Building a movement of liberation that rejects neoliberal funding is not just a necessity, but central to the methods of decolonization and a source of empowerment for genuine resistance against systems of injustice. Large donor-funded humanitarian aid and coexistence programs redirect resources from political education, which is crucial for real systemic change. These programs typically focus on immediate relief, fostering dependency rather than independence, and fail to address the root causes of oppression.
While it is easy to see how capitalists institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, along with many large donors, inject neoliberal principles of colonialism into liberation struggles, sometimes these power dynamics are overlooked in smaller donor institutions. Smaller fund institutions also have priorities, that left unchallenged, distort grassroots agendas, steering them away from radical political education toward more palatable forms of activism.
Political education plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of resistance. It equips communities with the necessary tools to comprehend and dismantle oppressive systems, moving beyond immediate relief to a transformative vision of justice. Without political education, humanitarian efforts risk becoming mere band-aid solutions, addressing symptoms without challenging the underlying machinations of colonialism.
The Good Shepherd Collective’s approach is intentionally in direct confrontation with these exploitative models of funding: By building our own individual donations we are subject to the conscience of the movement rather than the political agenda of the institution. This grassroots funding model is inherently democratic and aligned with the principles of self-determination, ensuring that funding reflects the movement's will and priorities. It allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to meet the political moment.
Relying on individual donors underscores a commitment to building a movement rooted in solidarity and mutual aid rather than exploitative charity. This model prioritizes political education and grassroots organizing, fostering a deeper understanding of systemic injustice and strategies to combat it. It embodies a rejection of the neoliberal framework that commodifies aid and simplifies social struggles.
Individual donations often come from those closely connected to the cause, resulting in a more genuine and sustained commitment to the movement’s goals. This proximity ensures that the movement is accountable to its base, not distant funders who would use their money and influence to undermine emergent political formations. Community funding needs to be intentional to maintain its integrity and principled vision of freedom through a process of decolonization.
The Good Shepherd Collective’s reliance on individual donations resists neoliberal funding models, fostering a self-determined struggle for justice, with each individual donor playing a crucial role.
Have additional questions about our funding model?
Happy to set up a conversation. You can email us here at info@goodshepherdcollective.org to set up a time discuss our work and vision.
