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You may have seen that Fund the Frontline, a fundraising initiative focused on local ownership and sustainability, launched this week. It is led by the STARS Foundation with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Pears Foundation and Charities Aid Foundation.

Currently  in its pilot year, the campaign is asking for public donations through GlobalGiving UK’s online platform (you can donate here.) Donations will be matched by the campaign and sent to six local NGOs  working with children and communities across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific. The NGOs have previously won the Stars Impact Award.

A Guardian microsite accompanies the campaign. It will offer content from campaign partners and organisations working in the same space such as CIVICUS, Peace Direct and OECD.

I’m really excited about this initiative as it puts power back in the hands of people on the ground. Tightening aid budgets and growing demands for transparency from donors have made rebuilding troubled communities in developing countries a challenge. In my view, Fund the Frontline is just as empowering for donors as it is for those at the sharp end. This is a funding campaign which actively encourage short term responsiveness and long term sustainability.

What do you think of Fund the Frontline?

PS Speaking of leadership, we’ve had lots of amazing entries for the top 30 charity CEOs on social media. Nominate your CEO here

PPS I hope to see some of you on Tuesday evening (15th Oct) for the next CIM charity event on successful charity and corporate marketing partnerships with UNICEF and Barclays. Let me know if you’re coming by tweeting me @zoeamar