Funder Report Card

What is it and who is it for?

The Funder Report Card is a self-assessment tool for Global North/Minority World funders committed to shifting power and advancing equity in their partnerships with Global South/Majority World organisations.

We designed it to encourage funders to engage in deep reflection about their mindsets, attitudes, approaches and practices, with a particular focus on bilateral government donors and philanthropic organisations, as well as Global North-based NGOs that also act as funders.

The tool can also be used by Southern actors, networks, and organisations in their continued advocacy efforts to hold Northern funders to account, as well as to assess funders against the various dimensions.

How does it work?

The Funder Report Card is as self-assessment tool for you to download and complete in your own time. It is comprised of 3 overarching sections:

These, in turn, connect to 5 key dimensions: 

1. Framing and choice of issues: Who decides which problems will be addressed in a given area or community? Is there mutual agreement on the structural causes of the problems?
2. Funding decisions: How are the overarching strategy and goals for the programme determined?
3. Delivery: Who has the power to decide once funding flows have started, and is there flexibility to adapt?
4. Financial flows: What is the quantity and quality of funding flowing to Southern organisations and affected communities?
5. Monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning: Who decides on how change or impact is measured and who is held accountable for decisions?

Why do you need it?

Power in funding relationships shows up in small decisions. Who sets the strategy, who gets asked and who gets told. The Funder Report Card invites Global North funders to look honestly at those decisions − and commit to change.

Start your self-assessment today in English, French, Spanish or عربي

Sharing your results

An important part of accountability is transparently sharing results, reflections and commitments. We are currently developing a platform where funders will be able to do so, to be launched later this year. In the meantime, we encourage you to view and make a pledge on the Call to Action on Locally Led Development.