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Direct Partnerships with Local Organisations: Opportunities, Risks, and a Research Agenda

International development is at a turning point—moving from traditional aid models to locally led partnerships. However, this transition remains largely symbolic, with existing assumptions about local capacity and fiduciary risks limiting true power shifts.

This policy paper, developed by THRIVE Institute in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Knowledge Platform for Security and Rule of Law (KPSRL), highlights the importance of rethinking donor-local organisation relationships. It outlines practical policy insights to establish legitimate, sustainable, and impactful partnerships while also setting a research agenda to address knowledge gaps in locally led development.

Key Takeaways from the Research:

  • Local organisations have the capacity to lead – They bring deep contextual knowledge but face systemic barriers in accessing funding and recognition.
  • Direct funding does not necessarily increase financial risk – The current risk management models favor intermediaries over local actors, often creating inefficiencies.
  • Equitable partnerships require shared accountability – Development cooperation should move beyond compliance-heavy frameworks and focus on mutual trust.
  • A new research agenda is needed – To fully support localisation, we must challenge outdated narratives and gather evidence on what truly works.
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