Localization Innovation Brief: Locally-Led Pooled Funding

Globally, country-based pooled funds (CBPFs) directly fund local and national actors at a greater volume and rate than most bilateral donors. Despite this, and while CBPFs increasingly focus on local actors as direct recipients, ultimate decision-making over how and where CBPF funds are allocated remains largely controlled by international actors. Since 2021, Save the Children has been supporting locally-led pooled funds (LLPFs) in places like Mozambique, Sudan, and South Sudan which place that decision-making power in the hands of local and national actors themselves. Save the Children has worked with LLPFs to support their enhance institutional independence and sustainability through technical assistance, fundraising, and temporary administrative backstopping. This innovation brief outlines the approaches, progress, and lessons learned to-date from these experiences.