African Visionary Fund

In Tanzania, charcoal is the main energy source for many. However, traditional production methods harm forests and communities. MTANDAO WA JAMII WA USIMAMIZI WA MISITU TANZANIA (MJUMITA), in partnership with the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG), is changing that with a sustainable approach. Their Community-Based Forest Management model, now practiced in several regions, is Tanzania’s only model that promotes eco-friendly charcoal production from natural forests. As MJUMITA’s Executive Director, Rahima Njaidi, explains, “Our model has shown that the Miombo woodland regenerates quickly. Five years after harvesting, you wouldn't believe charcoal was produced there.” Check out our interview with Rahima to learn more about how MJUMITA is leading the way for sustainable charcoal, conservation, and community empowerment across Tanzania: https://ow.ly/PIwz50U7a3A To learn more about MJUMITA, visit www.mjumita.or.tz

Funding for locally-led organizations is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to economic uncertainty, global crises, and shifting donor priorities. ? How are social impact leaders adapting without compromising their mission? ? How can the funder community effectively respond to support them? Our answer is clear: investing in locally-led organizations builds resilience in times of crisis. Because, when challenges arise, these organizations remain on the frontlines, driving impact and innovation. The New York Times recently highlighted this critical issue and mentioned our work. ?? ?? Read the full article: https://ow.ly/9wZC50VmsOu

#SheLeadsImpact Philanthropy works best when funding reaches those closest to the issues. Atti Worku & Katie Bunten-Wamaru, Co-CEOs of the African Visionary Fund, are ensuring that African-led organizations get the funding they deserve. By shifting power dynamics in philanthropy, they are challenging traditional funding models and providing unrestricted grants to organizations that are transforming communities across Africa. Impact: Millions in funding directed to African-led initiatives, strengthening grassroots movements. #IWD #Philanthropy

Last year, we had the privilege of speaking with Niniola Williams, Managing Director of the DRASA (Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh) Health Trust—one of our stellar portfolio partners—about DRASA's pioneering efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance on a national scale. By forging multi-sector collaborations and launching community-driven initiatives, DRASA is building a powerful network of health advocates across Nigeria, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient future. DRASA led the development of Nigeria’s five-year plan on combating antimicrobial resistance, embracing a ‘One Health’ approach that unites human, animal, and environmental health with over 450 actionable initiatives. This bold plan prioritizes community engagement and data-driven solutions to address critical health challenges. Dive into our latest blog post (https://ow.ly/HEcW50U0N97) to explore how DRASA is leading transformative change, and discover more about their impactful work at https://drasatrust.org.

As our team returns to the States after an inspiring week in Marrakech, Morocco, we are filled with sincere gratitude! We are proud to have had our Co-CEO, Katie Bunten-Wamaru, represent AVFund at this year’s #APF2024. Heartfelt thanks to African Philanthropy Forum for hosting such an impactful conference and to the phenomenal speakers for sharing their invaluable insights. Until next time!

We are excited to welcome Alfred Muli as our first-ever Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Manager! With over a decade of expertise in Public Health and Monitoring & Evaluation, Alfred has led impactful projects in WASH and Sexual Reproductive Health across Africa. A passionate advocate for women's health and reproductive rights, Alfred has also contributed to key publications on menstrual health. ?? Alfred’s approach to MEL: "We can always find the sweet spot between impact measurement and respecting the dignity of the communities where data is collected. While it's great to have quantifiable data and metrics, it’s even more important to ensure that the data collection process respects all the people involved. Communities and proximate leaders know what is best for them, so their insights are key to how we assess impact. In my experience, this always fosters genuine trust and strengthens outcomes." We’re thrilled to have Alfred on our team. Read his full bio here: https://lnkd.in/en2a6XHW

Not everyone has to die in an emergency... emergency care saves lives. Thank you Skoll Foundation for your support. https://lnkd.in/dbu-z_Y8

Thank you Don Gips and the whole Skoll Foundation team for supporting our vision and helping us tell our stories! Ben Pyne Kathryn (Spencer) Harrison Kathie Paul Ari Johnson Nneka Mobisson Benjamin W. Wachira

“[Localization] must be mainstreamed as a field-wide practice, instead of being dismissed as a hot topic that will fizzle with time … The field's ability to maximize lasting, impactful change depends on it." Hear from co-CEOs of our partner the African Visionary Fund, Atti Worku and Katie Bunten-Wamaru, about The Equity Principles and Metrics Framework for Meaningful Localization and its three key themes: fair funding practices, equitable partnerships, and greater agency of local change-makers to secure systems change.

?? Grateful for the opportunity to engage with inspiring leaders at the recent UNGA week Stories of Local Leadership chat, organized by African Visionary Fund Dr. Jacques captured the essence of our work perfectly: “If we get enough (funding), we do enough (impact).” This reinforces the vital connection between resources and meaningful change. Thank you to everyone who shared their journeys—your stories resonate deeply and remind us all of the power of local leadership. Together, we can transform our communities. #Leadership #Impact #AfricanVisionaryFund Drop of Water #CleanWaterforall #Ethiopia