Funding Systems Change Initiative 

Results of the Funding Systems Change Initiative

Systemic challenges require systemic answers, but currently the dominant funding practices are ill-suited to support them.

In summer 2021, a coalition of foundations and changemakers in Switzerland decided to embark on a one-year co-learning journey led by Ashoka Switzerland and collaboratio helvetica. They shared insights and best practices, and began designing and testing prototypes that could shift funding practices in Switzerland towards supporting systemic solutions. For more information on the collective exploration process, please refer to The Philanthropist.

In working groups, they produced a glossary and two creative and innovative tools for funders to encourage self-reflection on their funding practices. These tools are now ready to be shared and are intended to inform foundations’ work in Switzerland and abroad.

FUNDING SYSTEMS CHANGE TOOLS

The Funding Mechanisms Spiderweb is a visual exercise which helps foundations reflect on their funding mechanisms across 12 different dimensions of the funding cycle. Its main purpose is to make funders more aware of the choices behind existing or potential funding mechanisms, so they can better understand the implications of those choices, and support the exploration of new ideas by broadening the spectrum of options.


The Systemic Mindset: 17 Guiding Questions for Funders is intended to help in the review of strategies and working methods of foundations already working on systemic impact. The questionnaire can be used when launching a strategic process or as a self-assessment exercise, at either the level of the foundation as a whole or of one of its programs. It is split into four categories that reflect different aspects of foundations’ work: vision and impact, partnerships and feedback, roles and positionality, and assessment and learning. It is available in English, German and French.


The Funding Systems Change Glossary is a foundational resource which provides definitions and examples of some of the key concepts of funding systems change and in the philanthropic sector.

To find out more about this initiative and read some of the insights, head over to The Philanthropist' piece on Accelerating funding for systems change.

Team profile

  • Jany Barraut

    Coordination, Design & Facilitation

  • Tessa Harries

    Harvesting support & Logistics

  • Katalin Hausel

    Harvesting & Learning

  • Emilie Romon

    Ashoka Switzerland
    Strategy, Coordination,
    Partnerships & Communication

  • Pierre Volant

    Design & Facilitation

  • Nora Wilhelm

    Strategy, Partnerships & Communication

blogposts about the topic

LIST OF PARTNERS:

Project contact