Strategic Networks Initiative
The Strategic Networks Initiative brought together regional and global network-based organisations at the forefront of ending childhood sexual violence. From 2019 to 2024, Ignite Philanthropy convened and supported these networks to strengthen their effectiveness, sustainability, and leadership through core grants, tailored capacity-building, peer learning, and community engagement. The initiative connected more than 14 global and regional network organisations and over 60 of their members/representatives across Asia, Africa, America, Latin America, and Europe.
The Initiative’s mission was to cultivate resilient networks and key allies, fostering collective leadership that create a catalytic ripple effect in the global effort to end childhood sexual violence.
Evolution of the Strategic Networks Initiative
The initiative began as a cohort of network organisations receiving subgrants managed by Ignite. Over time, it was intentionally evolved into a broader community that extended beyond grantee partners and network organisations.
The illustration below shows how we envisioned and sought to weave together diverse communities across initiatives and sectors, building a stronger foundation for collective movement building.
Our Accomplishments
Flexible core grants: Strengthened network organisations’ governance, financial health, monitoring and evaluation systems, and supported staff well-being.
Tailored capacity strengthening and peer learning: With the support of external providers such as INTRAC, Collective Mind, TSIC, and One Future Collective, we facilitated Learning Labs on membership engagement, impact evaluation, and anti-oppression.
Enhanced community connectivity: Fostered joint action and collective leadership—essential for movement building and greater impact—through quarterly community spaces, peer learning groups, and the community e-newsletter Ignite Sparks.
Co-design and participatory approaches. Promoted ownership, agency, and generative collective learning. Examples include the establishment of a steering committee of eight Strategic Networks members, the creation of a Networks Charter, and the formation of a field-led working group for the Learning Lab on power and anti-oppression.
Ongoing Impact
Lessons learnt from the Strategic Networks Initiative directly inform one of Ignite’s core strands Strengthening for Agency and shape other programmatic efforts, including the Ending Childhood Sexual Violence Community of Practice, the survivors-led grantmaking Thrive Together, and the youth leadership programme Sprout.
Discover more in the learning report Collaborative Impact and Engagement in the sector addressing Sexual Violence Against Children and the graphic note Our journey of the Power and Anti-Oppression Inquiry in the Child Rights Ecosystem.