Grantmakers Without Borders Annual Conference

The Grantmakers Without Borders annual conference drew over 200 funders, individual donors and civil society activists to New York in June. Two hot topics for discussion were microcredit and the Gates and Rockefeller Foundations’ new Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

In the opening plenary, Gates and Rockefeller representatives argued that the development of more productive and resilient varieties of major food crops in Africa, together with soil improvement, better water management and training for local agricultural scientists, would produce larger and more reliable harvests. But opponents pointed out the possible negative impact of AGRA’s corporate connections, and the fact that the proposal doesn’t take into account the lessons learned from the original Green Revolution, such as the deepening divide between rich and poor farmers, the eventual degrading of agro-ecosystems, and the loss of agro-biodiversity.

As to microcredit, panellists provided both sides of the story – of women being forced into the sex trade to help pay back loans, or credit being used simply to solve cash-flow problems, as well as the empowering effects of microfinance. The point was made that more longitudinal data and analysis are required to assess the effects of microcredit on gender equality and sustainability.

The breakout workshops addressed emerging trends in philanthropy. Issues covered included human rights, climate change and HIV/AIDS. More practical sessions included topics such as exit strategies, working with intermediary organizations, and evaluation. The exit strategies session suggested that it is crucial for the sustainability of organizations that the relationship between funder and grantee should be based on trust and accountability. One concern that emerged repeatedly was how US grantmakers are increasingly struggling with the need to comply with government regulations and guidelines.