How we work
Contributing to systems change through participation, learning and local partnerships.
At Porticus, we take the time to understand the systems in which societal and environmental challenges arise and make a concerted and collaborative effort to create positive change.
Our approach is guided by the following principles:
1. Participatory
Our approach is rooted in the belief that those closest to the challenge are best equipped to offer solutions. We believe that the most impactful work is created when all stakeholders in a system can participate meaningfully.
At Porticus, we co-design programmes and grants together with our partners. We strive to address inevitable power dynamics through participatory practices of co-designing strategies, fund allocations, and work evaluations with people with lived experience. When helpful, we invest in the capacity of our partners.
2. Continuous learning
We have a long-term commitment to philanthropy, which allows us to commit to complex issues that take time to resolve. However, we do not assume we can predict how complex systems respond to interventions. That is why we experiment, learn about what does and does not work to maximise impact, and apply a flexible approach to evaluation.
3. Local partnerships
Those closest to a challenge are best equipped to offer solutions. Thanks to our regional teams' proximity and expertise help us build trust-based networks that reinforce collaboration with those affected by the challenges we seek to resolve. We strive to be a supportive partner and share our access to networks, competencies, and insights.
Tailored grant agreements
At Porticus, we work together with our partners to create programmes and projects that can lead to systems change.
Grant amounts vary based on the size and scale of the selected programme or project. Some programmes require large, multi-year funding to realise change, whereas other projects only require limited one-time funding.
Porticus cannot accept unsolicited requests for grants.
A cyclical approach to philanthropy
Our cyclical approach to philanthropy is comprised of three components, Strategy, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Lesson Learning.
We strive to be a learning organisation – always looking to understand what works best. We assess and reflect on our own experiences and analyse external evidence. We support initiatives to find new and better ways to measure and improve impact.
