
Stories Shaping Philanthropy
Explore perspectives, insights, and stories from leaders driving meaningful change across the philanthropic sector.
All Narratives
20 articles


We Keep Funding Africa’s Problems. What About Its Possibilities?

As Global Aid Dwindles, Can African Philanthropy Fill the Gap?
The contraction of global aid is exposing the fragility of a development system that has relied heavily on external resources and priorities. But it is also creating an opportunity to build African philanthropy ecosystems that mobilize local resources, strengthen institutions, and give African actors greater power over the futures they are trying to build.

As Global Aid Dwindles, Can African Philanthropy Fill the Gap?
The contraction of global aid is exposing the fragility of a development system that has relied heavily on external resources and priorities. But it is also creating an opportunity to build African philanthropy ecosystems that mobilize local resources, strengthen institutions, and give African actors greater power over the futures they are trying to build.

Building Safe Spaces For the Next Generation
The organizations doing the most meaningful work in African communities are rarely the ones with the loudest voices. In the Narrative is our response to that reality. Each month, we profile one selected organization doing real community-driven work on the continent and make sure their stories reach the people who need to hear them. These are their stories, told in their own words. This edition features Peter Kimani, Chairperson, Blossoms of Ghetto, a community-based organization working with vulnerable children and families in Mathare, Nairobi, and here is what he had to say.

When Celebrities Turn Influence Into Social Impact

Here is How this Organization is Fighting Gender Violence in Northern Nigeria
Women and girls across Nigeria often experience domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) in absolute silence, often with nowhere to turn to for help. This organization is changing that reality.

More Than Money: Why Blood Donation May Be Africa's most Overlooked Philanthropy
A single act of giving can save someone you will never meet. Every blood donation is a reminder that some of the most important acts of generosity happen quietly, without recognition, but with the power to save a life.

What an Umlazi Savings Circle Reveals About Philanthropy
How South African households, communities, and institutions quietly finance resilience outside dominant aid narratives.

Beyond Storytelling: Why African Philanthropy needs more than narratives

Beyond Storytelling: Why African Philanthropy needs more than narratives

Inside a Grassroots Mission to Shape Grounded Leaders in Nigeria
The organizations doing the most meaningful work in African communities are rarely the ones with the loudest voices. In the Narrative is our response to that reality. Each month, we profile one selected organization engaging in community-driven work on the continent and make sure their stories reach the people who need to hear them.

The Women Reshaping African Narratives on Philanthropy
Across the continent, a growing cohort of African women are doing more than giving. They are building institutions, shaping policy, and designing the communities they want to see. This profile piece spotlights the women who are most visibly driving that shift — and rewriting the public conversation on Africa's development.

How One Foundation Is Tackling South Africa's Education Crisis
Founded in 2018, the Trevor Noah Foundation is changing education philanthropy in South Africa through a community-centered, teacher-led approach.

Africa’s Changemakers: Celebrating the 2026 Schwab Foundation Awards Winners from the Continent
2026 Schwab Foundation Awards, announced at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

Why 54 Nations are Watching TEFConnect This January
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme, inviting ambitious entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries to apply for funding, training, and mentorship.

How ASR Africa is Building a New Era of Philanthropy
When you look at Abdul Samad Isiyaku Rabiu’s journey, it’s easy to focus on the BUA Group’s massive success.

Aliko Dangote Has Pledged 25% of His Wealth to Africa’s Future
The cornerstone of this pledge is a ₦1 trillion ($688 million) Education Fund designed to span the next decade.

The Most Generous Country in the World Isn’t Who You Think
According to the World Giving Report 2025, Nigeria has officially outpaced the globe in generosity.

10 Ways African Countries Are Leading the World in Generosity
Here are 10 concrete ways African countries lead global giving.
