This work was prompted by a call for research from the Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF). Arguing for a lack of evidence in the development field related to the advantages of different models, GFCF sought evidence from around the world to shed light on development based on community philanthropy models, and more generally the dynamics of ‘people-led change’. 

Answering their call, we developed a theoretical perspective based on theory of power dynamics in helping relations and collected evidence from development workers, community-based organisations and local communities, in various areas of Romania. The results covered three sub-topics:

1. Power Dynamics in Traditional Donor Models versus Community Philanthropy Organisations
2. How Community Philanthropy Organisations Build Autonomy From Within
3. Explaining the “spread” of social involvement from community-based organisations to the wider community