At Start Local, we recognize that local NGOs bring unique strengths, experience, and deep connections to their communities. They are already driving change in their contexts, and our role is to work alongside them as partners.
We start with open conversations and assessments, understanding their vision and priorities. Rather than imposing external solutions, we collaborate to identify opportunities for growth, ensuring that any support builds on their existing expertise and ambitions.
To support this transition, we secure funding for pilot projects, providing local NGOs with hands-on experience in emergency programming, donor engagement, and compliance. These early projects serve as stepping stones, helping organisations demonstrate their capacity to respond effectively in crises.
Once funding is secured, we continue to provide tailored support in compliance, reporting, and capacity building. From financial management to programme delivery, we help organisations meet donor expectations while maintaining their independence and identity. Our goal is not just to unlock funding but to ensure that local NGOs have the tools, systems, and confidence to lead crisis response.
"StartLocal’s approach was not only supportive but deeply respectful of who we are as a refugee-led organisation. From the start, they took the time to truly understand our structure, legal status, the services we provide, and the financial realities we face. They asked thoughtful questions about the gaps in our work and the communities we serve—mainly South Sudanese refugees and other displaced people in Greater Cairo. What stood out most was how they partnered with us in a genuine way, co-developing a fundraising proposal and treating us as equals throughout the process. It wasn’t just about funding—it was about being seen, heard, and included in decisions that shape our work."
For many organisations, shifting from long-term development work to emergency response requires new skills, systems, and resources. Together, we design a strategy that strengthens their ability to respond to crises while maintaining their core mission.
Beyond the initial pilots, we work together to build a sustainable fundraising strategy, identifying potential donors and developing compelling proposals. We support organisations in navigating the complexities of humanitarian funding, ensuring they are well-positioned to secure larger grants and long-term partnerships. This approach strengthens their financial independence and enhances their ability to lead response efforts on their own terms.
We run focused clinics on specific topics, providing practical guidance that local NGOs can apply immediately.
These sessions are designed to be short, interactive, and problem-solving oriented, making them a more accessible alternative to time-intensive training courses. Each clinic tackles a key challenge faced by local organisations—whether it’s navigating donor compliance, writing stronger funding proposals, or adapting financial systems for humanitarian response.
Our clinics create space for direct engagement, allowing participants to ask questions, share experiences, and receive tailored advice. Rather than one-way lectures, these sessions are structured as interactive discussions, ensuring that local NGOs get the answers and guidance they need in real time. By focusing on specific, actionable topics, we help organisations strengthen their skills efficiently, without overwhelming their teams with lengthy training commitments.
These clinics are open to any local NGO, making them an inclusive and low-barrier opportunity for organisations to strengthen their capacity. Whether an organisation is new to humanitarian funding or looking to refine its operations, our clinics provide targeted, practical support that can make an immediate impact.
Start Local believes that establishing the right systems and processes early on is critical for an organisation's long-term success and impact.
Our consultancy services aim to help NGOs build strong operational foundations from the outset. These foundations ensure efficiency, accountability, and scalability, enabling organisations to grow sustainably, secure funding, and deliver effective, locally led solutions that create lasting change while remaining responsive to local contexts.
Consultancy work provides sustainability for our mission. As a non-profit organisation, we utilize the funds generated from working with larger NGOs to subsidies our work with small local NGOs and CBOs. This cross-subsidization model allows us to support grassroots organisations while maintaining our own sustainability.
Our consultancy work is designed in a way that is particular to your needs and wishes. To give you an idea of what we can offer below is a list of activities we can conduct but please get in touch with us to discuss a bespoke package.
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