Enabling a Stronger More Impactful Philanthropy Sector in South Africa

Supporting and promoting independent philanthropy by facilitating connections, knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Independent Philanthropy Association South Africa

We are a membership-based organisation of independent funders committed to growing, supporting, and transforming philanthropy in South Africa. We provide a unique knowledge and convening hub that supports funders in maximizing the impact of their philanthropic initiatives. Our services to our members include knowledge sharing and organizing convening opportunities to facilitate collaboration and networking. Members have access to funding-focused learning, networking events, our philanthropy knowledge management portal, consultation with philanthropy peers and experts, and invitations to local and global workshops and partner events. Through these services and offerings, we aim to promote a more impactful and sustainable philanthropy sector that most effectively addresses the most pressing social and environmental challenges in the country.

Supporting Philanthropy

Strengthening Philanthropy

Transforming Philanthropy

“Empowering those committed to empowering others”

Building a Stronger Philanthropy Sector

At IPASA, we support and promote independent philanthropy by building connections with key partners and stakeholders, facilitating the transformation and growth of the philanthropy sector in South Africa. Our approach is characterized by thought leadership, collaboration, and innovative funding practices, as we work to drive positive change in the sector. We aim to promote a more impactful and sustainable philanthropy sector that can help address the most pressing social and environmental challenges in the country.

Who We Are

As a membership-based organization, we support and promote independent philanthropy.

What We Do

We provide a knowledge and convening hub that supports funders in maximizing the impact of their philanthropic initiatives.

Our Membership

As a member of IPASA, you gain exclusive access to a community of individuals with rich and diverse experience in funding in South Africa, as well access to a range of knowledge resources, that will enhance your funding practices and impact, as an independent funder.

OUR CURRENT FUNDER SUPPORT INITIATIVES

We develop and implement special funder support initiatives which are offered to our members as well as to the entire funding sector in South Africa. These include a Funder Collaboration initiative to facilitate collaboration among funders and other stakeholders, a Climate Change Funder Support initiative which assist funders in their strategies to address climate change, and various Education Funder Support initiatives which equip funders with the knowledge and connections to maximise the impact of their work in the education sector.

Our Annual Initiatives

The IPASA Annual Philanthropy Symposium is the only funder-exclusive conference in South Africa where funders from around the country convene to learn, share knowledge and to collectively discuss and debate funding practice and funding priorities in our country. 

The Annual Review of South African Philanthropy is a unique publication showcasing the work and impact of independent philanthropy in our country. It contains compelling case studies, stories and opinion pieces of the work of a range of philanthropists and private foundations. 

Upcoming Events

Our events cover a diverse range of funding related topics, featuring expert presenters, knowledge sharing workshops, and interactive sessions aimed at improving funding practice and driving positive change in the philanthropy sector.

IPASA’S CURRENT PHILANTHROPY RESOURCES

Explore the latest trends, best practice, and expert insights in the philanthropy sector with IPASA’s Knowledge Resources. Our comprehensive Knowledge Hub includes research reports, case studies, toolkits, guidelines and other resources to support funders in their work

INSIGHTS

Collaboration in Philanthropy: Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Greater Impact.

Collaboration, the ultimate intertwining of skill, passions, and knowledge, is what makes for the most durable form of change-making.

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CASE STUDIES

CLIMATE CHANGE: A SERIES OF CASE STUDIES ON SOUTH AFRICAN FUNDERS’ CLIMATE JOURNEY

Philanthropy is increasingly joining global efforts to act against climate change. Calls for action, pledges and communities of practice have been rising over the recent years.

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REPORTS

IPASA ECD FUNDING LANDSCAPE
SURVEY OCTOBER 2022

Within South Africa’s early childhood development (ECD) ecosystem, funders play an important role given limited state resources and capacity.

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TOOLKITS

IPASA TOOLKITS, GUIDELINES AND CASE STUDIES

These toolkits provide funders with succinct information on key topics and connects them with additional resources for further reading.

FUNDING FOCUS AREAS

Education

Employment & Entrepeneurship

Health

Climate Change

Social Justice

MEMBERSHIP REVIEW

Discover what our members have to say about their experience with IPASA and how being part of our exclusive community of  funders has helped them improve and transform their funding practice.