About Us
Founded in 2024, Start Local is a non-profit organisation committed to creating a more equal playing field for local communities in the majority world.
Our mission
- To partner with local NGOs as equals, working side by side to unlock resources, build capacity, and drive impactful solutions;
- To help communities respond to crises in ways that are effective and sustainable. Together, we’re creating a humanitarian system that puts communities first
Our vision
A future where every Local NGO has the tools they need to thrive on their own terms. By supporting locally led solutions, we create better outcomes for be, empowering communities to build resilience and shape their own futures.
Our aim is to ensure that Local Non-Governmental Organisations (LNGOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) secure their rightful place as key actors in crisis response. We achieve this by addressing systemic inequalities through, equitable partnerships and collaborations, capacity building, localisation consultancy services, and advocacy for increased resources to local actors.
Our organisation was founded by a group of professional humanitarian workers who each hold a strong belief in the need for systemic change in aid work, a change that puts local communities and their civil society first. With diverse expertise across programme design, organisational development, grant writing, project and programme management, procurement, logistics, finance, and inclusive leadership, the Start Local team share a breadth of knowledge and international experience allows us to tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of LNGOs operating in diverse environments, from conflict zones to humanitarian crises, and from grassroots initiatives to large-scale development projects.
At Start Local, we build partnerships that prioritise collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals. Through our efforts, we envision a world where LNGOs to respond to crises in their own countries and lead their own sustainable development with the recognition and resources they deserve. Collectively, we bring years of experience working in a variety of contexts, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Greece, Iraq, Namibia, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, UK, and Ukraine.
Our story
Start Local was born out of our shared experiences in the humanitarian sector, where we witnessed first-hand the challenges and inequities faced by local organisations.
As professionals working within international NGOs (INGOs), collectively we spent years advocating for localisation—shifting power and resources to local actors who are closest to the communities they serve. Despite our efforts, progress was often hindered by systemic barriers, entrenched power dynamics, and often even basic things like overburdened staff who were expected to add yet another task to their already heavy workloads. We knew there had to be a better way.
The turning point came in 2024, during the bombardment of GazaAs local organisations on the ground faced unimaginable challenges—operating under bombardment, with limited resources and overwhelming needs—they were still expected to navigate complex donor requirements and write lengthy proposals. This stark reality was a wake-up call for us. We realised that advocating for localisation from within the system wasn’t enough. It was time to put our money where our mouth was and take bold action to support local actors in a tangible, impactful way.
Start Local was founded to bridge this gap. We are a team of humanitarian professionals who have walkd the walk, and now we’re committed to creating a new model—one that truly empowers local organisations to lead. By providing capacity-building support, simplifying access to resources, and amplifying local voices, we’re working to transform the humanitarian system from the ground up. Our story is rooted in a deep belief that communities know best, and it’s time the world listened.
Why localisation matters
Start Local: Bridging the Gap in the Aid Industry
Localisation is about ensuring that crisis response is led by those closest to the communities affected, shifting power, resources, and decision-making to local and national actors. It encourages equitable partnerships, direct funding, and greater inclusion of local organisations in humanitarian action.
Start Local supports this approach by helping local NGOs strengthen their internal systems, access funding, and build partnerships that allow them to take a more active role in crisis response. By working alongside local actors, we aim to contribute to a humanitarian system that is more fair, effective, and sustainable—one that truly values local leadership.
With a singular focus on localisation, Start Local bridges the gap between global commitments and real change on the ground. We work alongside local organisations to ensure they are not just implementing partners but leaders in humanitarian response, shaping a more just and effective aid system.
In a world where global aid efforts often struggle to create lasting impact and where traditional aid models frequently overlook the power of local knowledge, resources, and leadership, leading to solutions that are misaligned with community needs. Start Local flips the script by prioritising grassroots initiatives, supporting local leadership, and fostering equitable change from within.
By focusing on community-driven solutions, we ensure that aid is not only culturally relevant but also economically viable and provides strong sustainability. This approach builds resilience, strengthens local economies, and creates systems that endure long after external support fades. In an industry often criticised for its top-down methodologies, Start Local aims to prove that the most effective change begins where it matters most—at the heart of the community.
