Across the Global South, local organisations are the lifeblood of change, building resilient communities, advancing equity, and driving innovation in spaces often overlooked by global systems. Yet, despite their proximity to impact, these organisations remain disconnected: from one another, from opportunities, and from the resources that could help them thrive.
Kuja was born to change that.
At its heart, Kuja is more than a digital platform. It is a movement reimagining how civil society connects, collaborates, and grows. Built with the realities of the Global South in mind, Kuja’s vision is simple yet bold: to create a world where local organisations are seen, heard, and supported on their own terms.
To make this possible, Kuja has developed two complementary tools: KujaLink and KujaBuild, each designed to bridge a critical gap within the civil society ecosystem.
KujaLink: Building Bridges Between Funders and Local Organisations
KujaLink serves as a meeting point between local civil society organisations (CSOs) and funders who are genuinely committed to transformative, community-led change. Currently, only 7.5 % of direct and indirect funding in the humanitarian sector went to local and national actors in 2024. The platform connects funders directly to the stories, needs, and impact of grassroots organisations, removing the layers of bureaucracy that often hinder collaboration.
By showcasing authentic organisational profiles and lived experiences, KujaLink brings transparency and trust into the funding process. It helps funders discover organisations that are not only doing meaningful work, but also deeply rooted in their communities.
For local organisations, KujaLink offers visibility, a space where their voices matter and where relationships are built on shared purpose rather than hierarchy. It is a step towards decolonising the way resources flow in the development space.
KujaBuild: Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Growth
While KujaLink connects, KujaBuild equips. It is Kuja’s dedicated capacity-building environment designed to strengthen the technical and operational foundations of CSOs. In a survey done by Kuja, when local organisations were asked what staff they would add 19.5% said operations and admin, 23.2% business development and 10.9% finance staff. From finance to accounting to grant management and impact measurement, KujaBuild helps organisations develop the tools and confidence to scale their work effectively.
What makes KujaBuild unique is its collaborative approach. It is not just about training; it is about co-creating learning experiences with organisations themselves, ensuring that each resource is practical, context-relevant, and aligned with real challenges on the ground.
Through KujaBuild, organisations gain the knowledge to not only attract funding but also sustain and amplify their impact long after the grant cycle ends.
A Connected Future
Together, KujaLink and KujaBuild form the backbone of Kuja’s vision for a connected civil society, one where collaboration replaces competition, and where the brilliance of local leadership shines through global systems.
Beyond the platform, Kuja is cultivating a community of practice, a space for learning, sharing, and collective advocacy. The aim is not simply to digitise connection, but to humanise it; to remind the world that behind every project or proposal is a story worth listening to.
As Kuja continues to grow, its commitment remains steadfast: to close the distance between local action and global recognition, and to build an ecosystem where every organisation, no matter how small, has the opportunity to be part of something bigger.
Because when civil society is connected, communities flourish. And that is what Kuja is here to make possible.