Details
This independent evaluation was carried out by Singizi Consulting Africa. It found that the Baring Foundation’s International Development Programme (2021–2025) provided critical support to LGBTQI+ organisations across sub-Saharan Africa during a period of increasing hostility, including anti-LGBTQI+ legislation and major funding losses following the withdrawal of US government support in 2025.
Over this period, the Foundation gave £6.65 million through 39 grants across three funding streams:
- Local intermediary grant-makers
- Direct strategic civil society grants in Southern Africa
- Influencing and voice-raising organisations
The evaluation identified 64 significant outcomes across individual, community, organisational, policy, and regional levels.
Key survey findings:
- 88% of direct grantees reported strengthened LGBTQI+ movements.
- 63% reported improved ability to work with allies.
- 50% reported stronger organisational systems.
- 95% of onward grantees reported positive and measurable change.
And it found the programme contributed to:
- Funding innovation: such as long-term core funding models and the £25 million private-public partnership, the Equal, Safe and Free Fund.
- Power shifting: with increased resources directed to Southern intermediaries such as UHAI, ISDAO, and The Other Foundation.
- Movement building: grantees reported strengthened alliances, networks, and leadership among LGBTQI+ civil society.
- Political influence: political and legal advances in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Kenya.
- Crisis protection: such as emergency support during funding disruptions following US funding cuts.
- Organisational resilience: flexible funding enabled investment in governance, staffing, HR, and financial systems.