Blood:Water

Meet one of our speakers for the 2024 APF Conference- Nadia Kist is a global health and equitable philanthropy practitioner with over 20-years experience leading organizations and initiatives centered around the HIV-response in Africa. A daughter of the continent, Nadia firmly believes that communities are the rightful custodians of sustainable development. She is committed to advancing this into action by championing equitable community-centered models of philanthropy that effectively interrupt the intersectional drivers of health disparities and power differentials. Nadia is the Director of Africa Partnerships with Blood:Water, a philanthropic organization that partners in grant-making exclusively with African-led organizations. Since its founding in 2004, Blood:Water has deployed $30 Million to 33 partners in 12 countries on the continent. Nadia stewards Blood:Water’s partnership strategy that pairs flexible multi-year funding with organizational strengthening investments to partners. This includes the Leader Collective, a community of practice that convenes, amplifies and invests in African leader driving social impact. She serves on the board of the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN), is an active member with the International AIDS Society (IAS), Catalyst 2030 as well as the African Philanthropy Forum (APF). Nadia is also the co-founder and Chairman of Seeds for Hope (SFH), a youth-focused trust in Kenya that exists to expanding access to formal education through academic scholarships. Nadia has a Masters of Public Administration in International Non-profit Management and a Bachelors of Arts in African Studies, both from New York University. She also holds a post-graduate certificate in Clinical Research Methods from University of Illinois at Chicago. Throughout her career she published contributions to numerous conferences, peer-review journals, and the World Bank. Nadia brings a deep understanding of the ecosystem having worked in a diverse range of contexts including academia, faith, government and civil society institutions.

“Change doesn’t take time, it happens in an instant… right when you make a decision. It’s getting ready to change that takes time.” — Tony Robbins The wonderful thing about my role or better still Blood:Water is how we walk with our partners as they continuously strengthen their systems, policies, people and practices ( This is what we call Organizational Strengthening; have a look at the picture attached) and then during one routine activity you finally see it...... STRENGTHENED SKILL 💪🎉🎉🎉🎉 This happened today as I read through a partner's report and how beautifully reflective it was. The clarity in what change the project is achieving both in individuals and communal was unmatched. The cherry on top.....it can be evidenced!!!!!!! It's these little moments that reaffirm to me that our model works!!!! Trust based and highly relational philanthropy paired with funding for organizations to lead their own growth and development is the only way to go. It takes time but they when they get there.....They THRIVE🥳 #partnerships #Organizationalstrengthening

Connection. Being known, and knowing others (at least a bit!). At a conference? It’s a privilege to be back at Opportunity Collaboration 2024, this time in Ixtapa, Mexico. This “un-conference” is such a refreshing mix of opportunities for connections, gathering funders and practitioners together, and aiming more toward conversation and learning instead of pressures that come with conferences. It’s not perfect but it is a breath of fresh air. And it’s in a beautiful setting that reinforces relaxation and refreshment. The extra-special treat is to meet with 2 of our Blood:Water partner leaders who traveled from Kenya to be here! It is a glimpse into the web of relationships that show we’re stronger together — there’s nothing like a community of funders and nonprofits collaborating together. #oc2024 #gainingtrust #celebratinggains #ixtapa #ocimpact