Building resilience through member capacity strengthening

In early 2025, we hosted two extended online training series, under our Local Leadership Academy programme, designed to strengthen the capacity of GNDR members from across our global network. These initiatives focused on two critical areas: local fundraising and policy and advocacy, helping members diversify funding streams and influence policies that build resilience for the most at-risk communities.

This approach reflects our core commitment to strengthening the capacity and collaboration of our members. At the local level, CSOs convene communities, local authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure that development decisions are informed by the realities on the ground. Nationally, they work together to influence policy and practice. GNDR helps members carry out this vital role through practical learning opportunities that enhance both individual and collective impact.

Local fundraising: building financial resilience

Running from January to March, the fundraising workshops, run by Change the Game Academy, offered members a mix of self-paced modules and live webinars and coaching. Topics ranged from the 10 steps of effective fundraising, to crafting a fundraising plan, writing compelling proposals, and using crowdfunding and social media to raise awareness and support.

Participants explored real-world examples and learned how to design strategies tailored to their context.

A member from Benin shared:

“The platform was easy to use and the content very impressive. I’m even thinking about replicating the training within my own team.”

Policy and advocacy: empowering members to influence change

At the same time, GNDR also launched policy and advocacy training, equipping members with a practical process to influence policy across local, national and global spaces. The training spotlighted GNDR’s three strategic advocacy areas: localisation, risk-informed development, and the role of civil society in convening the all of society approach to decision-making. It also highlighted GNDR’s policy engagement in global frameworks like the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The sessions guided members through the full cycle of advocacy planning – from issue analysis and message development to activity planning and monitoring impact. Tools like the problem-objective tree, power mapping, and storytelling helped members craft strategies rooted in the lived experiences of the communities they serve.

Through these initiatives, GNDR continues to build the skills, confidence and collaborative spirit of its members. By investing in both financial sustainability and policy influence, the network is better equipped to drive efforts to further the localisation agenda and risk-informed development.