Stopping As Success (SAS+)

The goal of the Stopping As Success: Locally Led Transitions in Development (SAS+) project (2017-2025) was to equip organizations with good practice to transition responsibly to make way for local leadership in the development sector. Since the start of the project, they listened to organizations involved in responsible transition processes to learn what has worked well and why in order to apply those lessons to active transition processes. Starting in 2021, SAS+ applied their suite of case studies, tools, and broader lessons to support active transition processes and organizational strategies. SAS+ was led by the consortium organizations CDA Collaborative Learning, Peace Direct, and Search for Common Ground. See more about Shifting Power here.

Tools Case Studies Videos Learning Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools & resources are available for shifting power?

In addition to the resources in the Shifting Power Thematic Action Area, Stopping As Success has transition-specific tools that are tailored for audiences (donors, INGO, or local NGO/CSO) and grouped by theme. The six core themes that are critical to transition processes are: Financial sustainability, communication, capacity development, leadership, power and legitimacy, and partnership.

Why does shifting power matter?

Despite growing calls and an evidence base for localization, and shifting the power to local actors, the broader aid system continues to be externally driven. Donors and INGOs are increasingly committed to supporting locally led development, self-reliance, and directing funding to local actors. In tandem, local actors continue to speak up on the power imbalances of the development sector and the need for greater accountability to local communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the devastating effects of unplanned exit strategies and how this can jeopardize the sustainability of organizations and programs. In light of this, examples of mutually agreed exit strategies, collaborative decision-making and transfers of power are rare, but Stopping As Success cases highlight tangible and intangible elements in INGO transitions.

How can I get involved in shifting power?

CDA and Humentum are actively seeking technical and funding partners for the Transforming Power Lab. Contact Hasangani Edema at [email protected] if you’d like to discuss partnership opportunities on shifting power, organizational transformation, and more.