There are a number of important actors and individuals already active in the areas the Foundation aims to work in. Therefore, collaborative relationships will be forged with key groups of actors:
Civil Society: The Foundation will mainly work through Non-Governmental Organisations, community based groups, including faith-based organisations, youth and women’s groups in Nigeria. Our strategy of working through partnerships is intended to build institutional capacity of groups, supporting innovation and ensuring that the funding provided meets the needs of the target beneficiaries and is culturally relevant. In doing so, the Foundation encourages its grantees to forge collaborations and partnerships with local, state and national government agencies to enhance sustainability of the projects.
Governments: The Foundation is cognizant of the fact that its interventions are the primary responsibility of the government. Thus, the Foundation will not operate in a manner that conveys an impression that these interventions will absolve government of its responsibility. Therefore the Foundation will encourage the organisations it supports to work with governments at all levels, including the state and national assemblies, government ministries, departments and agencies. The Foundation will also seek to involve government agencies in the assessment of the projects implemented to ensure that the grants provided are utilized for the approved purposes.
Other Foundations: The Dr. Okey Anueyiagu Foundation will identify and where necessary partner with Foundations that work in similar intervention areas. Efforts will be made to encourage international Foundations to invest and work in Nigeria through “joint funding” initiatives.
The Foundation will also get involved in the national and international philanthropic sector by joining platforms and networks that are committed to advancing philanthropy. For example, the African Grant makers Affinity Group, the Council on Foundations and other such groups. At the national level, the Foundation will pioneer and support efforts to promote philanthropic giving and encourage Nigerians to become more philanthropic.
Private Sector: The Foundation will seek collaborations with private sector institutions that use business solutions to solve social problems. For example, collaborations will be forged with organizations with corporate social responsibility initiatives across the country. Public Private partnerships in the funding of large-scale projects will also be sought.
International Experts: The Foundation will leverage international expertise to implement projects.
