Ford Foundation Affinity Group on Development Finance

The Ford Foundation’s Affinity Group on Development Finance (AGDF) aims to "help build a globally recognized field of development finance and economic security that encourages access to capital, skills, and knowledge by disadvantaged people and their communities to increase their incomes and gain control over productive assets."

Though the Ford Foundation was a seminal player when the field was in its infancy 40 years ago, it faced a significant challenge recently and less engaged in the global discourse on international development finance issues. In an effort to re-engage in the global dialogue, leverage its extensive history and learning, and bring innovative ideas to the table, the AGDF engaged LGI to assist them with the articulation, communication, and visibility of the Foundation’s position on global development finance and their role as a catalyst for innovation in the field.

As an independent consultant, LGI was able to effectively research attitudes and perceptions of the Foundation and the field and provide actionable recommendations affecting both the substance of the work and the tools for its communications. During the research phase, the LGI team developed a comprehensive branding and communications strategy. Based on our recommendations the LGI team was subsequently charged with developing a variety of communications products and tools for the AGDF to convey the unique achievements of the Group’s grantees around the world.

The cornerstone piece of the communications products is a 108-page "development finance publication" that articulates the Ford Foundation’s unique position on global development finance and asserting its broader definition of the concept. LGI provided strategic counsel, content development, and design for the development of this seminal piece intended for international thought leaders, global development finance practitioners, multi-lateral organizations and other funders. Other aspects of the communications strategy include Web site enhancement and content development, an informational brochure in multiple languages, a CD-ROM for electronic publications and broad international dissemination, and the development of a standardized reporting tool for grantees that is simultaneously designed to elicit highlights and success stories from around the world.

Other LGI economic development success stories include the Ford Foundation Corporate Involvement Initiative, Project California, and many others.