Stopping As Success (SAS+)

Discussions Resources Events

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, we 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, we applied our suite of case studies, tools/resources, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stopping As Success (SAS+)?

Stopping As Success: Locally Led Transitions in Development (SAS+) is a collaborative learning project (2021-2025), that looks into how to make INGO transitions more responsible. The project aims to enable development partnerships to be more locally led, for transitions to be more effective and sustainable for local people, and for development practitioners to be more responsive to local dynamics.

SAS+ builds on learning outcomes collaboratively developed through the original Stopping As Success (SAS) program’s (2017-2020) evidence base of 20 original case studies, and corresponding tools and resources to foster responsible transitions and partnerships that promote local ownership and leadership. SAS+ will apply these tools and learning through an accompaniment approach model to assist existing partnerships in transition and to generate new learning to enable future responsible transitions to local leadership.

Why does this topic 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. Stopping As Success cases highlight tangible and intangible elements in INGO transitions: legitimacy, power, partnerships, capacities, financial sustainability and operational decisions that support responsible transitions. Our lessons and guidelines aim to inform better policies and practices and to empower internal champions at INGOs and CSOs who advocate for and manage transitions.

What SAS+ tools & resources are available?

The SAS+ tools and resources are tailored for specific 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. You can find the full suite of resources on the Resource Library.

What comes next after SAS+?

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

How can I get involved with SAS+?

Thank you for your interest! Please email sasproject@cdacollaborative.org to get in touch.