The Role of Local Actors in Social Protection

The Share Trust conducted a study for FCDO's "Social Protection Technical Assistance, Advice and Resources (STAAR) Facility" examining the role of diverse local actors in gender-responsive and inclusive social protection systems, including in crisis contexts. Working with local researchers in six countries—Afghanistan, Kenya, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sudan—we identified barriers that limit local actor engagement and explored opportunities to strengthen their agency and leadership across social protection processes. Two synthesis reports and accompanying policy briefs present evidence-based recommendations for funding partners and international actors to support locally led social protection efforts.

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Courtenay Cabot Venton
Intermediary Models to Advance Locally Led Humanitarian Action

The Share Trust recently co-authored a report, in partnership with ALNAP, showcasing promising intermediary models that support locally led humanitarian action. Drawing on case studies and original research, the report outlines how donors can strengthen or reform intermediaries to more effectively empower local leadership in crisis response. This report was presented to a donor roundtable with European bilateral donors, philanthropy and local intermediaries, helping to inform policy decisions now and in the future. 

Download the briefing document here

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Passing the Buck: The Economics of Localizing International Assistance

A study by the Share Trust and the Warande Advisory Centre estimates the economic implications of shifting 25% of ODA - aligned with Grand Bargain and USAID commitments - from international to local intermediary structures. The analysis estimates that local intermediaries could deliver programming that is 32% more cost efficient than international intermediaries, equate to a cost savings of US$4.3bn annually (based on 2018 ODA), and redeploy $680m in salary and overhead costs to local actors when modeling equitable rates.

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Local Coalition Accelerator

The Local Coalition Accelerator (LCA) is a new platform whose aim is to bridge the gap between bi-laterals, multi-laterals, philanthropy and local actors to fundamentally change the way that international assistance is designed and delivered. The LCA leverages, partners with and amplifies existing localization efforts, via its Advisory Council, to support coalitions of local actors who can effectively co-design and implement holistic, evidence-based programming at scale to address systemic, multi-sectoral problems.

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What are Self Help Groups?

Self Help Groups are voluntary groups whose members meet every week to save, start small business activities and create powerful change for themselves and their communities. The groups have a number of features such as small group size and indefinite membership that differentiate them from other models. The Share Trust has put together an infographic that outlines the key characteristics of a Self Help Group in more detail.

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ToolsCourtenay Cabot Venton
Visualizing the Self Help Group Federated Structure

As SHGs mature and replicate, they aggregate - this allows them to amplify their individual voices to create impactful change at scale. The resulting democratic structure allows the groups to have a broader impact on their communities while also providing an exit strategy for implementing organizations. The Share Trust has put together an infographic that describes this process in more detail.

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Building a Digital Platform for SHG Facilitators

The Share Trust has been working in partnership with Code Innovation to build a digital curriculum for SHG facilitators. This is complemented by an MIS/dashboard that allows organizations and facilitators to track the progress of their groups. With support from DFID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the digital platform is now in 10 languages, working with 13 implementing partners across India, Africa and the Caribbean. More information can be found on the SHG digital platform website.

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ToolsCourtenay Cabot Venton