Abstract
This volume explores a range of strategies for increasing the flow of resources to the foundation sector, with particular reference to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. The current development milieu is ripe for innovation as many foundations in the region seek out new opportunities to increase their resources and impact. Foundations are beginning to build permanent endowments and are exploring market-driven mechanisms to cover the costs of carrying out their social missions. They are also beginning to realize multiple ways of engaging with ODA agencies to leverage their assets.
Six lessons are learned together from a framework for thinking about options for financing development in Southeast Asia. These lessons respectively deal with foundations as effective bridging institutions, sustaining permanent assets, collaborating with official development assistance, earned income potential, leveraging assets, and a complex reality. All of them spark new ideas in the field that will enable civil society in Southeast Asia to tap into more innovative means for financing development.
With this collection of essays and case studies, Synergos is challenging all support organizations including private donors and ODA agencies, to focus attention on how we can significantly increase the financial resource flows to civil society organizations (and foundations in particular) fighting poverty and inequality. The challenge also goes out to foundations to explore how they can take advantage of the experiences described in this volume to enhance their own financial viability and potential impact.
This paper is part of the collection Financing Development in Southeast Asia: Opportunities for Collaboration and Sustainability produced with support from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.