Alright, enough of the jargon, read about how we actually do this here.
The Grand Bargain
The Grand Bargain is a global agreement aimed at making humanitarian aid more efficient and effective, with a strong focus on increasing direct funding and decision-making power for local and national actors.
While it has set important commitments, progress has been slow, and many local NGOs still face significant barriers to accessing funding and leading responses.
Start Local cannot force donors or international agencies to change their funding structures (and we recognise that some of the ‘red tape’ is actually necessary), but we can help level the playing field for local NGOs. We support them in strengthening their financial management, compliance, and reporting systems—making it easier for them to meet donor requirements and directly access funding when opportunities arise. By helping local organisations build the necessary capacities and visibility, we ensure they are not just eligible for funding but are recognised as credible, capable, and equal partners in humanitarian response.
Beyond technical support, Start Local strengthens and amplifies local advocacy efforts, rather than leading advocacy ourselves. We support existing networks, coalitions, and local actors who are already pushing for more equitable partnerships and fairer funding mechanisms. By connecting them with donors, INGOs, and coordination platforms, we help ensure their voices are heard in key decision-making spaces. While we can’t change the system overnight, we can ensure that when funding does shift, local actors are ready to receive it—creating a stronger, fairer, and more locally led humanitarian system.
Join our clinics
We run focused clinics on specific topics, providing practical guidance that local NGOs can apply immediately.
Our approach: supporting local NGOs to lead
At Start Local, we believe that local NGOs are best placed to lead in times of crisis. But to unlock their full potential, they need tailored support that builds on their strengths, addresses community needs, and prepares them for growth. Our approach is designed to do just that—combining strategic review, organisational development, and programmatic support to help local NGOs thrive.
1. Reviewing the Organisation and Designing a Strategy
Every partnership begins with a deep dive into the organisation’s strengths, challenges, and goals. We work closely with local NGOs to understand their existing programmes, operational systems, and the needs of the communities they serve. This review allows us to design a strategy that plays to their strengths while addressing gaps and preparing for growth.
Example
When we partnered with Youth Vision Society (YVS) in Gaza, we conducted a thorough review of their operations and programmes. This helped us identify their expertise in WASH, food security, livelihoods, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), which became the foundation for our joint strategy.
2. Internal Organisational Development
Strong systems are the backbone of any successful organisation. We work with local NGOs to strengthen their internal capacity, ensuring they’re prepared to manage growth and deliver impact at scale. This includes designing grants processes, creating organograms for growth, and implementing simple but crucial tools like office budgets that make funding applications less burdensome by ensuring they’re more prepared.
Example
For YVS, we designed grants management processes, created an organogram to guide their growth, and implemented an office budget system. These steps not only streamlined their operations but also made them more prepared for funding applications, reducing the administrative burden on their team.
3. Programmatic Support: Leveraging Existing Funds and Piloting New Ideas
We don’t just focus on securing new funding—we also help local NGOs maximise their existing resources. By designing pilot projects that address urgent community needs, we create opportunities to demonstrate impact and attract further funding. These pilots are tailored to align with donor priorities while staying true to the organisation’s mission.
Example
With YVS, we designed pilot projects like multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA), community kitchens, and remedial education integrated with MHPSS. These initiatives not only addressed immediate needs but also showcased YVS’s ability to deliver in a crisis, paving the way for larger-scale funding.
4. Connecting with Relevant Donors and Funding Opportunities
Once the strategy is in place and the organisation is prepared for growth, we focus on securing the resources needed to scale impact. We combine our knowledge of donor priorities with the organisation’s expertise to craft compelling proposals and build relationships with relevant funders.
Example
For YVS, we built a website to showcase their work, making it easier for donors to see their impact and track record. This, combined with well-crafted proposals and a clear demonstration of their capabilities, helped secure over $1.5 million USD in funding. This funding enabled them to expand their work in WASH, food security, livelihoods, and MHPSS, reaching more communities in need.