CADF 2025: Reflections and Perspectives
We attended the Central America Donors Forum (CADF) in Guatemala City, an event that brought together over 800 leaders, donors, and nonprofits under the theme "Resist, Unite, and Rebuild in Times of Change."
Over two days, we were inspired and explored how to promote more human-centered funding and strengthen networks that support change and collaboration.
Here are our takeaways:
1. Financing with trust and flexibility
It’s crucial to change the rules of the game in donor-nonprofit relationships. We must promote a more horizontal approach, where trust is the foundation. In this model, donors recognize that those closest to the communities have a better understanding of their needs. By ‘letting go of control,’ more sustainable results can be achieved.
Instead of imposing rigid conditions on funds, we need to invest in local autonomy and constant dialogue. Trust doesn’t replace measurement; it redefines it.
2. Rebuilding through collaboration
Latin America knows well the power of resilience and collective work. Our history has taught us to face uncertainty with creativity and community. For social leaders, adapting to change is part of the daily routine.
The forum showed that the ties between nonprofits, donors, and communities are more than partnerships; they are our strategy for progress. While in other contexts instability is seen as a crisis, in our region it becomes an opportunity to think about possible futures in community.
3. Resisting uncertainty together
Sustaining social work in changing contexts is a challenge. In a region where international support is decreasing, leaders agreed on three key things: maintain resilience, work in regional networks, and promote collective reflection on human rights.
Our causes are defended in everyday life. We can put this into practice by listening to communities, allowing them to define their priorities, and ensuring that resources reach the places where they are most needed.
In difficult times, reconnecting with our roots and reflecting together is key to imagining a stronger and more united social sector. Thanks to CADF for providing this space for collective learning.
At Propel, we continue sharing learnings and tools to lead, build bridges, and rebuild with purpose.
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