ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how communities are challenging traditional notions of power, funding, and decision making through local, community-driven systems and processes by which they organize, raise resources and build expertise locally for development, and advocate for change, thereby strengthening their agency, voice, and engagement in development. Drawing on the work of community foundations and community-led organizations, this chapter provides evidence on how the principles of building community assets, capacities, and trust strengthen resilience and build long-term sustainability, which is key to breaking the cycle of community dependence on aid that has long been endemic in development. The chapter explores concepts in international development including power, agency, community-based assets, and the role of trust. The chapter invites development practitioners to recognize and acknowledge these community contributions and explore how the principles of community philanthropy and community-driven development can be applied across international development contexts.
