The Survivor Leadership Fund (SLF), initiated by the Freedom Fund in 2021, supports survivor-led organisations combating modern slavery by providing unrestricted grants. The African Institute for Children Studies conducted an external evaluation in 2022-2023, focusing on seven grantees from Kenya and Uganda. The mixed-method approach involved qualitative interviews and quantitative Polling Booth Surveys with 68 stakeholders. The study explored decision-making processes, grant usage, and organisational impacts. Key data were analyzed using Atlas.ti and spreadsheet tools, ensuring confidentiality and ethical standards.
Key findings of the report Piloting the survivor leadership fund: lessons and insights from Kenya and Uganda show that grantees appreciated the SLF’s accessible application process but raised concerns about transparency in the selection criteria. The flexible use of grants led to diverse programmatic impacts, including capacity building, infrastructure development, and survivor support. While the trust-based model enhanced power-sharing and autonomy, challenges remained in accountability and sustainability. Programmatic lessons highlighted the importance of clearer reporting guidance and more sustainable funding models. Grantees valued the SLF’s flexibility but suggested improvements in monitoring and long-term support to optimize its impact on survivor-led initiatives.
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