We see this as another form of partnership. We hope to extend this dialogue to a wider circle of governments. Rightly or wrongly, we sense a growing skepticism among donors about the wisdom of investing in the sort of advocates with which we partner. Instead, we see more and more aid going to governments or to emergency relief. This needs to be challenged.
Advocates are an excellent investment.
They make a huge impact on tiny budgets and make good use of every penny they receive. Still, they find it increasingly difficult to find funds. When they do receive funding, usually through small grants programs, they are often asked to meet reporting conditions that consume time and resources and make it harder for them to do the work. They also find it extremely difficult to secure long-term funding for their organizational needs. This seriously undermines their ability to respond quickly to opportunities.