Rethinking funding models to build autonomy
What’s the real difference between traditional donor-driven funding and community philanthropy models? And why does it matter for communities? This webinar will be a research-backed discussion on how funding models shape power dynamics, community autonomy and long-term impact in development work. The upcoming webinar on 5 February 2026 will be hosted by Diana Onu and Irina Pop, authors of the paper How community philanthropy shifts power relations and fosters the spread of social change. The paper was based on 49 interviews conducted with development workers, community-based organizations and local residents in Romanian communities. Results of the research will be discussed, including:
- Why community philanthropy models build more autonomy.
- How involving communities at all stages transforms project outcomes.
- The difference between investing in people versus funding projects.
- What makes change sustainable versus creating dependency.
- The social psychology of power dynamics in helping relationships.
The webinar will also provide open space for discussions on how this evidence can be collectively used to shift towards more effective funding models.
Who should attend?
- Grantmakers and institutional donors exploring new funding approaches.
- Community organization leaders and development practitioners.
- Civil society professionals rethinking traditional models.
- Anyone committed to funding models that work with communities.
Date and time
Thursday 5 February at: 9h São Paulo / 12h London and Accra / 14h Bucharest / 15h Nairobi / 17h30 Delhi
*Diana and Irina conducted this research back in 2019 and 2020, with GFCF grant funding. Given the context in 2026 and the significant changes occurring across the funding landscape for civil society actors, they decided their research felt more relevant than ever, and that it was a good moment to revisit it.