The “Too Southern to be Funded” report has brought to light a pervasive and troubling issue within the international aid sector: the inequitable distribution of funds that systematically disadvantages local organisations in the Global South (Majority World). This revelation presents a pivotal opportunity to reshape the way aid is delivered, making it more equitable, effective, and impactful.

Here is how we can bring about this much needed transformation: 

Strengthening Local Civil Society Organisations 

The first step towards a more equitable aid system is a significant shift in funding allocation. Substantial aid should be directed straight to local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the Global South, bypassing intermediaries that often consume a large portion of the funds. This direct approach ensures that resources reach the grassroots level where they are most needed, enabling communities to take charge of their own development. Local organisations, embedded within their communities, have a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities they face. Strengthening these organisations with direct funding will enhance the efficiency of aid but also foster local ownership and sustainability. This approach moves away from the paternalistic model of aid and towards a partnership model that respects and leverages local expertise. 

Reducing Administrative Burden 

One of the most significant barriers local CSOs face is the complexity of application and reporting processes. These bureaucratic hurdles often prevent smaller, informal, community-based organisations from accessing vital funds. To address this, donors must simplify these processes, making them more accessible and less time-consuming. Simplifying administrative procedures can lead to a substantial increase in participation from local CSOs, allowing them to focus on their core missions rather than being bogged down by paperwork. Streamlining these processes not only reduces the administrative burden but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse pool of grant partners, leading to innovative and context-specific solutions. 

Promoting Equitable Funding 

Achieving equitable funding requires robust advocacy to influence donor policies. Engaging with policymakers to promote transparency and fairness in funding allocations can lead to significant improvements. Advocacy efforts should focus on ensuring that a meaningful percentage of development aid is channeled directly to local organisations. Policy shifts mandating direct funding to local CSOs can transform the aid landscape, ensuring that those most familiar with the issues on the ground have the resources and authority to address them. Such policies promote a more balanced power dynamic between donors and recipients, fostering mutual respect and collaboration. 

Involving Local CSOs in Decision-Making 

Equitable partnerships between international organisations and local CSOs are crucial for effective aid delivery. These partnerships should be built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a genuine commitment to inclusivity. Involving local CSOs in decision-making processes ensures that their voices are heard and their insights valued. Meaningful involvement of local organisations in designing and implementing programmes ensures that initiatives are contextually appropriate and sustainable. It also helps build the capacity of local CSOs, enhancing their ability to lead development efforts in their communities. 

The Role of International NGOs (INGOs) 

International NGOs (INGOs) play a critical role in this transformation. They can leverage their influence and resources to advocate for more equitable funding practices and support local CSOs in various ways: 

• Championing Direct Funding: INGOs must take a proactive stance in advocating for direct funding to local CSOs. Persistent and strategic advocacy can result in policy changes that favour direct aid allocations. By championing this cause, INGOs can help shift the narrative and practice of international aid towards greater equity and effectiveness. 
• Enhancing Local Efficiency: Sharing resources and best practices is another vital role for INGOs. Providing local CSOs with access to training, technology, and financial management tools can significantly enhance their operational efficiency. This capacity strengthening support empowers local organisations to manage projects more effectively and achieve greater impact. 
• Integrating Local CSOs in Networks: Including local CSOs in decision-making networks and forums ensures their perspectives are considered in global discussions. These networks provide valuable opportunities for local organisations to share their experiences, learn from others, and influence broader development agendas. 
• Ensuring Global Recognition: INGOs can amplify the voices of local CSOs by facilitating their participation in international platforms. Ensuring that local perspectives are represented at forums such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) highlights the challenges and successes of grassroots initiatives to a global audience, fostering greater understanding and support. 

Continuing Advocacy for Equitable Aid 

• Highlighting the Importance of Equitable Aid: Public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in highlighting the benefits of equitable aid distribution. Success stories of direct funding can inspire public and donor support, illustrating the positive impacts of empowering local organisations. 
• Prioritising Human Rights and Democracy: Engaging in policy dialogues to advocate for policies that prioritise human rights and democracy is essential. Local CSOs should be active participants in these dialogues, ensuring that development policies are inclusive, equitable, and reflective of on-the-ground realities. 
• Presenting Success Stories: Presenting concrete evidence of the benefits of direct funding can be a powerful advocacy tool. Success stories and case studies from the field can persuade donors to adopt similar funding models, demonstrating the tangible impact of equitable aid practices. 
• Co-Creating Advocacy Campaigns: Co-creating advocacy campaigns with local CSOs ensures that these campaigns resonate with target communities and address their specific needs. Joint advocacy efforts can amplify the call for equitable funding and mobilise support at multiple levels. 
• Ensuring Aid Reaches Local Partners: Promoting accountability in aid delivery is crucial to ensure that funds reach the intended beneficiaries and are used effectively. Robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including community-based monitoring, can help track the use of aid funds and ensure transparency and accountability. 

Supporting Local CSO Coalitions 

• Organising Collaborative Events: Facilitating networking among local CSOs by organising events and forums encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing. These interactions can foster a strong support network and promote collective action. 
• Helping Coalitions Form: Offering seed funding to help local CSO coalitions form and operate is essential. Seed funding can enable coalitions to establish themselves, strengthen their capacity, and start their activities. 
• Training in Management, Resourcing and Sustainability: Training in coalition management and fundraising strengthens the sustainability of local CSOs. Such capacity strengthening initiatives equip local organisations with the skills needed to manage their operations effectively and secure funding independently. 
• Creating Resource Sharing Platforms: Creating platforms for resource sharing among local CSOs enhances their operational capabilities. Shared resources, such as funding opportunities, project templates, and training materials, can support the growth and effectiveness of local organisations. 
• Assisting in Funding Acquisition: Providing advocacy support to local CSO coalitions in securing funding is vital. This support can help coalitions navigate the funding landscape and access the resources they need to expand their activities. 
• Endorsing Coalitions for Legitimacy: Endorsing local CSO coalitions to establish their legitimacy and gain recognition from donors and government bodies is crucial. Such endorsements can enhance the credibility of local coalitions, increasing their chances of securing funding and support. 

Conclusion

The “Too Southern to be Funded” report underscores the urgent need for a more just and effective aid system. By implementing these strategies, we can create a framework that truly supports local organisations in the Global South. Ensuring that aid reaches those who can use it most effectively is not just a moral imperative but a practical one, fostering sustainable development and resilient communities. 

Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash