Today, I was shocked by a proposal call that highlights a worrying trend in international aid. It feels like a form of modern colonialism, where Western organizations offer minimal support—essentially "breadcrumbs"—to local groups in other parts of the world, and perhaps expect praise for it.
Here’s the situation: a well-respected Western funding organization asked local NGOs in a non-Western country to submit detailed project proposals. They required thorough plans, justified budgets, and clear outputs and impacts. Yet, the maximum amount a local NGO can request is just over $20,000 (USD) for a two-year project. To put this in perspective, this translates to a monthly budget of a little over $800. It is hard to see how a local NGO can run a meaningful two-year project on such a small budget.
To make matters worse, the annual salary of just one staff member in the calling organization is likely much more than the entire budget allocated for the project. This clear disparity highlights how disconnected some funding decisions are from the realities on the ground. It is difficult to imagine how a local NGO can manage an entire project, cover staff salaries, handle accounting, ensure proper monitoring, and report regularly on such a tight budget.
The broader issue is the patronizing nature of these funding practices. When Western organizations impose tight constraints on funding while expecting high-quality outcomes, it reflects a lack of genuine understanding and respect for the challenges faced by local NGOs. These organizations are often left in a precarious position, forced to stretch limited resources beyond their capacity, which can compromise the quality and effectiveness of their work. Essentially, the funding provided feels like mere breadcrumbs, insufficient for addressing the real needs.
To address this problem, international organizations should consider the following changes:
In conclusion, the trend of offering minimal funding—essentially "breadcrumbs"—while expecting substantial outcomes is problematic and mirrors a colonial attitude that undervalues the real needs and capacities of local NGOs. By providing more realistic support and fostering genuine partnerships, we can create a fairer and more effective approach to international aid.