Thrive Together: Strengthening Communities of Lived Experience to End Childhood Sexual Violence

Update: First Round of Applications Closed

The first round of applications for the Thrive Together program closed in 2023. We are excited to announce that fourteen organizations from the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Eastern Europe regions have been selected to receive grants of up to $20,000 each to take their valuable work forward. 

What is Thrive Together?

Thrive Together is a ground-breaking initiative aimed at empowering organizations (registered and non-registered initiatives) led by survivors of childhood sexual violence (in further text CSV) and their allies. In partnership with Oak Foundation, Ignite Philanthropy launched the Thrive Together grantmaking and capacity strengthening program. This program aims to bolster the organizing efforts and existing and emerging grassroots organizations led by people with lived experience and their closest allies. 

Why Thrive Together?

Despite the commitment of every country to end violence against children, the prevalence of this issue continues to escalate worldwide. While significant global efforts have been made to combat violence, they often struggle to connect with the everyday reality faced by children and youth who experience violence. Many CSV cases go unreported due to gaps in local protection systems and law enforcement, as well as the stigma and negative damaging social norms surrounding sexual violence.

However, individuals who have lived through CSV along with their allies, hold intricate knowledge of the realities on the ground, a wealth of ideas and have the expertise by experience to contribute to preventing and responding to such violence. Regrettably, there have been very limited opportunities for financial support to aid their leadership efforts. 

At its core, Thrive Together recognizes the invaluable expertise and insights that survivors bring to the table. Their firsthand experiences, along with their allies, offer a unique perspective on how to prevent and respond to CSV. This program is not just about financial support; it's about amplifying these voices, fostering connections, and breaking down the barriers that prevent effective action against CSV.

The Selection Process

A fundamental principle of the Thrive Together program is that the entire process, from program design to the selection of partner organizations, has been guided by a group of advisors who have lived experience of childhood sexual violence and/or of organizing, advocacy or activism on this issue. They are also representative of different geographies covered by this program call, bringing diverse backgrounds and experiences related to CSV. This group is known as the Lived Experience Advisors Panel (LEAP).  

In the first round of this initiative, we received over 850 applications from 70 countries. After a thorough and intensive shortlisting process, the LEAP selected 14 organisations or initiatives led or co-led by people with lived experience of CSV and their allies have received support of up to USD 20,000 each. 

Ongoing Impact

Though this round of applications is closed, the impact of Thrive Together continues. The thirteen selected organizations are now embarking on their projects, working to combat CSV in their contexts, support survivors, and change societal norms. Their stories, insights, and progress will be shared to inspire and inform others in the field. 

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