) to build their “financial muscles” and gain more control over financial resources. Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) are piloting participatory grant-making, which allows communities to identify their own challenges and decide their priorities. By redistributing power in this way, we can dismantle the traditional hierarchies that have often excluded marginalized voices. He gave a powerful reminder that power is inherently hierarchical , but hierarchies are not fixed—they are built and can be deconstructed. The question now is: How do we reshape these power dynamics to create a more just and inclusive future? Caesar Ngule brought another layer to the discussion by unpacking social, structural, and institutional power. These forms of power are visible in many areas of our lives—whether it’s expert power (the ability to understand and navigate complex issues), indigenous knowledge, or the power tied to positions and titles. Elizabeth Mbabazi highlights the critical role of power mapping emphasizing that the key to solving local challenges lies in the importance of community voices and ensuring they are seen as leaders in driving change. She underscores the importance of understanding the levels and layers of power—how power is distributed and where it resides. Mbabazi advocates for inviting communities into spaces of power, not just as beneficiaries, but as equal partners in shaping solutions. She also stresses the need for systems that allow #communities to be part of the monitoring process , ensuring that their voices are not only heard but are integral to creating sustainable change.

📌 In case you missed it: The #2024APNAssembly kicked off in style with a vibrant welcome reception in the breathtaking Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe! East Africa Philanthropy Network-EAPN The Global Fund for Community Foundations Human Rights Funders Network (HRFN) CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation STAR-Ghana Foundation West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) TILITONSE FOUNDATION Zambian Governance Foundation Southern Africa Trust Masimanyane Women's Rights International Kenya Community Development Foundation Hlanganisa Community Fund for Social & Gender Justice

Day 1 of the inspiring African Philanthropy Forum at Marrakesh! I hosted a dynamic discussion on UN Global Digital Compact (GDC) implementation in Africa with Caroline Burrage TechSoup Wanjiku Jean Munyaka Microsoft Roselyn Odoyo Mozilla, and Justice Rutenge Foundation of Civil Society. Pleased to learn African knowledge from Dr Gbenga Oyebode (Chairman of African Philanthropy Foundation) and other philanthropic champions on education, youth empowerment, gender justice and sustainability.

In recent months, I have had the opportunity to collaborate closely with several civil society organisations (CSOs) from Zanzibar and Tanzania. We commenced a significant journey: the development of the Election Manifesto by the Tanzania CSOs themed, "The Tanzania We Want", which has played an important role in influencing previous elections and will direct our initiatives in the future. As one of the experts involved, I was honored not only to contribute to the drafting process but also to lead a dynamic panel during CSO Week. This panel facilitated an engaging dialogue among prominent political party leaders, sector stakeholders, and peace experts. I take great pride in observing our team facilitating engagements among political parties, motivating leaders to thoughtfully evaluate over 300 recommendations put forth by Tanzanian CSOs. The recommendations presented are essential for cultivating an environment that supports inclusive and sustainable development, in alignment with both national and global objectives. The results of our collaborative efforts are already apparent, and I look forward to witnessing the ongoing development of this journey. This experience reinforces my dedication to promoting participatory governance and establishing avenues for significant change in Zanzibar and beyond. Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) TANZANIA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS COALITION (THRDC) #Governance #CSOsWeek #InclusiveDevelopment #ElectionManifesto #Zanzibar2025 #TanzaniaWeWant #Tanzania2025

I am still learning the power of unit and collective efforts to impact the meaningful changes. #UraiaWetu #cyd_zanzibar #EuropeanUnion Foundation for Civil Society (FCS)

We have joined the Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office for Labour, Employment, Youth, and People with Disabilities, Honorable Patrobas Katambi in launching a policy brief aimed at improving the participation of Persons with Disabilities and Organizations led by Persons with Disabilities in national democratic processes. This policy guide was prepared by Child Support Tanzania, co-implementers of the #UraiaWetu project. We are delighted with the collaboration between civil society organizations and the government, which aims to enhance the quality of life for all groups of citizens. Cc: #EuropeanUnion Foundation for Civil Society (FCS)

Consumer Rights Protection Takes Center Stage as FCS and LATRA CCC Sign Landmark Partnership Agreement 🤝 We are thrilled to announce that the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and LATRA Consumer Consultative Council (LATRA CCC) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance consumer protection and rights within Tanzania's transportation sector. This landmark partnership will advocate for the interests of consumers using regulated land transport for goods and services nationwide. Supported by funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Ireland, and Norway through TradeMark Africa, this initiative aims to harness the strengths of private sector actors and civil society organizations to promote green economic growth. By collaborating, FCS and LATRA CCC are committed to creating a more informed and protected consumer environment in the land transportation sector, fostering fair market practices and dynamic business growth. Together, we will co-design and implement initiatives that enhance consumer rights and protections. During the MoU signing ceremony, FCS Executive Director Justice Rutenge highlighted the importance of partnerships in enhancing citizen agency and strengthening consumer protection mechanisms. He emphasized, “For the past two decades, FCS has maintained a citizen-centered approach focused on advancing citizen agency. Our commitment to #consumerprotection stems from this foundational concept.” Rutenge discussed essential consumer rights, including awareness on regulated transport services, and quality assurance. He noted that by partnering with LATRA CCC, FCS will leverage its capacity-building expertise to mobilize resources for initiatives aimed at protecting consumer rights in Tanzania. LATRA CCC Executive Secretary Daud Daudi underscored the need to address the broader challenges consumers face in accessing regulated transport products and services. He stressed that effective consumer protection in the transport sector is vital and that partnerships among development stakeholders will enhance protection mechanisms and safeguard consumers. “As #Tanzania moves towards fostering an environment that supports consumer rights, the partnership between FCS and LATRA CCC exemplifies a collective effort to promote equitable trade practices and empower consumers with knowledge about their rights,” Daudi stated. Consumer protection remains a strategic focus for FCS, as evidenced by a recent three-year grant agreement with TradeMark Africa aimed at establishing a robust consumer protection framework. The collaboration with LATRA CCC aligns with these objectives, seeking to address consumer protection issues, raise awareness, and empower civil society through engagement with key stakeholders and the establishment of regional and sector-specific consumer committees.