Study explores the role of Brazilian philanthropy in funding and supporting social movements and the self-financing strategies of these movements Social movements play a fundamental
The Comuá Network and its member organizations will be present at the COP29 Climate Summit in Azerbaijan, highlighting the theme of financing for locally-led climate solutions – created by, for, and with communities.
After seven years as executive director of Comuá Network, I reach the end of my tenure in September 2024 with the feeling that I have made an important contribution to the consolidation of a strategic player in the field of Brazilian philanthropy. My years with the Network were intense and, despite the many challenges faced, it has been a beautiful, extremely valuable experience, with excellent results and accomplishments.
Jonathas Azevedo, a program advisor at Comuá, is preparing to take over as executive director of the Network in October this year. Currently in the final stages of a careful transition process carried out with Graciela Hopstein – who will step down from the role of executive director of Comuá in September – Jonathas recognizes the Network’s growth in recent years, as a result of his predecessor’s work, and highlights the importance of celebrating achievements, while remaining mindful of the challenges ahead, including the expansion of the far right and attacks on civil society and democracy, as well as the dramatic cuts in the funding available to the social justice and human rights agendas.
Graciela Hopstein, executive director of Comuá, is preparing to leave the Network in September after seven years in office. There were many accomplishments and advancements from 2017 to 2024. Throughout this period, the Network consolidated itself as a strategic political actor in the Brazilian and international philanthropic ecosystems, but there have also been numerous challenges.
The strengthening of local journalism and community communication initiatives is an important, crucial step towards the development of communities and the defense of democracy.
In recent years, especially at the COPs (Conferences of the Parties of the United Nations Organization) and at a number of domestic and international climate debate forums, much has been said about the importance of getting resources to the communities and territories that are most affected by the extreme effects of climate change. However, the biggest challenge is to make sure that they reach the grassroots groups, movements, and territories.
Social justice, with all of its many nuances, is not just a term, but a beacon for the tireless work of the social movements and community-based associations. These organizations, movements and collectives work daily for the assurance of rights, very often basic rights, such as housing, food security, land and territory; obviously, their daily struggles are constantly crossed by the markers that push the people comprising these organizations to fight. Although they are at the forefront of defending, protecting and/or developing their territories, they are sometimes excluded, sometimes removed from a series of debates that center on power, one of which is philanthropy in Brazil.
In September 2024, the Comuá Network, along with its member organizations, will celebrate yet another Transforming Philanthropy Month, with the participation of strategic partners and funders. This is the second year that Comuá dedicates a whole month to promote debates and reflections on socio-environmental justice and community philanthropy practices.
One of the major gaps and challenges to the strengthening of civil society organizations engaging in the fields of socio-environmental justice and human rights in Brazil has to do with funding, as there are only a few international and local philanthropic institutions supporting this field with a focus on the institutional development of grassroots organizations, social movements and community leaders.
