What makes the Collective Governance Fund different?

There is a growing movement to establish direct financing mechanisms as part of the global effort to decolonize philanthropy.

Rather than competing with existing funds, our approach is complementary, contributing to a diverse landscape of models that collectively build best practices and enhance shared learning. Indonesia’s scale and diversity require multiple, complementary mechanisms. With more than 17,000 islands, 70,000 villages, and over 120 million hectares of forest, no single fund can realistically meet the financing and capacity needs across such a vast and varied landscape.

By pooling insights and experiences, the philanthropic sector can better understand what works and how to make meaningful, local investments that address the climate crisis and decades of injustice toward frontline and Indigenous communities.

Accessibility

The CGF bridges the gap between traditional program grants and fully independent community finance. It provides small, flexible, low-barrier grants to Community Governance Bodies that often sit below the eligibility thresholds of larger national grant programs. This includes non-Indigenous communities currently overlooked.

Governance effectiveness framework

Funding is linked to the Governance Index, a straightforward yet powerful tool that communities use to assess their governance systems and practices. This ensures financing is tailored to the specific stage and unique needs of each community, fostering more sustainable outcomes.

Direct funding to communities

Unlike many funds that focus on re-granting to local CSOs, this mechanism channels funding directly to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. While other mechanisms in Indonesia focus exclusively on CSOs or only Indigenous Peoples, the Collective Governance Fund platform seeks to finance IP&LCs.

A pathway, not a destination

This fund alone cannot solve the climate crisis. It serves as a stepping stone, equipping communities with the tools and experience needed to manage funds and projects, preparing them for more complex mechanisms such as climate or biodiversity credits.

Outcome-oriented impact

Many funds impose rigid, prescriptive methodologies designed far from the realities on the ground. We work collaboratively with communities to align on shared outcomes, thriving communities governing healthy ecosystems, leaving the how flexible, leveraging their expertise and respecting traditional knowledge.