The past four months in the LEAP universe have been intense. Following a series of group and individual consultation calls from October to December, we had to step into a lower gear at...
Read MoreLeap is a collective of people who aim to change philanthropy.
What is LEAP
Vision
A world where economic and political systems are centred on ecological wellbeing care and repair. A world where philanthropy is no longer needed.
Mission
Leap is working to help traditional philanthropy become obsolete, and supports the rise of the practices and experiments that foster new systems.
Experiments
Experiments are Leap’s method of disruption and creation in philanthropy. We seek out important projects that need, but do not receive, funding, and help connect them with resources, people and institutions.

What's wrong with philanthropy?
- Short-term
- Centralised power
- Lack of transparency
Philanthropy works in silos to address the symptoms of systemic crises. Philanthropy programs rarely reflect the complexity of the interconnected crises we are facing. The focus on short-term success and projects with clearly defined outcomes prevents long-term investment in actors, ecosystems and processes that have the potential to contribute to systems transformation.
The philanthropic sector is more concerned with its reputation than with making its processes transparent. Foundations rarely report where their money goes, who makes the decisions, or what the origin of their wealth is. Accountability usually only is directed downwards to the recipients of funding
What does Leap work towards?
- Systems transformation
- Power sharing
- Radical Transparency
We focus on systems transformation. This means supporting actors and ecosystems - not projects - that are working to tackle the systemic root causes of social problems. It means unrestricted financial support without administrative hurdles. We select experiments that are addressing the root causes of extractive systems and structural injustice.
We share power through real participation. This means trusting in those doing the work to know what is needed, where and when. It means participation in strategic decisions of how funding is allocated. It means mutual feedback and trust to evolve all the organisations in the process.
We believe that authenticity, transparency and the willingness to take risks are more important than reputation management. For us, making mistakes and failing is a welcome, expected part of growing. We make transparent where philanthropic money comes from and where it goes.

Blog
Interim compensation scheme in place
Fair compensation is an important element of participatory processes. This is particularly true for LEAP. Many activists and social entrepreneurs do not have personal wealth or a stable income. They also don’t have...
Read More