Alianza Socioambiental Fondos del Sur, a network of local funds for socio-environmental justice that promote philanthropy in support of initiatives by community-based Global South organisations, recently marked its third anniversary. To commemorate this, Alianza showcased the unique actions and approaches taken by their member funds in the Voices of the South publication. Through these stories, a select few of which have been highlighted in this article, it’s clear to see that Alianza’s funds transform their principles into action, supported by the network’s active presence in global forums.
Philanthropy has the potential to drive significant societal and environmental change, but traditional approaches often struggle to effectively reach the most vulnerable communities, particularly those in the Global South. In response, socio-environmental funds have emerged as a transformative model, mobilising resources to support community-based organisations leading efforts in socio-environmental protection. By embracing the diverse cultures, territories, struggles, and solutions of these communities, local funds ensure that philanthropic resources reach the most marginalised populations residing in the world’s biodiversity-rich ecosystems.
The Socio-environmental Funds of the Global South (Alianza Socioambiental Fondos del Sur) unites 16 local funds from Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, all dedicated to increasing access to resources for local groups. Through the collective efforts of its member funds, the network demonstrates how community-led initiatives can unlock the transformative potential of philanthropy, turning it into a vehicle for justice, resilience, and innovation. Together, the network has mobilised over $84 million through more than 9,300 grants, directly empowering initiatives often overlooked by traditional funding models.
Adapting to Community Needs
At the heart of Alianza’s approach lies a commitment to adapting philanthropy to the specific realities of local communities. Member funds prioritise building trust, co-creating solutions, and removing the barriers which often hinder the success of ground-up initiatives.
“Let us transform power by humanising our processes, removing barriers, simplifying life for those already facing countless challenges in their territories,” says the Colombian fund Fondo Emerger. Their approach includes hands-on initiatives like project formulation marathons with Indigenous communities, honouring local knowledge while challenging traditional power structures.
Similarly, the Environmental Justice Fund (EJF), from South Africa, exemplifies how participatory grant-making can shift power by embedding activists at every decision-making level through peer learning and co-created solutions, from grants committees to board positions.
For the Samdhana Institute, from Southeast Asia, empowering Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) is about more than funding—it’s about offering flexible support and prioritising collective decision-making: “We believe it’s not just about the project—it’s about what the community learns through the process and the confidence they gain to manage their own funds.”
In Argentina, Socio-environmental Fund Plurales integrates a feminist perspective, focusing on women’s leadership in defending their territories against extractivism. By supporting women-led initiatives, Plurales helps dismantle patriarchal structures and amplifies their role in environmental and social justice.
Seeing Opportunities in the Details
The close connection between Alianza’s member funds and the communities they serve is what enables them to identify unique opportunities. This proximity fosters a deep understanding of local realities, allowing them to see potential where others might not and to respond with innovative, tailored solutions. In many projects, these opportunities arise from the entrepreneurial potential within these communities, which transforms local knowledge into solutions that promote autonomy and development.
In Brazil, the Institute Society, Population and Nature (ISPN) recognised the untapped potential of baru, a nut endemic to the Brazilian savannah, and supported its commercialisation. By fostering the growth of its production chain, baru has become a symbol of sustainability, benefiting local communities and gaining recognition both locally and internationally. Similarly, the Fundo Tindzila in Mozambique empowers women through educational programs focused on entrepreneurship, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their quality of life. Meanwhile, Fondo Ñeque in Ecuador has supported the Calacalí community in transitioning from deforestation to sustainable ecotourism, demonstrating how local biodiversity can generate income while restoring the environment.
Who Are These Communities?
The fund’s commitment to justice starts with understanding who is most affected by the crises it seeks to address. These communities include some of the most vulnerable populations, yet they also hold the knowledge and leadership to create transformative change. These include Indigenous peoples, such as the Asháninka of Peru, supported by Fondo Socioambiental del Perú; the Miskito divers of Honduras, backed by Fondo Tierra Viva, who are at the forefront of conservation, climate resilience, and human rights advocacy; and Urban peripheries, where Casa Socio-Environmental Fund empowers marginalised groups to address food insecurity, environmental racism, and climate justice through agroecology. Rural communities in Argentina, supported by Red Comunidades Rurales, where participatory training cycles co-created with local priorities in mind, empower organisations to address socio-environmental challenges with agile and relevant solutions.
Other vulnerable yet highly knowledgeable community groups include women and young people. Women leaders in Mexico, Bolivia, and the Philippines, supported by funds like Fondo Acción Solidaria (FASOL), Semilla Socio-environmental Fund, and Pastor Rice Small Grants Fund (PRSGF), champion climate justice and sustainable resource management. “People are not used to a woman becoming Secretary […] much less proposing work methods or giving opinions“, shares Sandy, a leader supported by FASOL. Similarly, Nolsita, from a project supported by PRSGF, emphasises the importance of trust: “We would not be where we are now at an organisational level if they had not trusted us. Youth movements, backed by the Youth Climate Justice Fund, which highlight the transformative potential of young changemakers addressing systemic environmental and social challenges.
Voices of the South: A Call to Rethink Philanthropy
Voices of the South invites readers to rethink philanthropy by celebrating local knowledge which has inspired socio-environmental action. The publication also reflects Alianza’s growth in 2024: the addition of new member funds, the expansion of its team, and the development of tools that strengthen cooperation and knowledge exchange. The organisation has also further solidified its presence in international forums, amplifying the voices of the Global South, deepening connections among members, and expanding its collaborative and learning community.
Download Voices of the South in English or Spanish to see how shifting power to communities is not only possible—it’s already shaping the future of philanthropy.
