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April 24, 2009

Global Philanthropy Forum
Avoid 'Philanthropic Colonialism,' Says Grant Maker

While foundations want to help African nations, they must avoid “philanthropic colonialism,” in which projects last for only a few years and ignore local needs, said Peter Buffett, co-chair of the NoVo Foundation.

Speaking on the final day of the Global Philanthropy Forum, Mr. Buffett described how his organization has worked hard to avoid such pitfalls in the African nation of Liberia, where NoVo, the World Bank, and others are trying to rebuild the education system.

For example, in helping to set up vocational schools to teach former child soldiers, the NoVo Foundation and its partners have tried to find out what job training is relevant to the country’s marketplace.

“If you’re turning out tailors and you need plumbers, it makes no sense,” he said.

In addition, he said, to fully appreciate the challenges of working in a country recovering from war like Liberia, donors need to see the place firsthand.

“You don’t know if you don’t go,” he said.

After visiting Liberia, he said, he had a better understanding of the cultural and economic obstacles that affect his foundation’s efforts to improve education for girls. For example, female students often have responsibilities at home that keep them away from school, some families force them to get married at a young age, and a few teachers offer good grades for sex.

Finally, Mr. Buffett said working effectively in Liberia means operating closely with the government.

In response to the interest in the country by NoVo and other foundations, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, president of Liberia, has established a “philanthropy secretariat,” said Natty B. Davis, a Liberian diplomat.

He said the position will help make sure the foundation interest Ms. Johnson-Sirleaf has attracted will continue after she leaves office.

Mr. Buffet said that the dynamic Ms. Johnson-Sirleaf was why he first considered helping Liberia. But now having developed a close relationship with other government officials and a place in his heart for Liberians, his charitable commitment will not waver when she leaves office.

“We support her, but we support the country,” he said.

— Ian Wilhelm

Friday April 24, 2009 | Permalink

Comments

1. Dear Mr Buffet,

   I totally agree with your sentiments.I think as a fundraiser, who is working towards becoming a fundraising advisor, l have been trying to pass that message to funding partners for as long as l can remember.Slowly but surely l am now making it my life’s mission to help funding partners identify and fund viable projects on the ground in Africa while at the same time helping CBOs and local NGOs recognize funding opportunities available to them.I am also helping CBOs learn how to communicate with funding partners.One of the most successful funding partners l met was one who asked me…Maria please tell me what l can fund if l brought in funding?What would make most sense to communities in Kenya?These are questions l wish to hear from funding partners.The time element is critical.Thank you Sir for bringing it up.Alot of one year or six month projects l have seen funded have not hit their expected outcomes.This then disappoints the funding partner as well as the implementing partner.The funder then goes away feeling he was cheated or like many l know…they wonder…why can’t these Kenyans get their act together? But this is a totally catch 22 situation…the funder has objectives in mind they want accomplished.The implementing partner also wants to get funding in their organization.Either way,lack of discussion and with an open mind at that,renders itself to unfulfilled outcomes.
   I hope funding partners will take this to heart.I believe that this is the kind of outlook, that if adapted would produce a win-win situation for both the funding and implementing partners.

   Asante Sir.

   Much appreciated.

   Very sincerely,
   Maria Wanza
   Fundraiser/Communications officer
   Nairobi Peace Initiative-Africa

   — Maria    Apr 28, 11:43 AM    #

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