The Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa. /Photo IPASA
In the complex and often challenging landscape of South African development, a singular truth has become increasingly clear: isolated efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, are rarely enough to achieve lasting, systemic change.
It is this understanding that lies at the very heart of the Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa (IPASA).
As a membership-based organization of independent funders, IPASA’s core mission is to support, strengthen, and grow philanthropy in the country by fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and strategic giving.
A Catalyst for Change: How IPASA is Reshaping South African Philanthropy
IPASA is not a traditional grant-making body, nor does it implement development projects directly.
Instead, it occupies a unique and critical space in South Africa’s social landscape: a catalyst for change, dedicated to supporting, strengthening, and stretching the practice of philanthropy itself.
In a nation grappling with persistent inequality, poverty, and socio-economic challenges, IPASA’s role has become increasingly vital.
The organization brings independent philanthropists and foundations together to move from fragmented, isolated efforts to a coordinated, strategic force for sustainable impact.
Established in 2015, IPASA emerged from the realization that South African philanthropy was largely operating in silos.
While considerable resources were being directed toward social good, a lack of collaboration limited the potential for transformative change.
IPASA was created as a neutral, confidential space where funders could share experiences, build trust, and learn from one another.
This foundational principle of collaboration underpins all its activities, providing members with the infrastructure to align strategies, pool knowledge, and co-invest in solutions that achieve greater scale and sustainability.
The Flagship Initiative: The South African Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change
IPASA’s most prominent and widely recognized initiative is the South African Philanthropy Commitment on Climate Change.
As the first pledge of its kind on the African continent and the tenth globally, it positions South Africa at the forefront of international #PhilanthropyForClimate efforts.
The initiative recognizes that climate change exacerbates existing social inequities.
Extreme weather events, droughts, and floods disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, amplifying challenges in poverty, education, and health.
By signing the commitment, funders pledge to integrate a “climate lens” into their work, ensuring that philanthropy addresses environmental challenges alongside social and economic concerns.
Key commitments include:
- Strategic Integration: Incorporating climate considerations into grant-making strategies, investments, and organizational operations.
- Supporting Grassroots Action: Channeling resources to community-based initiatives that tackle climate mitigation and adaptation.
- Asset Alignment: Aligning endowments and investment portfolios with a low-carbon, just transition.
- Advocacy and Influence: Using collective voice to influence climate policy, promote equitable funding flows, and elevate African perspectives in global climate discussions.
To support these efforts, IPASA provides a Climate Crisis Toolkit and Resource Pack, offering guidance, case studies, and practical entry points for funders of all sizes.
This initiative demonstrates IPASA’s ability to mobilize strategic action on complex, interconnected challenges.
Expanding Impact Across Sectors
While the climate pledge is a flagship initiative, IPASA’s influence spans multiple areas to strengthen the broader philanthropic ecosystem:
Annual Review of South African Philanthropy
This publication is a cornerstone of IPASA’s knowledge-sharing mission. It documents the work and impact of independent funders, presents case studies, and highlights sector trends.
The review encourages learning, accountability, and strategic thinking among members and serves as a public resource for the wider sector.
Annual Philanthropy Symposium
The symposium is the country’s premier gathering of funders, offering curated spaces for networking, knowledge exchange, and strategic dialogue.
By connecting philanthropists with policymakers, civil society actors, and thought leaders, the event fosters collaboration and innovation.
Sector-Specific Collaboratives
IPASA facilitates funder collaboratives in areas such as Early Childhood Development (ECD), education, youth employment, and social justice.
These groups enable funders to share insights, align strategies, and avoid duplication.
Particularly in social justice, IPASA provides platforms for funders to support initiatives that uphold constitutional rights and protect marginalized communities.
Thematic Toolkits and Guidelines
Beyond climate, IPASA develops practical guides to promote best practices in philanthropy.
Topics include trust-based giving, good governance, ethical grant-making, and sector-specific guidelines, such as funding for basic education.
These resources ensure that philanthropic capital is deployed efficiently, responsibly, and sustainably.
Knowledge, Networking, and Capacity-Building
IPASA also serves as a knowledge hub and network for independent funders.
Members benefit from exclusive virtual and in-person learning events, research reports, case studies, and newsletters.
The association connects funders with peers, stakeholders, and international philanthropy networks, facilitating collaboration that strengthens the sector as a whole.
Through these services, IPASA promotes strategic giving that moves beyond one-off projects, emphasizing systemic impact and long-term change.
It encourages funders to adopt innovative practices, integrate social and environmental priorities, and learn from both local and global experiences.
IPASA’s Role in Shaping South African Philanthropy
In a country where philanthropic capital complements government and civil society efforts, IPASA plays a critical role.
It is not a donor but a catalyst empowering members to maximize their impact through knowledge, collaboration, and advocacy.
By setting standards, promoting ethical practice, and providing convening spaces, IPASA strengthens the culture and capacity of independent philanthropy.
Its initiatives, from the climate pledge to sector-specific collaboratives and publications, demonstrate the organization’s strategic approach.
IPASA ensures that giving is not just charitable, but informed, collaborative, and transformative.
The association’s work highlights the potential of independent philanthropy to contribute meaningfully to social justice, economic inclusion, and environmental resilience in South Africa.
Conclusion
IPASA exemplifies the principle that collaboration multiplies impact.
By providing infrastructure, tools, and forums for strategic philanthropy, the association has reshaped how funders operate in South Africa.
From addressing climate change and social inequality to strengthening sector-wide knowledge and capacity, IPASA has become an essential force in the country’s philanthropic landscape.
Its work ensures that giving is thoughtful, coordinated, and aligned with the systemic challenges facing South Africa today, demonstrating that philanthropy when done strategically can be a powerful engine for sustainable social change.
