Advertise on podcast: AGAG Legacy Project

Making a Forest Out of the Trees (MFT) is a documentary podcast and part of the Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group (AGAG) Legacy Project.   This episode  features excerpts from interviews with a diverse group of 20 grantmaking practitioners who participated in AGAG's activities over the past 23 years.   Through their reflections, we learn about how and why AGAG emerged in 2000 from the Southern Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group.  We hear how its evolution was influenced by global events and the issues about philanthropy practices and narratives about Africa that dominated their discussions.  Their candid comments reveal what made AGAG a unique, welcoming, and valued space where new and experienced grantmaking practitioners found an intellectual home that challenged them to learn from each other and grow. The interviews were conducted in the spring of 2022 by Niamani Mutima, AGAG's Executive Director. Those interviewed participated as individual grantmaking practitioners and not as representatives of their current or former organizations.  Credits: Created and produced by Talaya Grimes, T Muse Media and Niamani Mutima, AGAG  Narration written by Niamani Mutima.   Learn more about the people who participated in the interviews and the AGAG Legacy Project at www.africagrantmakers.org   Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group

Philanthropy in Nigeria- ACT Foundation In this episode, Niamani Mutima of the Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group talks with Osayi Alile, CEO of the Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation based in Lagos, Nigeria. They discuss the philanthropy landscape in Nigeria and the ACT Foundation's approach to supporting local, national, and regional organizations working on issues in health, environment, and leadership development .  Alile describes the roles that the ACT Foundation plays beyond making grants,  as an advocate, mentor, and bridge builder. Access to maternal health services and the alarming increase of cancer among younger women are two areas of concern. The conversation explores how ACT's "listening" approach has enabled it to build strong relationships with the organizations they fund and the communities they serve. This conversation took place in December 2022. Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group

Nine Fundraising Misconceptions with Hafeeza Rashed   In this episode, Niamani Mutima of the Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group talks with Hafeeza E. Rashed, Director of Programs and Partnerships for Moore Philanthropy, about nine common misconceptions about fundraising. The topics range from the differences between fundraisers and fundraising consultants, defining fundraising success, and working with fiscal sponsors. The conversation is especially useful for international organizations seeking practical advice and understanding of the nuances of the fundraising culture in the United States.  Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group

In this episode, Niamani Mutima of the Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group talks with Louise Driver and Sarah Rennie of the Independent Philanthropy Association for South Africa (IPASA) and Vuyiswa Sidzumo of the Ford Foundation Office for Southern Africa. They discuss IPASA's role in helping funders in South Africa to respond to local community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss the need for philanthropy to incorporate more flexible approaches into their permanent grantmaking practices.   This conversation took place on May 12, 2021. Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group