Across climate action, civic space, and youth-led movements, those closest to the problems facing our world are defining the solutions. They are setting the agenda, shaping strategies, and demanding accountability from institutions that have historically held capital and influence.
For fundraisers, campaigners, and anyone working in social impact, this is both a moment of opportunity and a call to responsibility. How do we resource these movements in ways that amplify agency rather than impose external control? How do we ensure that the next generation of leaders—those young people driving legal, environmental, and social transformation—has the tools, funding, and strategic guidance to act without losing autonomy?
These aren't abstract questions. Frontline movements are innovating under pressure: youth activists are turning legal systems into instruments of accountability, coalitions are linking local knowledge with international advocacy, and grassroots campaigns are reshaping systemic inequities. The challenge for the sector lies in matching their courage with strategic support.
We must:
- Empower agency: Let local actors set priorities, make decisions, and lead strategies.
- Fuse expertise with lived experience: Combine professional insight with community wisdom for legitimacy and impact.
- Invest in intergenerational leadership: Support young leaders while safeguarding the sustainability of their movements.
- Think across systems: Climate, justice, civic space, and youth engagement are intertwined. Our strategies must be, too.
Scroll down for upcoming events and key resources to help you explore these ideas further 👇
Upcoming Events
Fundraising Fundamentals: AI Leadership 24 September • 07.00 PDT | 10.00 EDT | 15.00 BST | 16.00 CEST/CAT | 19.30 IST • Online
Are you ready to lead your organisation into the next phase of AI adoption? This highly-focused two-hour session with Kaz McGrath will take you beyond the AI hype and give you exactly what you need: clarity on the decisions that matter, the confidence to make them, and the practical tools you need to move forward.
Keynote | Law as Leverage 25 September • 07.00 PDT | 10.00 EDT | 15.00 BST | 16.00 CEST/CAT | 19.30 IST • Online
Youth-led movements are transforming climate accountability. Join Aditi S., Legal Advocacy Lead of World’s Youth for Climate Justice, to learn about the landmark International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate change and go inside the campaign that started with just 27 Pacific Island law students and snowballed into a global movement made up of more than 1,500 organisations.
The International Fundraising Congress: IFC 2025 14-17 October • Netherlands • In person and online
With less than a month to go until IFC 2025, there are three key things to note: we have fewer than 20 masterclass places remaining, IFC Online is FREE this year (thanks to support from Fundraise Up & Salesforce), and 81% of people who attended the event last year increased their income as a result—this your chance to invest in your career, forge lifelong connections, and help shape the the future of fundraising.
From the Archives
- #StopTheFlights: Grounding the UK’s Rwanda Scheme | Aaliyah Burns, Agustina Oliveri, & Sepideh Sahar Watch it now >>
- Is COP Effective? Solving the Climate Crisis | Nyombi Morris, Topaz Zega, & Phoebe L. Hanson Watch it now >>
- Collaborative Action in Communities | Tasneem Essop Watch it now >>
- How NGOs Can Effectively Support Youth-Led Groups & Movements | Natasha Chaudhary, Elena Mejía Julca, & Millicent Ayaba Watch it now >>
- Engaging Gen Z Through Storytelling | Martijn Lampert & Michael Sheldrick Watch it now >>
- Big Debate: Collaboration for Impact | Willeke van Rijn, Sarah Pacutho, & Kay Sprinkel Grace Watch it now >>
Accessing Resources
The Resource Alliance Global Community platform exists to keep us all connected—and keep you resourced—year-round.
It's a living hub of knowledge and action, where you can explore new ways to strengthen agency, diversify revenue, and scale impact. And the best part? All of this conversation, collaboration, and capacity building is completely free. Join us >>
Further Reading
- Youth Rising Framework Co-created by the 2024 Resource Alliance Leadership Programme cohort, a framework to address youth disillusionment and polarisation. Read it here >>
- WY4CJ Press Release Details of the historic win at the International Court of Justice, led by youth advocates driving climate justice on the global stage. Read it here>>
- Bates Wells Report: Using the Law to Create Change A practical guide for charities and campaign groups on harnessing legal strategies to advance social impact. Read here >>
- UNICEF & Capgemini Research Institute Report Insights into how young people envision and prepare for a sustainable future. Read here >>
- Guardian Article: Activate Climate’s Silent Majority Mobilising the “silent majority” of oft-overlooked populations to supercharge global climate action. Read here >>
Resourcing movements isn’t just a line item in a budget, but a strategic imperative. When funders, NGOs, and leaders centre agency, intergenerational leadership, and collaboration, we can multiply our impact.This month, as we reflect on youth advocacy, civic space, and climate justice, the message is clear: we must invest where it matters most and amplify the voices driving change to make the social impact sector a model of equity, courage, and foresight.