For too long, aid in Africa has followed a top-down script: Donors in the Global North fund large international organisations, who then trickle down resources to local implementers, often with strings attached and little say from the people most affected.
Read ArticleFor decades, billions of dollars in aid have flowed into Africa. Yet, progress often feels painfully slow. Why? Because much of the aid has been disconnected from impact on the ground. It’s time to stop asking how much money is being sent, and instead ask: “Who is making decisions? Where is the money going? And what are the real results?” This is where a new aid model comes in one that is results-driven, transparent, and accountable to the people it’s meant to serve.
Read ArticleYou're not alone. Less than 1% of global aid reaches local African organisations directly. The rest is tied up in large NGOs, bureaucratic systems, and inaccessible funding processes. Let’s explore why it’s so hard to get funding and what we can do about it.
Read ArticleWalk into any major aid organisation’s campaign material, a UN report, or a Western media feature on Africa, and chances are, you’ll see a version of the continent that feels painfully narrow.
Read ArticleAfrica is not a country. This may seem obvious, but globally, “Africa” is still often treated as if it were one place, one problem, and one people. News headlines, NGO reports, influencer fundraisers, even school curricula frequently speak of “Africa” in sweeping terms—collapsing 54 countries, 1.4 billion people, and thousands of languages, histories, and realities into a single image. This isn’t just inaccurate. It’s dangerous. Because how the world talks about Africa shapes how the world treats Africa.
Read ArticleHow can we know who’s actually creating change on the ground—and who’s just collecting funds with little transparency or local accountability?”
Read ArticleFor decades, the majority of global development funding has been allocated to large international NGOs. These organisations often have massive budgets, expansive reach, and polished branding. But there’s a growing movement asking a critical question: What if the most impactful change doesn’t come from the biggest organisations, but from the ones closest to the ground?
Read ArticleEvery year, the global development sector moves billions of dollars in the name of fighting poverty, improving healthcare, empowering women, and building climate resilience, especially in Africa. However, a sobering question remains unanswered.
Read ArticleIn recent years, international donors have pledged billions to support development, humanitarian aid, and social justice in Africa. But behind the headlines and annual reports lies a stunning and uncomfortable truth: Less than 1% of global development funding reaches local, grassroots NGOs in Africa. This funding gap isn’t just a number. It’s a reflection of deeper systemic flaws—a broken trust, a lack of inclusion, and a failure to believe in African solutions for African problems.
Read ArticleAid is supposed to help. That’s the point, right? But here in Africa, it’s where billions of dollars in foreign aid continue to flow year after year, the question must be asked: Who is actually benefiting from all this aid? Because on the ground, in villages, urban slums, and refugee camps, life for many hasn’t fundamentally changed. To answer that question, we have to be willing to say this quiet part out loud: the real beneficiaries of big aid aren’t always the people aid was meant for.
Read ArticleFor decades, billions of dollars in aid have flowed into Africa from governments, international organisations, and philanthropists. Yet for many communities on the continent, very little has changed. Poverty remains widespread. Access to basic healthcare and education is still a struggle. And many donors are left asking, “Where did all the money go?” It’s a fair question and one that deserves an honest answer.
Read ArticleIn Uganda, philanthropy is more than charitable giving—it is deeply rooted in our cultural ethos “The Ubuntu”. The a Bantu philosophy emphasizes interconnectedness and humanity. Ubuntu reflects the idea that "I am because we are," encouraging individuals to take collective responsibility for the well-being of others.
Read ArticleCongratulations on joining the Little by Little community! By becoming a part of this network, you’ve taken the first significant step toward mobilizing support for your organization's vision and goals. Now, the question is: What should you do next?
Read ArticleStarting January 2025, Little X Little is excited to announce an enhanced reporting structure that will benefit our NGO partners, donors, and supporters!
Read ArticleIn the evolving world of nonprofit fundraising, Cloud funding has emerged as a powerful tool for organizations to connect with a global audience. However, one of the most significant challenges for nonprofits, especially in Uganda, is building and maintaining trust with donors. Our mission is to simplify Cloud funding and help nonprofits realize the immense value of this fundraising approach, particularly through our platform littlexlittle.org. A cornerstone of this mission is ensuring transparency throughout Cloud funding campaigns to foster donor confidence.
Read ArticleAs the world faces increasing environmental challenges, nonprofit organizations have become critical players in the effort to protect and preserve our planet. These organizations are tackling environmental issues through a wide range of strategies and initiatives, from grassroots advocacy to large-scale conservation projects. Here's how nonprofits are making a difference in addressing environmental issues:
Read ArticleAt Little By Little, our mission is rooted in the belief that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level. Our commitment to giving back to the community is more than just a promise; it's the very essence of what we do. We empower local nonprofits and community-driven initiatives in Uganda by providing them with the tools, resources, and platform they need to thrive. Here's how we give back to the community in ways that truly matter:
Read ArticleEffective stakeholder engagement is crucial for the success of any nonprofit organization. Stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, partners, and the broader community, play a vital role in helping nonprofits achieve their mission. By engaging stakeholders more effectively, nonprofits can build stronger relationships, increase support, and enhance their overall impact. In this article, I share some of the top strategies to help nonprofits engage their stakeholders more effectively.
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