In 2009, a philanthropic secretariat was established as a special unit within the Office of the President of Liberia under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to align philanthropic investments with Liberia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Secretariat is the first model of its kind for philanthropy in a post-conflict society and is widely thought to be a cutting-edge model worth replicating in other countries similarly transitioning from war.
Article 3 served as a strategic advisor to the Liberian Philanthropy Secretariat during its two year start-up phase. Engaged by Humanity United, the scope of work included strategic advisory services on catalyzing and amplifying philanthropy; engaging and strengthening key stakeholders, raising awareness on Liberia’s post-conflict challenges and social investment opportunities. The second phase of work included strategic advising on the stewardship and cultivation of key philanthropic investors; fostering and building donor collaboration; and guidance on an initial philanthropic delegation to assess social investment opportunities and to encourage support for Liberia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.
