Evidence & Storytelling
We believe in the power of stories to inspire action and shift narratives. Here we highlights stories to amplify local voices, demonstrate community-driven success, and inspire systemic change. Through videos, case studies, and community reflections, we showcase how locally-led solutions are transforming systems, driving equity, and redefining development. These stories help us advocate for more equitable funding, celebrate local leadership, and show the world the power of local solutions.
𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆-𝗟𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱
Warande, in partnership with MAMA HOPE, conducted a survey to address a common misconception in global development: that locally led organizations (LLOs) are “over-capacitated and underfunded.” This belief can inadvertently influence funding distribution, leadership trust, and the resources available to local leaders striving to create meaningful change.
Drawing insights from survey responses provided by over 100 LLOs across 20 African countries, Warande and MAMA HOPE co-led the session titled "Beyond the Myth: What Locally-Led Organizations Really Need" in New York during the 80th UN General Assembly/Climate Week, hosted by TheSidebar.
The survey results revealed that 89% of the participants are fully locally founded and run, indicating growing community ownership of social challenges and solutions. However, most organizations operate on very limited budgets, with over 75% having annual operating funds below $100,000, and many receiving minimal structured capacity strengthening support. Despite this, there is a high interest (95.2%) in capacity strengthening even without tied funding. Critical challenges include lack of technical capacity, human resources, and the inability to apply for or secure funding due to these limitations. The survey highlights major funding challenges such as reliance on single donors, donor cuts, lack of diversified income, and insufficient visibility. Local organizations often operate on a volunteer basis while facing resource shortages, as illustrated by examples from those providing gender-based violence support.
Despite these challenges, 95% of respondents expressed a strong interest in capacity strengthening, even without tied funding, particularly in areas such as fundraising, strategic planning, financial management, monitoring and evaluation (MEL), and access to flexible core funding. The findings indicate that LLOs are not over-capacitated; rather, they are critically under-supported, often providing essential community services with minimal resources.
The message is clear: donors must shift toward equitable, long-term investments that strengthen local capacity and resilience.
What Localisation Looks Like in Action: Journey of Yenege Tesfa-SHC
This documentary showcases the journey of the Ethiopia LCA – Yenege Tesfa Self-Help Collaboratives (YT-SHC). It’s a compelling example of how community-led innovation is creating meaningful, lasting impact. With the support from Warande, The Share Trust, and committed partners, local voices are being amplified, livelihoods are improving, and communities are taking charge of their own development. This is localisation in action—grounded in community leadership and delivering real, transformative change.
Video courtesy of The Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Humanitarian Aid and Development Commission (EKHCDC).
Why you should fund Coalitions
When the Uganda Local Coalition Accelerator harnessed the power of local innovation, they took a significant step toward self-reliance, leading to transformative results. By prioritizing the voices, expertise, and leadership of local actors, the coalition developed a self-sufficient system tailored to address the unique challenges faced by their communities.
Historically, very little financing or structured technical support has been provided directly to local communities and those who serve them most closely, limiting their ability to build long-term capacity and reach their full potential. It is essential for community voices to be included in discussions that affect them and their futures, yet few have had the opportunity to participate. To tackle this systemic issue, the LCA Uganda collaborates with local actors, governments, and private philanthropies to shift power, processes, and funding, enabling communities to effectively drive, design, and implement the changes they desire.
The vision of LCA Uganda is to work collaboratively to pilot and test coordinated, layered approaches to service delivery. They aim to develop a comprehensive systems-change strategy that will allow the coalition to create a new paradigm for sustainable, locally designed, and locally led development while positioning the coalition for sustainable bilateral financing.
Video courtesy of CAPAIDS Uganda.