The Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa has brought together 100 of South Africa’s biggest funders to discuss the future of SA.
South Africa (04 November 2020) – The year 2020 has dramatically changed the world and the way philanthropy operates, propelling them to mobilise quicker than ever before, rapidly revise and change strategies, and substantially adjust their work to fit the new environment. The urgency produced by the COVID-19 pandemic made planning difficult and vital decisions and judgements had to be made that were not always well informed or easy.
This year’s Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa (IPASA) Virtual Symposium, held on the 3 – 4 November, sees 100 South African funders discuss and debate the future of funding in an unprecedented disruptive climate. The two days of presentations and discussion look at lessons learnt, future policies and possible new directions for philanthropy in South Africa. COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way funders work and provides a unique opportunity for a build back better together approach.
The programme includes discussions around collaboration during COVID-19, and how the sector will have to adopt new future funding and investment policies and practices. Foundations such as The Learning Trust, Ford Foundation, Ackerman Family Foundation, Alan and Gill Gray Philanthropies, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, Oppenheimer Generations Foundation, Zenex Foundation, and many more are participating in the event.
The 2020 Annual Review of South African Philanthropy, published by IPASA, is the only publication of its kind in South Africa which focuses on stories of South African philanthropy through local case studies that show the possibilities and scope of giving.
The purpose of this Review is to raise awareness of the work of independent philanthropy in South Africa and to provide a voice for philanthropy.
“Philanthropy is in a critical position to lead the effort to enact change and to collaboratively build back systems better to make them work for all. IPASA’s symposium will provide a platform for funders to start to work together to achieve this.” Louise Driver, Executive Director, The Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa (IPASA)
While COVID-19 changed the climate of funding in South Africa, it gave way to new collaborative efforts between organisations. 2020 saw changemakers uniting to save lives and working in new ways to empower struggling South Africans.
While we can all agree 2020 has been one of the toughest years in decades, it has also paved the way forward for us to build it back, better!
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