Patchwork Collective deepens investment in African grassroots change through Masana wa Afrika

 Launched in 2023, Masana wa Afrika is already working with 149 grassroots organizations in 13 African countries.

It was born from the ELMA Foundation’s Community Grants Program and now functions as an independent African nonprofit with teams in South Africa and Uganda.

“Masana’s founding is rooted in over a decade of experience working with hundreds of community-based organizations across the African continent,” the organization states on its website.

Trust-Based Model

Masana wa Afrika operates on the principle of trust-based philanthropy, which emphasizes long-term, unrestricted funding and local decision-making.

The organizations it supports are often located in underserved or remote areas, working with children and families on issues like health, education, disability, and gender rights.

“They’re best placed to know what their communities need and how to deliver change,” said the Patchwork Collective in its learning report.

The Patchwork Collective—aligned with this philosophy—provides catalytic funding without imposing rigid restrictions.

Instead, it collaborates closely with partners, offering strategic mentorship, networking opportunities, and co-funding avenues.

“Our partners are already making transformational impact… we’re not just funding them; we’re learning from them,” the Collective emphasized.

Building Capacity and Connection

Beyond financial support, Masana wa Afrika builds the institutional strength of grassroots partners by offering services like governance training, program development, communications coaching, and leadership development.

It also organizes peer-learning sessions where CBO leaders exchange ideas and refine solutions together.

“Masana wa Afrika’s team is deeply embedded in the regions they serve, many with lived experience of the issues being addressed,” the Patchwork Collective noted.

Real Impact in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa

In Kenya, Masana wa Afrika supports Our Lady of Perpetual Support (OLPS) in Kisumu, which provides HIV/AIDS care and runs a rescue center for vulnerable children.

Kiwimbi Kenya operates in Busia County, where it builds libraries and learning centers that support reading culture and vocational training.

In Uganda, Rahab Uganda runs a shelter for girls rescued from trafficking. It has served over 15,000 children with psychosocial and health support.

Kawempe Home Care in Kampala supports families living with HIV, TB, and cancer, and operates a pediatric unit for children with cancer.

In South Africa, Hi Hopes delivers home-based interventions for infants with hearing loss.

Malamulele Onward provides rehabilitation support to children with cerebral palsy in rural areas.

Strategic Support from Global Philanthropy

The Patchwork Collective joins ELMA Philanthropies and Delta Philanthropies as major backers of Masana wa Afrika.

The collaboration enables not just funding, but robust infrastructure that allows local organizations to grow and sustain impact.

“Patchwork’s support reinforces Masana wa Afrika’s efforts to channel power and resources to local organizations,” said the organization in its learning report.

 Measuring Progress Differently

Masana wa Afrika and Patchwork Collective reject superficial metrics that focus only on numbers. Instead, they assess quality and community relevance.

For instance, rather than count meals served, they evaluate the nutritional value and whether food programs empower local women farmers.

“We know what success looks like. It looks like children thriving in their own communities… and it takes time,” said a Masana team member.

Looking Ahead

With funding, mentorship, and shared learning at the core, this partnership is reshaping what global philanthropy can look like.

It shows that powerful, enduring impact is possible when those closest to the issues lead the change.

To learn more, visit the full report by the Patchwork Collective here: https://thepatchworkcollective.org/learnings/masana-wa-afrika