While many institutional donors scale back, the Judith Neilson Foundation, or JNF, is charting a different course. The Sydney-based foundation has increased its funding for Africa by 10 million Australian dollars (about $6.5 million) this year — bringing its total commitment in the region to A$25 million ($16.3 million). The move comes as global development faces growing uncertainty, with traditional aid sources under pressure and philanthropic players being asked to do more.
In a recent Devex Pro Funding conversation, Simon Freeman, CEO of the Judith Neilson Foundation, outlined the rationale behind this expansion, shared how the foundation is evolving its geographic and thematic strategies, and offered practical guidance for potential partners.
Here are five key takeaways from the conversation: