{"id":255657,"date":"2025-02-11T16:04:47","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T15:04:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?page_id=255657"},"modified":"2025-07-23T13:07:49","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T12:07:49","slug":"fund-management-for-locally-led-organisations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/our-services\/fund-management-for-locally-led-organisations\/","title":{"rendered":"Fund management for locally-led organisations\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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For more than 30 years, IUCN NL has managed donor funds for locally led nature organisations in key biodiversity-rich areas across the Global South. With a solid track record of over 2,300 supported projects in more than 100 countries and collaborations with around 1,000 civil society partners, IUCN NL has invested more than \u20ac140 million directly in sustainable nature conservation. Our inclusive and transparent approach allows us to strengthen local initiatives that are crucial for locally led nature conservation and the wellbeing of communities that depend on healthy ecosystems. <\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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What are locally-led conservation organisations?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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We refer to locally-led conservation organisations as civil society organisations and the organisations of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) that delegate decision-making authority to the most appropriate local level. This approach is intended to enhance local decision-making capabilities and build capacities for community-based nature conservation. It aims to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainable use of ecosystems that are vital to the culture and livelihoods of local communities. By adopting this bottom-up strategy, IUCN NL and its partners seek to address the specific biodiversity and livelihood needs, priorities, and aspirations unique to each community. The active participation of local civil society groups, community members, village authorities, local entrepreneurs, and other relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process can effectively deliver conservation solutions that are tailored to the context of each individual community and landscape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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IUCN NL: Your partner in effective and inclusive fund management <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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IUCN NL\u2019s fund management is adaptive, inclusive and trust based. This means that we prioritise flexibility, equity and local ownership in our funding strategies to ensure long-term impact. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Our principals: adaptive, inclusive and trust based  <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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1. Adaptive <\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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We believe in the power of local knowledge and support initiatives that are deeply embedded in local contexts. Conservation challenges are dynamic, ranging from deforestation and climate change to evolving political and social landscapes. Therefore, our funding approach is flexible and responsive, allowing projects to adapt as circumstances change. By tailoring support to each unique context and by only funding projects that are driven by local stakeholders, we ensure that projects are not only effective in implementation but also foster greater sustainability and impact. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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2. <\/strong>Inclusive<\/strong> <\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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We acknowledge that effective conservation efforts must empower and involve diverse voices, especially those most affected by environmental changes. The projects that we fund are designed to be inclusive and actively engaging. Firstly, we collaborate with local civil society organisations that advocate for environmental and community rights. Secondly, we strengthen indigenous communities and traditional stewards of biodiversity, whose knowledge is critical for successful conservation. Thirdly, we empower women and youth, ensuring their leadership and perspectives are integrated into governmental and private sector decisions. By fostering broad participation, we enhance community ownership and resilience, making conservation efforts more sustainable in the long term. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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3. Trust based <\/strong> <\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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The projects we support shift power to local actors by reducing bureaucracy and placing trust in their knowledge, expertise, and realities. This trust-based funding takes various shapes and forms. Firstly, flexible project funding or unrestricted (emergency) funding allows grassroots organisations to allocate resources based on their most pressing needs. Secondly, less rigid planning and budgeting requirements prioritise long-term impact over short-term compliance. Thirdly, a relationship-driven approach allows us to listen to and collaborate with local partners, ensuring funding is aligned with their real constraints and opportunities. By focusing on trust, autonomy and long-term partnerships, we empower organisations and communities to lead their own conservation efforts. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Why these principles matter for locally-led conservation<\/h2>\n
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