The programme was established in 2007 to promote civic engagement and participation, community responsibility and capacity building in local development agencies. It fosters stronger, more impactful networking between various local civil society and community development organisations. Communities are able to engage in finding solutions to water, sanitation, irrigation, electricity, infrastructure and healthcare problems. In 2021, AKF supported 36 CSOs, reaching 73,500 people.

AKF uses the Organisational Capacity Assessment tool to assist local organisations to identify institutional gaps. We then work with them to develop institutional strengthening plans. We use face-to-face and video-based training and mentoring.

We address complex social problems by facilitating youth and women to express their needs, through local platforms and gender-inclusive workshops. This has helped foster youth-led volunteer initiatives which support vulnerable groups.

We encourage philanthropic giving at the community and national levels through grassroots campaigns. In Egypt, we use a community-private sector philanthropy analysis tool to build the fundraising capacity of local CSOs. This helps them to meet the needs of disadvantaged groups and mobilise local resources. In 2020, AKF-supported CSOs raised US$ 302,000 of support from local donors.