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From January 28th to 30th, 2025, KCDF attended the 3rd Year Retreat of the Financial Resilience Resource Hub (FRRH) in Kampala, Uganda. The retreat gathered representatives from KCDF, CIVFUND-Africa, FCS (Foundation for Civil Society) and FORD Foundation. Representing KCDF at the retreat were Caesar Ngule – Programmes Director; Gabriel Kihara – Monitoring and Evaluation Team Lead; and Kennedy Odera – Coordinator, Financial Resilience Resource Hub.
Caesar Ngule – Programmes Director (middle) discussing with Gabriel Kihara – Monitoring and Evaluation Team Lead;(left) and Kennedy Odera – Coordinator, Financial Resilience Resource Hub(right) about ideas on financial resilience to implement in Kenya.
The Financial Resilience Resource Hub (FRRH) is a regional initiative which aims to reduce civil society’s dependence on foreign funding by promoting flexible funding options, financial resilience, and locally rooted business models. With support from the FORD Foundation, the Hub collaborates with CIVFUND, FCS, and KCDF to provide seed grants, learning spaces, knowledge-sharing platforms, and technical support to individuals, organisations, and collectives advancing human rights and sustaining their efforts through financial resilience.
Launched in 2022, the FRRH’s five-year strategy focuses on providing technical and financial resources, strengthening the capacities of civil society and community-based groups in fundraising, resource management, compliance with financial requirements, and diversifying funding sources.
The retreat was a key moment to evaluate progress, share experiences, and plan for the year ahead in strengthening the financial resilience of civil society organisations (CSOs) across East Africa.
Kennedy Odera – Coordinator, Financial Resilience Resource Hub speaking during a discussion about Financial Resilience.
Several key discussions and deliverables emerged during the retreat that will guide the initiative’s work moving forward:
- Year 3 Progress Review: Attendees shared achievements and areas for improvement to enhance the Hub’s impact.
- Sustainability Beyond Ford Foundation: Explored strategies for long-term financial resilience through alternative funding mechanisms.
- Amplifying FRRH’s Impact: Agreed to market the Hub’s successes to attract more partners, hubs, and funders.
- Aid Localisation & Decolonisation Study: FCS presented findings that will inform the 2025 Mini Strategy.
- Finalising 2025 Work Plan: Reviewed and aligned country-specific and joint work plans for Year 4.
- Revised FRRH Result Chain & Theory of Change: Agreed on revisions to reflect evolving priorities.
- Leadership Transition: Handed leadership to Civ Fund-Africa, Uganda, for 2025.
The retreat was a pivotal moment for reflection, learning, and planning. Focusing on financial resilience, sustainability, and collaboration, it strengthened the strategy for the coming year and reaffirmed the Hub’s commitment to empowering civil society organisations across East Africa.
The partners are now better equipped to tackle organisations’ financial challenges and ensure their long-term sustainability. With the leadership transition to CivFund-Africa and a solid plan, the Hub is poised to continue its vital work in promoting financial resilience in the region.
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