Leveraging local expertise

Social change doesn't happen in a vacuum. Every organization operates within a web of relationships, dependencies, and conditions that shape what's possible — and that web often determines which intervention succeeds or fails. Yet, philanthropy too often assesses these organizations in isolation, with little visibility into the ecosystems of people and institutions that shape outcomes and determine where resources can have the greatest influence.

This blind spot has become increasingly consequential as global challenges are more interconnected than ever before. Climate change, food insecurity, economic instability, public health threats, political polarization, biodiversity loss, and displacement no longer exist in isolation—they influence and amplify one another in complex ways. Solving these challenges requires more than understanding individual organizations; it requires understanding the ecosystem dynamics in which they operate.

Without insight into who is trusted, how organizations are connected, and the roles they play within their ecosystems, donors are forced to make decisions with incomplete information—relying on what is visible and already familiar. As a result, many of the organizations best positioned to address complex challenges, especially those that are locally-led, remain overlooked and underfunded.

If we are serious about solving today's interconnected challenges, we need a different approach. We need to understand the ecosystems in which change happens, listen to those most proximate to the problem, and act on their insight—ensuring that resources reach the people and organizations with the deepest understanding of local realities and the greatest ability to respond.