Robert Carr Fund Annual Report 2021
We are proud to present our 2021 Annual Report.
In spite of the global pandemic, regional and global HIV networks supported by the Robert Carr Fund emerged stronger and more resilient, with more robust organizational systems in place. Stronger networks carry out more effective programs, and in 2021 many RCF grantees achieved important wins for improved health, social inclusion, and well-being of inadequately served populations (ISPs).
2021 was the last year of the 2019-2021 funding cycle. In addition to 2021 results, the Report reflects on the value and importance of long-term, flexible core funding for civil society and community-led networks at the forefront of the global HIV response.
The Robert Carr Fund has been remarkable in giving us the possibility to continue to innovate, research, mentor leaders, and conduct advocacy and political communications.”
RCF grantee
In 2019 – 2021 RCF has invested $33.5 million in 62 unique global and regional civil society and community-led networks.
RCF investments at a glance:
To learn more please read the full text of the Annual Report 2021.
MAIN RESULTS
Stronger Networks
All 62 networks funded by the Robert Carr Fund in 2019-2021 achieved at least 1 milestone in making their organizations stronger, e.g. by developing a strategic plan, strengthening their financial systems and governance, or by joining a new partnership for stronger advocacy. For instance, many RCF grantees prepared for the future by prioritizing fundraising:
- 2019 (baseline): only 18 networks had strategies in place to mobilize new funding
- 2021: 46 networks had strategies in place to mobilize new funding
Even if [our network] manages to find activity funding, we always lack core funds to support the work of the secretariat and maintain our financial operations. The valuable collaborations with other global networks allowed [us] to exchange best practices in creating enabling legal and social environment for HIV services for gay men and trans people.– RCF grantee
Advancing Human Rights
In 2019-2021, 51 networks funded by the Robert Carr fund focused on improving human rights situation for people affected by HIV. Multi-year support from RCF enabled networks to sustain their efforts and achieve positive policy or law changes to protect the rights of inadequately served populations:
- 2021: 23 networks reported positive policy or legal change as result of their advocacy
- Full grant cycle: 35 unique networks reported positive policy or legal change as result of their advocacy
“Community-led networks are crucial for protecting rights of vulnerable populations. [Our network] could throw a range of interventions to create spaces for ISPs to have a voice in programmatic response for the HIV across the region. One of the benefits of working with the Robert Carr Fund is flexibility that they offer – we don’t have to pin ourselves down to one group in terms of response”. — RCF grantee.
Improving Access to Services
In 2019-2021, 51 networks funded by the Robert Carr Fund advocated for better access to and quality of services for inadequately served communities, resulting in positive changes:
- 2021: 19 networks reported increased access to services for ISPs and 20 networks reported better quality of services.
- Full grant cycle: 30 unique networks reported increased access to services for ISPs and 41 networks reported better quality of services.
- “The level of flexibility that RCF afforded for reallocation of resources in the times of emergency and emerging situations was greatly appreciated.” – RCF grantee
Resource Accountability
In 2019-2021, 33 networks funded by the Robert Carr Fund have focused their efforts on ensuring that the global HIV response is well resourced, including programs for inadequately served populations.
- 2021: 8 networks contributed to increased financial commitments to the HIV response and ISP programming thanks to their advocacy
- Full grant cycle: 11 networks contributed to increased financial commitments to the HIV response and ISP programming thanks to their advocacy
“The Robert Carr Fund has been remarkable in giving us the possibility to continue to innovate, research, mentor leaders, and conduct advocacy and political communications.” – RCF grantee
2019-2021 Grant Cycle: Main Lessons
Our grantees’ results make it clear: long-term, flexible core funding from Robert Carr Fund is critical for regional and global civil society and community-led networks in the global HIV response:
- Core funding: Support for essential operations provided the necessary stability for advocacy work, even when experiencing unexpected challenges and emergencies such as COVID-19. This includes the stability of staffing levels and retention of talented individuals: half of all RCF-funded networks report that core support was more important for achieving programmatic results than activity funding.
- Flexible funding: ability to reprogram enabled our grantees to pivot and respond to emerging needs and opportunities quickly and efficiently.
- Long-term funding: Progress towards advocacy and organizational goals requires long-term strategies. Three years of secure funding provided the grantees with critical support to make real strides towards their goals.
- Value of data: In 2019-2021 was the first funding cycle when we were able to document grantees’ progress over three years, from baseline to the last year of implementation. This helped us understand where our grantee-networks started from and how their progress each year contributed to the final results.
RCF investments at a glance:
To learn more please read the full text of the Annual Report 2021.
This report is one of many sources of information about RCF’s 2021 journey, complementing the broader and more diverse range of information available on grantee actions, progress and achievements that can be accessed on the RCF website, as well as on our Twitter and LinkedIn.
For Annual Reports from previous years, please email to secretariat@robertcarrfund.org