At a time of profound shifts in international funding, this webinar aims to open an urgent conversation about the present and future of philanthropy in Latin America. Local organizations are facing increasing challenges following the closure of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF) and USAID cuts. This situation has revealed the fragility of traditional cooperation models and the need to build new ways to sustain grassroots work.
The event will be structured in three parts: first, a general overview of the current state of philanthropy and international cooperation in Latin America; second, preliminary findings from a regional survey assessing the impact of these funding cuts; and finally, a conversation about collective response strategies, collaborative networks, and the fundamental role of community philanthropy and local funds.
This webinar aims to:
- Provide a general overview of the current context of international cooperation and philanthropy in Latin America.
- Reflect on the structural roots of funding inequalities in the Global South and the political role of philanthropy. Why does the South still lack fair access to resources?
- Share preliminary results of the survey on the impact of the IAF’s closure and USAID cuts on local organizations in the region.
- Show how local networks and funds are organizing: collective responses and alternative models.
- Highlight the role of the Alianza de Fondos del Sur and Rede Comuá as strategic models to mobilize resources from and for Latin America.
- Create a space in Spanish for essential conversations on cooperation, philanthropy, and power.
Date: April 23, 2025
Time:
- San Francisco, USA – 09:00
- Mexico City, Mexico – 10:00
- Caracas, Venezuela – 12:00
- New York, USA - 12:00
- Buenos Aires, Montevideo – 13:00
- London, UK - 16:00
- Cape Town, South Africa - 18:00
- Nairobi, Kenya - 19:00
- Delhi, India - 22:00
Language: Spanish with live interpretation to English
Duration: 1 hour
Speakers
Juan Camilo Mira (Fondo Emerger, Alianza de Fondos del Sur)
Marine biologist with a master's degree in Environmental Management, involved in the analysis and decision-making in the design and implementation of public policies affecting the environmental and rural sectors in Colombia. He has experience in generating sustainable proposals and developing platforms and social processes such as Ecofondo, the Colombian Network of Civil Society Natural Reserves, and the Water Referendum, among others. He is currently the Coordinator of the Fondo Emerger.
Juliana Tinoco (Alianza de Fondos del Sur)
Currently Executive Coordinator of the Socio-Environmental Alliance of Southern Funds, a pioneering initiative of philanthropic funds that support grassroots communities in strategic regions for socio-environmental protection in the Global South.
She has spent nearly two decades strengthening narratives around environmental and climate agendas by connecting them with social issues. Her work focuses on articulation, alliances and institutional relations, knowledge dissemination, communication and participation strategies, multimedia projects, and the promotion of dialogue with diverse audiences.
She is a journalist and audiovisual producer, with a master’s degree in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a bachelor's degree in Social Communication from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
Jonathas Azevedo (Rede Comuá)
Born in Rio de Janeiro, currently living there, with experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation both in Brazil and Haiti. He has worked in fundraising for Doctors Without Borders, developed trainings, written reports, organized events, and built strategic partnerships.
He is currently Executive Director of Rede Comuá and Programs Advisor at the Brazilian Philanthropy Network for Social Justice. He is also a board member of Doctors Without Borders Brazil, where he serves as Treasurer. His current interests include new grantmaking practices, evaluation, futurism applied to humanitarian aid and development, emerging technologies, and ancestry.
Facundo Ibarlucía (Red Comunidades Rurales / Alianza)
Political scientist specialized in technology service management, design, monitoring and evaluation of socio-environmental projects. Since 2012, he has worked with the Red Comunidades Rurales and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), where he has served as Director of the Rural Community Project Bank and Coordinator of the Research and Knowledge Management Area.
He has led learning communities and developed consulting processes for UNDP's Small Grants Programme (SGP). He has worked on initiatives such as Force for Good (JP Morgan), Resource Mapping (Telecom), and rural development surveys. He holds degrees from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella and Universidad de San Andrés, and is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
As the debate over decolonizing aid and power shifts intensifies, one organization in Kenya stands out as a real-life example of what sustainable community-led development can look like in practice.
