Authors:
Katrina Chye V. Agulan, Manager, Capital Mobilisation;
Hiral Sarvaiya Chauhan, Assistant Director, Capital Mobilisation;
Mary Austin dela Cruz, Associate, Capital Mobilisation
Madeline Liu, Junior Associate, Capital Mobilisation
This case study explores the landscape of evolving philanthropy, which focuses on trust-based philanthropy, a model that emphasises relationships, mutual respect, and shared power to achieve more sustainable results for grantees. The central argument is that complementing financial support with non-financial assistance can fundamentally strengthen a non-profit’s organisational capacity.
Beyond providing multi-year flexible funding, AVPN’s Asia Gender Equality Fund has implemented a targeted capacity-building strategy, which begins with a needs assessment, conducted in partnership with Empact, to identify the specific organisational challenges faced by grantees. Through this approach, grantees receive more tailored support to address their specific priority needs.
A key component of this strategy was our partnership with KKR, a global investment firm, through their skills-based volunteering programme. KKR employees provided individual mentorship to grantees who have identified priority areas that matched their skills, such as financial management, marketing, communications, operations, and fundraising. Along with dedicated pitch mentorship sessions, these offered grantees access to professional expertise they might not otherwise have. The study highlights the transformative impact of this on organisations like Enrich and the Azad Foundation, illustrating how direct mentorship can drive significant improvements in strategic development and fundraising.
Furthermore, masterclasses on common priority need areas were followed by one-to-one clinics, which allowed grantees to delve deeper into their unique challenges and receive personalised guidance. This combination of broad education and individualised support proved crucial for building long-term resilience and adaptability.
The case study concludes by outlining key takeaways for both funders and grantees, reinforcing the idea that a relationship built on trust and a commitment to non-financial support is vital for creating lasting change. It underscores AVPN’s commitment to continuously improve its support to non-profit organisations, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
