A practitioner resource for organisations building locally rooted, locally resourced giving. Developed by Lusoma Advisory Services in partnership with EAPN and Firelight Foundation, the toolkit draws on a practitioner survey, expert interviews, and peer-reviewed literature to map what community philanthropy looks like in East Africa today.

It moves beyond definitions. Each chapter pairs conceptual grounding with tools built for immediate use: self-assessment checklists, guidelines, real-world case examples, and practitioner tips. Organisations can use it to assess where they stand, strengthen existing practice, or explore what it would take to formalise as a community foundation.

The toolkit is for practitioners deepening their work, changemakers looking for an entry point, and funders seeking a clearer picture of the regional giving landscape. It treats community philanthropy as something Africa has practised for generations, not a concept to be imported.