The Evolution of Collective Funding

Online Workshop, World Wide

OBJECTIVE

In a world facing increasingly complex and interconnected challenges, the pursuit of systemic change has become a necessity. As traditional funding methods often fall short in addressing these intricate issues, a visionary initiative has emerged: "The Next Paradigm of Funding for Systemic Change." This initiative seeks to revolutionize the way funding is approached, harnessing collective efforts to tackle the root causes of societal and economic issues.

Convenning experts from Canada, the US and Europe, the main objective of this initiative is to establish new models of funding that drive systemic change and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing the limitations of existing funding structures, this initiative aims to create a dynamic environment where funders, stakeholders, and change-makers collaborate in innovative ways to instigate lasting transformations.

THE PROBLEM

The current funding landscape often fails to adequately address systemic issues, often focusing on short-term, isolated solutions that do not tackle the root causes of problems. This fragmented approach leads to inefficiencies, redundant efforts, and limited impact. The lack of a cohesive framework for collective action hinders the potential for substantial, sustainable change.

The problem at the heart of the initiative, “The Next Paradigm of Funding for Systemic Change,” is not merely a matter of insufficient resources, but rather a deep-seated systemic issue that hinders the ability to effectively address complex and interconnected challenges. This problem can be explored in greater detail through various facets as, (1) Fragmented Solutions; (2) Limited Impact; (3) Complex Interdependencies; (4) Short-Term Focus; (5) Lack of Cross-Sector Collaboration; (6) Risk Aversion; (7) Sustainability Concerns; (8) Limited Stakeholder Engagement.

In summary, the problem of ineffective funding for systemic change is multifaceted and deeply entrenched in the status quo. It necessitates a paradigm shift that transcends the boundaries of conventional funding, fostering a collaborative and holistic approach to addressing the complex challenges facing our world. Through the initiative’s focus on sensitivity, tailored engagement, inclusivity, and the guidance of ASyIm’s experts, a path toward meaningful systemic change begins to emerge.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The initiative anticipates several outcomes:

1. Enhanced Sensitivity to Systemic Change: The initiative acknowledges that different funders have varying degrees of sensitivity to the importance of systemic change. By fostering awareness and understanding through comprehensive research and discussions, it aims to elevate the appreciation of systemic interventions.

2. Tailored Engagement Approaches: Recognizing the diverse perspectives of funders, the initiative plans to devise customized engagement strategies. These approaches will target each funder’s unique sensitivity level, encouraging their active involvement in a multisectoral dialogue.

3. Inclusive Voices for Funding Systemic Change: A key outcome is identifying and amplifying the voices of stakeholders beyond traditional funders. This inclusivity ensures that a wide array of perspectives, expertise, and experiences contribute to the discussion and design of funding models for systemic change.

4. Efficient Avenues for Funding SDGs: Ultimately, the initiative seeks to forge efficient funding pathways that lead to meaningful systemic change, aligning with the SDGs. These pathways will reflect a collective commitment to addressing issues at their core, thereby creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

OUR CONTRIBUTION

The initiative recognizes the pivotal role of the ACTION for Systemic Impact (ASyIm) in driving this transformation. The ASyIm acts as a hub for experts, advisors, and conveners who facilitate the initiative's objectives.

ASyIm leverages its network of experts to conduct comprehensive research and analysis on systemic change needs and the efficacy of existing funding approaches. These experts contribute insights and knowledge that shape the foundation of the new funding paradigm.

The initiative benefits from advisors who provide strategic guidance based on their in-depth understanding of systemic change dynamics and funding mechanisms. These advisors ensure that the proposed models align with the complexities of systemic interventions.

ASyIm excels in convening diverse stakeholders, orchestrating engaging discussions, and fostering collaboration. By bringing together funders, stakeholders, innovators, and other voices, ASyIm creates a space for co-creation and consensus-building, essential for constructing effective funding frameworks.

Bridging it’s fundamental to be able to weave that new narrative that can change everything.

Ana Cláudia Gonçalves, Co-Founder of ASyIm

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