A recent report by Peace Direct examines how funding approaches can better support civil society, particularly in the context of declining official development assistance and increasing pressure on local actors. Based on research and consultations with funders and grantee partners, the report identifies flexible funding as a key approach, highlighting that core or unrestricted funding remains the most effective model for enabling civil society impact, yet is still rarely provided. It outlines four emerging models of flexible funding: Direct Champions, Connectors, Experimenters and Convener-Advocates, that aim to shift power and resources closer to local actors. The findings also emphasise that flexible funding is not only a technical mechanism but reflects a broader shift towards trust-based, locally led and more equitable funding relationships, while noting that many funders remain hesitant to adopt such approaches despite growing evidence of their effectiveness. Read more here.
Source: Peace Direct