WHAT WE DO
The Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group (AGAG) was established in 2000. We offer new and experienced grantmakers opportunities to build professional relationships and gain knowledge and information that will help them to make strategic funding decisions.
Our mission is to promote robust, effective, and responsive philanthropy to benefit African communities. Our vision is a world in which African communities achieve their full potential.
“AGAG enables funders to have a global reach and connect with colleagues in an atmosphere that feels like family.”
Current challenges and opportunities
Africa is a complex and varied continent with a shifting landscape of positive changes and pressing needs. With Africa’s wealth of natural resources and fast growing economies, this is a time of tremendous opportunity for funders to increase their impact and keep the momentum of positive change moving forward. However, there is still more to do. African communities need more and better access to health care, clean water, food security and education. Supporting organizations that are making a difference and engaged in good work will help communities across Africa achieve their full potential.
The need for a dedicated affinity group
There are few networks where funders supporting work in Africa can easily connect with others who share their passion and interest and find practical information about the different approaches funders are using, what is working and what is not and why. As part of a community of grantmakers, you can make the right professional relationships and deepen your understanding of the context and trends of funding in countries across the Continent.
How Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group adds value
The Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group brings together funders, practitioners and scholars from Africa, Europe and North America who care about Africa. We believe that a larger and more knowledgeable network of funders will help to grow and strengthen the impact of private philanthropy in Africa.
CONNECT - We connect people to encourage collaborations and partnerships that advance our mission.
CONVENE - We organize conferences and other forums that bring together a diverse community of funders.
CURATE - We identify and disseminate information about trends, strategies, and key points of leverage
Our values
● Diversity & Respect: We value and are committed to fostering a diversity of constructive experiences, opinions, and approaches. We encourage new voices and ideas from current and potential members and the full range of philanthropic and other stakeholders working in support of positive change in Africa.
● Accountability: We hold ourselves to a high standard of ethical conduct and accountability and encourage the same of our members, stakeholders and the field of Africa philanthropy.
● Knowledge and Learning: We value knowledge, learning, candor and critical thinking and believe that gathering, curating and sharing knowledge are essential activities in effective funding.
● Collaboration and Partnership: We are committed to building collaborations and partnerships to advance our vision, mission and goals.
Our goals
● Advocate for sustained and increased philanthropy dedicated to Africa at all levels.
● Explore and educate funders on methods of effective funding approaches and trends in current philanthropy to Africa.
● Ensure the sustainability, stability, and sound management of our network to successfully achieve our vision, mission, values, and goals.
Our history, our network, our strength
People who believe that philanthropy can play an important role in social justice and social equity across the African continent formed the Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group (AGAG).
Our roots are in the informal networks of funders that worked to galvanize foundation support for the anti-apartheid movement in Southern Africa during the 1980s and 1990s by encouraging greater foundation engagement in the southern Africa region. This network was known first as South Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group (SAGAG) and then become the Southern Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group (SAGAG).
In 2000 SAGAG became the Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group, signaling a more formal and expansive effort to keep the momentum of private philanthropy moving forward in even broader support of communities across the entire African continent.
Our long history means we have a deep understanding of the context of philanthropy in Africa and of the key players. Due to our network of informed and experienced colleagues, we are a trusted source of information and expertise. Our members have track records that demonstrate philanthropy can and has made significant contributions to positive change for Africa and its people.
Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group is fiscally sponsored by Tides Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gift may be tax deductible pursuant to §170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Please visit www.tides.org/state-nonprofit-disclosures/ for additional information.
ADDING VALUE TO PHILANTHROPY TO AFRICA
Why the Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group?
We believe that a strong network of informed and connected funders is a necessary ingredient for robust, effective and responsive philanthropy to benefit African communities.