The Role of the Resource Alliance
The Resource Alliance helps civil society adapt and lead in a world where old assumptions about “aid”, “charity”, and even “philanthropy” no longer hold. We convene people who mobilise resources and shape change — and we help them see what is emerging, make meaning together, and act with clarity.
Our strategy for 2026–2028 shifts the frame from “raising funds” to mobilising resources for agency: power with communities, ethical flows of resources, and collaboration that replaces competition.
Convene & Connect
We bring funders, movements, and practitioners into the same room — in person and online — to share what’s working, challenge what isn’t, and build cross‑regional solidarity.
Equip & Develop Leaders
We strengthen the leadership capacity behind resource mobilisation through learning journeys, peer circles, mentorship, and practical tools designed for a high‑uncertainty environment.
Catalyse Innovation & Alliances
We connect regional innovators to global agendas, convene action labs, and foster collaborations that unlock new financing models — including approaches emerging from grassroots communities and under‑resourced contexts.
The Reason We Exist
The Resource Alliance Foundation exists to fuel the reach and impact of the Resource Alliance — enabling bolder choices, deeper partnerships, and faster learning in a period of profound uncertainty. We are a philanthropic partner that helps the Alliance do what is hard to fund: convene across divides, build shared capacity, and invest in experimentation that can reshape how social impact is resourced.
What your support unlocks
- Action labs and field experiments that test new resource‑mobilisation models
- Cross‑regional convening that connects innovators with decision‑makers
- Capacity building with grassroots organisations and community financing leaders
- Open, multilingual learning resources that travel beyond single events
This is intentionally “catalytic” funding: it backs exploration, learning, and partnership-building — not just delivery.
How we think about this moment
We are in a chrysalis period: the old ways are failing, while the new ways are still being shaped in real time.
- Calm leadership — clear-eyed about what is happening
- Earned conviction — grounded in lived, global experience
- Disciplined humility — committed to learning, not ideology
- Transcendent values — dignity, agency, rights, human connection
Critical Initiatives for 2026–2028
These are the strategic bets the Foundation is positioned to underwrite — practical, field-facing work that advances the Resource Alliance strategy without turning it into slogans.
1) Embed “Calling‑In” Leadership Across the Ecosystem
- Circles‑of‑engagement convenings that bridge funders, movements, and practitioners
- Methods that reduce fragmentation and increase shared purpose without forcing sameness
- Practice that strengthens solidarity between secular and faith‑based actors
2) Sensing, Sense‑Making, and Acting — as Core Capability
- Build leaders’ ability to sense weak signals early, not only react to crises
- Collective sense‑making that builds trust and shared ownership
- Adaptive action labs that turn learning into visible progress
3) Pan‑Regional Knowledge Bridge
- Cross‑regional peer exchange designed around what is emerging in practice
- Lightweight documentation so insights travel (toolkits, cases, playbooks)
- Connecting regional innovators to global agendas and decision‑makers
4) Partner with Grassroots Organisations and Community Financing Leaders
- Capacity building that starts with community agency and local leadership
- Learning partnerships that surface financing solutions from Africa, Asia, and Latin America
- Support models that are ethical, inclusive, and locally accountable
5) Convene and Catalyse Innovation in Constrained Civic Space
- Innovation convenings that help leaders operate in securitised or post‑conflict environments
- Partnership building with movements and adjacent actors beyond NGOs alone
- Applied experimentation with transparent learning loops
6) Strengthen Alliances that Multiply Impact
- Cross‑network collaboration that reduces duplication and increases coherence
- Shared infrastructure for learning (clinics, resource libraries, member collaboration)
- Strategic partnerships that expand reach without diluting purpose
The common thread: shifting from transactional fundraising to resource mobilisation that strengthens agency, collaboration, and legitimacy for civil society.
Board of Members
Willeke van Rijn
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Bill Toliver
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Michael Johnston
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Contribute
Your generosity helps leaders everywhere access the ideas, tools and connections they need to accelerate lasting social impact. Every contribution is multiplied through learning, collaboration and community.
Checks by mail: The Resource Alliance Foundation, PO Box TBD, City, State ZIP (USA) • Questions: foundation@resource‑alliance.org
U.S. 501(c)(3) public charity • EIN: 99‑4617922
The Resource Alliance Foundation 