If you believe that this is community philanthropy’s moment, don’t miss the Stories for Change Online Festival on 15 January 2026!
Stories for Change is an initiative of the Giving for Change programme, which over the last five years has tested new approaches to supporting and growing community philanthropy in eight countries in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The programme, which closed on 31 December 2025, was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As the programme wraps up, Giving for Change partners have come together to offer Stories for Change: a global campaign that celebrates and champions the transformative power of community philanthropy. This will culminate in the Stories for Change Festival on 15 January 2026.
The Festival will showcase the work of the 11 partners in the Giving for Change programme, and will also feature films and stories from allies across the wider #ShiftThePower movement. The day itself will comprise of two two-hour sessions with screenings of short videos made during the Giving for Change programme, panel and discussion sessions, poetry, music and much more! See below for more information on each session, as well as links to register.
Session 1: The tome for community philanthropy is NOW
Accra and London 10h / Nairobi 13h / Delhi 15h30 / Jakarta 17h
In these fast-changing and uncertain times, community philanthropy is more needed and relevant than ever. In this session, we will showcase how community philanthropy is being used strategically for development, led and driven by communities.
Host: Olabukunola (Buky) Williams, Akina Mama Wa Afrika
Panel: Kamala Chandrakirana (Indonesia for Humanity), Grace Maingi (Kenya Community Development Foundation) and Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu (STAR Ghana Foundation)
“Spotlight” on: Burkina Faso and Palestine
Session 2: The role of community resources in claiming and defending rights
Mexico City 8h / São Paulo 11h / Accra and London 14h / Nairobi 17h
The importance of local resources in the defence of rights is often overlooked. In this session, we will explore community philanthropy’s role in advancing human rights and social justice.
Host: Dina Zayed
Panel: Michael Vincent Mercado (Center for Disaster Preparedness), Jonathas Azevedo (Rede Comuá), Kedolwa Waziri (Trans and Queer Fund Collective) and Gerald Kankya (Twerwaneho Listeners’ Club)
“Spotlight” on: Brazil and Mozambique