How Proximate and African Diaspora-Led Funds Are Transforming Global Philanthropy

As part of our international giving webinar series—designed to share expertise with donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and professional and philanthropic advisors, Myriad USA hosted a thought-provoking session on African-led philanthropic innovation through collaborative funds, with a focus on the African Diaspora Innovation Fund (AfDIF) and The Proximate Fund. Hosted at Myriad USA, these pioneering models leverage proximate leadership and diaspora-driven solutions to reshape the funding landscape.

Moderated by Kady Sylla, Director for Africa and Middle East at Myriad USA, the session brought together two visionary leaders: Almaz Negash, CEO and Founder, African Diaspora Network, and Degan Ali, Executive Director, Adeso; Founder, The Proximate Fund.

Shifting Away from Traditional Aid Models

There is a growing recognition that traditional, top-down models of international development—often led by institutions in the Global North—are becoming less effective and less sustainable. As funding from these sources declines, alternative approaches are gaining momentum. These include models that center local leadership, community-driven solutions, and collaborative funding mechanisms in funding decision-making.

Beyond Remittances: The Power of Diaspora

Diaspora communities play a crucial role in supporting development efforts in their countries of origin. While remittances have long been a vital source of support, they are often limited to family emergencies and consumptions and do not scale to broader community impact. The new wave of diaspora-led funds seeks to move beyond remittances by pooling resources, knowledge, and networks to create scalable, sustainable investments in entrepreneurship and social innovation.

Proximate Leadership

Those closest to the challenges—local leaders and organizations—are best positioned to design and implement effective solutions. Proximate funds aim to decentralize decision-making, ensuring that priorities and funding decisions are determined by those with direct experience and understanding of local contexts.

Innovation Rooted in Community Traditions

Many of the most effective philanthropic practices are rooted in longstanding traditions of collective support and mutual aid. Models like rotating savings groups and collaborative funds rely on trust and shared responsibility, enabling communities to support each other. Today’s shift in philanthropy is about recognizing and scaling these grassroots innovations, emphasizing that true innovation is grounded in trust, community, and the exchange of knowledge and skills—not just new financial mechanisms.

Looking Forward

The future of global philanthropy is seen as collaborative and rooted in the lived experiences and expertise of those it aims to serve. The rise of proximate and diaspora-led funds represents a shift toward more equitable, effective, and sustainable models of development, ones that harness the collective power of communities, foster innovation, and build lasting partnerships. There is a call for donors and foundations to recognize the agency and capacity of African-led organizations and to support their leadership.

You can watch the entire session recording here.

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This webinar is presented by Myriad USA, the leading resource for philanthropic giving overseas – a trusted advisor to individuals, families, corporations, and foundations seeking to support their favorite causes, anywhere across the globe. Discover our full portfolio of services at https://myriadusa.org/services/.