14 November 2024

Reflections on global philanthropy for greater impact: A value-based holistic approach rooted in experience

Reflecting on the global challenges we face today, from the increasing socio-economic inequalities to climate change, responsible giving is as important as responsible receiving. Philanthropy must not only respond to immediate needs but evolve into a catalyst for deep, sustainable changes. As the Founder of Friendship in Bangladesh and Friendship International, my work over the past two decades has been rooted in the grassroots. Working with a range of donors has allowed me to observe, reflect, and act on various philanthropic practices, addressing the complexities and surprises that arise in the mindset of giving.

Friendship began with a simple goal: to reach the unaddressed and the unreachable. Working in the remote river islands (chars) and coastal areas of Bangladesh, where communities are battered by climate-induced disasters such as floods, river erosion, and cyclones, we saw first-hand how fragile life and livelihoods can be. These communities live in constant survival mode, their resilience remarkable. Yet, survival alone was not enough; they needed a solid platform from which they could rebuild their future.

This vision shaped Friendship’s integrated development model, where healthcare, education, climate adaptation, livelihoods, and social justice work hand-in-hand. Philanthropy has played a crucial role in supporting this model, but the journey required many battles to deepen the understanding of how philanthropy must evolve to maximise its impact. Mutual respect among all stakeholders is imperative to achieve truly sustainable results at the field level.

1. Increasing support for humanity’s needs today

Inequality is rising, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a small percentage. Awareness of the consequences of this inequality for both the planet and humanity should lead to better sharing of resources. Increased philanthropy could serve as a meaningful way to address these imbalances, easing conscience and bringing joy to those who share.

However, many philanthropic organisations aim for perpetuity, preserving capital for long-term distribution. As a result, much of the philanthropic funds are directed toward innovations, enterprises and social businesses. Yet, those below the threshold for such funding need immediate support. Constantly emerging crises – whether political, social, or environmental – exacerbate the cycle of poverty. Philanthropic organisations must increase their commitments today, as the need for their promises has never been greater.

2. Flexible support: Moving beyond project funding

Twenty-two years ago, Friendship launched one of the world’s first NGO ship hospitals. Few believed that an organisation not led by doctors or development experts could succeed. From a single hospital ship, Friendship’s healthcare system evolved into a three-tier model, serving over 350,000 people for health only, each month.

Working in one of the most geo-climatically and socio-economically challenged areas in the country, new needs emerged daily. Disasters necessitated preparing communities, offering relief, rehabilitation and climate financing. Income generation, education, and empowerment became essential parts for a secured platform. Raising funds for such a holistic system was an enormous challenge. Traditional project-based funding models often failed to align with our needs. We either had to adapt to donors’ mandates -working project to project – or find those willing to trust our approach and fund us, based on actual multifaceted needs.

Though we eventually succeeded in finding flexible donors, this remains an exception rather than the rule, as a major paradigm shift was required of them. Traditional project funding focuses on short-term outputs, missing the bigger picture. Systemic change requires long-term vision and adaptability, thus demanding flexibility from donors. Philanthropy must move towards flexible, multi-year institutional funding that supports organisations and the communities and thus the programmes, holistically. By trusting organisations to know their own communities’ needs, a philanthropy and their funds, can achieve far greater impact. It is not just about funding a project but empowering people to build resilience and sustainability for the future.

At Friendship, this flexibility has been essential, allowing us to respond to the shifting realities on the ground. Philanthropy needs to acknowledge that people’s lives do not fit neatly into pre-defined timelines.

3. Embracing participatory philanthropy

Participatory philanthropy begins with the involvement of the communities we aim to serve. Change happens when people are empowered to shape their own futures. If communities believe in you, they will come forward with the means to contribute. Building trust is crucial. At Friendship, communities have always contributed in whatever ways they can – whether by providing land, labour or volunteering. Their desire to participate shows trust, a powerful driver for change.

The impact of philanthropy is maximised when there is mutual understanding and respect between donors and recipients. Friendship International was one of the first South-to-North organisations created to build a global team, bridging the understanding between donors and communities. This not only applies to funding but also includes training, management and advocacy for the needed changes.

4. Governance, dignity, and hope

To bring dignity to people – especially through charity – intricate governance systems must be established. On Friendship’s hospital ships, for example, patients pay what they can afford – 10 cents for medicine or surgery. This contribution gives them the dignity of demanding proper service, rather than receiving charity. Governance allows philanthropy to create sustainable systems, patients can demand a proper service which is not charity, thus people can hold organisations accountable for the services they receive.

Over the past 22 years, Friendship has delivered essential services to over 7.5 million people annually. These figures represent far more than just statistics – they reflect lives changed, hope restored, and futures rebuilt. Philanthropy should not merely be a source of funds; it must be a partner in creating a more just world for all. This requires partnerships built on trust, humility, flexibility, and long-term commitment.

This article is part of a series marking the one year anniversary of the international edition of ‘Philanthropy Back the Drawing Board‘. Guest curated by the book’s author, Rien van Gendt, the series shares insights on the prevailing topics and trends in the philanthropy sector:

Authors

Runa Khan
Founder and Executive Director, Friendship