Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in Africa face significant exclusion from mainstream philanthropy, with direct funding representing only a minimal fraction of support. Existing funding often fails to address the comprehensive, holistic needs of these communities, instead compartmentalizing support into narrow themes like environment or water.Key Challenges

• IPLCs experience systemic historical marginalization, including land dispossession, limited access to social services, and exclusion from political power structures.
• While some states have begun to integrate indigenous rights, many still lack formal legal recognition for collective land titles, leading to persistent conflicts over resources.
• Indigenous organizations often struggle with technical and financial capacity gaps, while the use of intermediary re-granters can sometimes disempower local groups or maintain the status quo.