In our recent webinar, “Community-led Sustainable Development Organizations: The Case of KCDF,” which was held on the 15th of April, 2025, we explored the history and model of the Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) – a pioneer in community philanthropy and champion of locally rooted solutions for 25 years.
Since 1997, KCDF has been working to build capacity in communities across Kenya to empower them to take control of their own development. Their approach goes beyond traditional finance – emphasizing collective action, wealth building, and local fundraising as key pillars of sustainable change.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar:
Locally Rooted, Community-Owned Solutions
KCDF believes that real change happens when communities take the lead. Their approach goes beyond viewing people as beneficiaries—they are partners, co-creators, and decision-makers. This mindset builds a deeper sense of ownership, trust, and long-term resilience.Building Local Assets for Long-term Impact
By encouraging local giving and helping communities build their own endowment funds, KCDF is paving the way for lasting impact. It’s a powerful step toward reducing reliance on outside aid and ensuring communities can continue their progress—on their own terms.Partnerships that Respect Local Wisdom
KCDF’s partnerships are built on respect and the simple but powerful idea that people know what’s best for their own communities. They listen, learn, and walk alongside grassroots organizations, recognizing local knowledge as a strength, not a gap.Adaptability in Challenging Times
Whether it’s shifting political landscapes or the growing challenges of climate change, KCDF stays responsive and adaptable. Their work evolves with the realities communities face—never losing sight of what matters most.Inspiration for the Global South
KCDF’s story is a reminder that strong, self-reliant communities are not just possible—they’re already here. Their model is a source of inspiration for others across the Global South who are working to build systems that truly put people first.
Missed the conversation? Watch the full webinar here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb0QYq88MwM&t=4s&ab_channel=KUJA
Speakers:
Sarah Martha
Sarah Martha Anyika is a dedicated Community Development Advocate and the Executive Director of Dhamira Moja CBO, a grassroots organization in Busia Countys.
Passionate about partnerships and resource mobilization, she is a certified consultant in Local Fundraising and Resource Mobilization, trained by Wilde Ganzen (Change
The Game Academy) through KCDF. She is also a Lobby and Advocacy Champion with a niche in Gender Responsive Budgeting, advocating for equitable resource allocation to support sustainable community development.
With nine years of experience in community development work, Sarah champions inclusive development that empowers communities to shape their own future. Through her leadership, Dhamira Moja has fostered community-led solutions that drive sustainable development, strengthening grassroots efforts for long-term impact. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management.
Caesar Ngule
Current Programmes Director at Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF). With over 15 years of experience, Caesar Ngule is an expert in leading high-impact projects and programs.
He is specialized in Organizational Development, Community led Development approaches including facilitating sustainable access to basic services by communities, championing for an enabling environment for Civil Society, and promoting community centric philanthropy that shifts power to communities.
As a seasoned Trainer and Facilitator, Caesar is passionate about experiential learning, employing practical exercises that foster behavior and attitude change. He has held managerial
roles at Food for the Hungry International and Caritas Kenya, successfully designing and implementing health, education, and livelihood programs in diverse communities.
Caesar holds a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management in Community Development, and a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development.
Emily Omudho
Emily is a dedicated community development professional with over 14 years of experience in
designing and overseeing programs for vulnerable communities. She is the Team Leader for Community- Led Development at KCDF in Kenya where she also coordinates Change the Game Academy Program(CtGA). Emily is a passionate advocate for sustainable development and has extensive experience in program management, capacity strengthening, and partnership building.
She has overseen the execution of multi-year initiatives working in close partnerships with government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to foster sustainable and inclusive development. She has experience using various development models, including Matching grant models, Village Savings and Loans methodologies and is a great champion of community philanthropy.
Emilly is pursuing a Master’s in Social Transformation with a Major in Sustainable Development and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Human Development.
