5-minute read
Short Summary
Topline overview of the Global Impact Study and its findings.
Global Impact Study:
Does the work of Global Fund for Children make a difference?
Around the world, community-based organizations are creating change for children and young people every day.
Global Fund for Children’s Global Impact Study is a deep investigation into the difference our work is making for children, young people, and communities around the world.
For the first time in our 30-year history, we had the opportunity to examine what we do, why it matters, and the impact our model of support is having globally. Here’s what the study revealed about the role Global Fund for Children has played in making this impact possible.
What does change really look like?
For community-based organizations change is…
- A child who not only goes to school—but stays, learns, and feels excited about their future.
- Children feeling safer in their home and community — free from violence and with supportive relationships and caring networks.
- Improved physical and mental health through better nutrition, sports, feeling supported, and building friendships.
But this kind of change is hard to measure.
It doesn’t fit neatly into simple metrics and reporting.
The most meaningful change often happens gradually, in ways traditional evaluation struggles to capture.
So how do we know if our model is even working?
WE LISTENED.
This isn’t just about data. It’s about listening to partners. Learning from their experiences. Seeing patterns across stories, communities, and contexts.
Our solution: The
Global Impact Study
After 30 years of supporting community-based organizations around the world, we finally had the resources and capacity to step back and ask some fundamental questions: Why does our model matter? And what impact are we actually having?
The study found that GFC contributes to the growth and sustainability of local organizations, and through this strengthened capacity they create meaningful change in their communities; quality education, increased local leadership, improved community wellbeing, reduced violence, and more.
The study involved:
Researchers
Across 27 countries
Months to conduct the research
Partners organizations researched
Interviews conducted
Creative research exercises*
*photos, drawings, videos, journals, mindmaps, and movement activities in response to research questions
Communities have changed
- Almost all young people and parents described improved future prospects across their lives, education, and careers—often framed as “turning their lives around.”
- These changes extended beyond individuals. Teachers and community leaders adopted more inclusive approaches, while parents reconsidered expectations for their daughters. Reported rates of Female Genital Cutting (FGC) and child trafficking declined.
- Communities also gained momentum for change, with young people raising awareness, mobilizing others, and helping to address systemic challenges.
GFC partners are better equipped to deliver impact
What emerges from the findings is clear:
- Trust-based relationships support innovation and wellbeing, with partners feeling empowered to stay mission-driven and take thoughtful risks.
- Flexible, unrestricted funding allows organizations to respond to community needs, strengthen systems, and sustain their work—even during crises.
- Longer-term funding and non-financial support further strengthens this impact, building organizational confidence, infrastructure, and the sustainability of community-led solutions.
The findings
A trusting and caring relationship
GFC respects partner expertise, responds quickly, engages through in-person visits, communicates openly and frequently, and demonstrates flexibility, patience, and shared values.
Impact on partners
- Partners feel confident making decisions aligned with their own vision, rather than responding to perceived donor expectations.
- Partners experience GFC as a teammate and supportive ally in navigating challenges.
- Partners report improved team morale, motivation, and overall wellbeing.
“GFC’s belief and trust in me were fundamental in stepping into my role as head of the organization. Their approach created a safe and encouraging environment, especially for young leaders.”
— Community-based organization leader
The findings
Flexible funding
GFC provides grants that allow partners to set their own spending priorities, with light reporting requirements and timely disbursement of funds.
Impact on partners
- Partners can be attuned to the needs of communities, letting service-users determine the direction of programs (rather than implementing donor-determined activities).
- Partners invest the money in improving their internal processes and the professional development of staff, making them ultimately better, stronger and more long-lasting community partners.
- Partners can adapt quickly to crises and emergencies, ensuring their organizations remain agile when communities need them most.
“You know every new ground that we break, that’s what GFC…allows us to do; to test things that we might not ordinarily be allowed to test.”
— Community-based organization leader
The findings
Tailored non-financial support
GFC provides networking opportunities and organisational development support, including safeguarding, fundraising, monitoring and evaluation, wellbeing, and more.
Impact on partners
- Partners developed peer networks among themselves, learning from each other, collaborating, and supporting each other.
- Partners learned about their strengths and weaknesses, and used the support available to enhance their organizations.
- Partners gained visibility, recognition, and access to further funding from other donors.
How GFC’s model works together
The ways GFC supports partners are deeply interconnected.
Trust underpins flexible funding, which works alongside tailored non-financial support. Partners rarely distinguish between these elements; instead, they experience them as a cohesive approach. Together—trust, flexible funding, and non-financial support—drive impact.
Read the full reports
15-minute read
Long Summary
For those who want to really understand the study and the details of the findings, but may not have the time for the full report.
2-hour read
Full Report
For those who want to know the depth of the study, the methodology, the mechanisms of how GFC's model works, nuances of the findings, case studies, and more!
Download the report in more languages:
Access the report in French, Spanish and Portuguese below.
Methodology
Corey Oser
Senior Vice President, Programs
Global Fund for Children
This study was co-designed by GFC and external research partner Ecorys. Rather than relying solely on external researchers, Ecorys trained 31 individuals from GFC partner organizations across Guatemala, India, Kenya, and the UK to become local peer researchers.
These peer researchers investigated GFC’s impact on other partner organizations in their respective countries. Ecorys provided support throughout and conducted additional global interviews to ensure breadth and rigor.
Why this research approach matters to GFC?
- Peer researchers bring deep understanding of local contexts, cultures, and languages, enabling them to build trust quickly and surface insights that external researchers may overlook.
- In line with GFC’s approach of strengthening partners, the process also built the research capacity of partner organizations, creating long-term value.
- When local peer researchers and external professional researchers worked together, they were able to check and strengthen each other’s work, ensuring community insights were accurately understood and the research analysis was methodologically robust.
Overall, this participatory peer research approach goes beyond typical evaluation practice in the philanthropic sector and reflects GFC’s commitment to learning alongside partners, strengthening local leadership, and ensuring that evidence is shaped by community voices and lived experience.
Meet the research team
What others have said:
The report has generated strong media interest, with coverage secured across six platforms, including Alliance Magazine, The Pioneer Post, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, The Charity CEO Podcast, The Wellness Project, and DevHub’s PowerShift podcast.
Together, this coverage has reached a potential audience of 292 million people as of 21 January 2026, helping to amplify the report’s findings and contribute to wider conversations on trust-based philanthropy.
How you can support this work
Fund our Work
Support GFC’s proven model by investing in flexible, long-term funding that drives lasting impact for children and young people.
For Peers
Evaluation doesn’t have to be extractive. Get in touch to learn more about participatory, innovative, and empowering approaches to research.
Learn More about our Impact
Discover how GFC’s approach—combining flexible funding, trust-based partnerships, and participatory learning—drives lasting impact for children and young people.