'Community Philanthropy' in Brazil Links Human-Centered Development and Local Giving

The community-lead philanthropic work of the Instituto Comunitário Baixada Maranhense differs from traditional philanthropy in its human perspective, says Diane Pereira Sousa, President of the Instituto and an Ashoka fellow, in her recent interview with the Inter-American Foundation. She believes ‘community philanthropy’ is poised to grow, and highllights how the Institute's success stems from its:

• Emphasis on potential rather than vulnerability
• Activating residents as co-developers of proposals
• Drawing on local resources to deliver residents’ development priorities, matching individuals' aspirations to education that leads to solid, dignified work
• Investing in existing (rather than new) activities in partnership with funders and/or local governments (instead of the wealthy donating to the poor as ‘charity’)
• Supporting entrepreneurs into the future, including linking small scale social technologies to larger market solutions
• Shifting from external financing and larger funders towards individual collaborations—such as small, monthly donations for Internet connectivity or a young person's studies—so that everyone in the community is an ally and investor
• Potential for a credit system where interest on loans gets reinvested in others