From Diagnosis to Solution: The Role of Intermediaries in Strengthening Local Ecosystems

EMpower and the Marshall Institute at the London School of Economics are pleased to co-host a three-part series exploring 'New Avenues in Philanthropy'. This conversation will focus on the escalating geopolitical uncertainty and a sharp contraction in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and how the development and philanthropy sectors are grappling with how to continue advancing equitable, sustainable change. Amidst growing consensus on the importance of supporting local leadership and community-based solutions, a vital question remains: how do we move beyond rhetoric to practical action?

This webinar responds to that urgent call for solutions. It will spotlight intermediaries as critical actors that can take in large-scale capital and responsibly channel it to community-based organizations (CBOs), enabling long-term, flexible, and locally relevant funding. When done well, intermediaries don’t just fill a gap—they build resilient ecosystems. Through a dynamic panel, and referencing Olivia’s most recent SSIR article, we will surface the real-world practices, success stories, and lessons that demonstrate the value of this model—and the need to get it right.

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