Embracing Uncertainty: Navigating the Polycrisis together
Photo by hosnysalah on Pixabay
By Liana Varon, Head of Collective Intelligence and Action at WINGS, and Tamzin Ractliffe, Executive Director at Impact Trust and Omega Resilience Funders Network
In an era defined by intersecting global crises, the philanthropic sector faces an unprecedented challenge – how can it respond effectively to the complexity and interconnectedness of issues? Driven by this question, WINGS, Impact Trust and Resilience Funders Network (RFN)1 collaborated on a seminar series on ‘Embracing the Unpredictable’, guided by the Philanthropy Transformation Initiative’s Principle 10: ‘Keeping humanity’s future in sight and integrating a polycrisis lens’.
The 4-part series covering a wide range of issues, from the definition of polycrisis to identifying Black Swan events and introducing practical tools to integrate a polycrisis lens, was developed out of a shared belief that philanthropy often addresses symptoms rather than root causes, limiting its potential to tackle the drivers and impact of the polycrisis effectively. Importantly, we wanted to experiment with co-creating a space for shared learning and knowledge exchange across the RFN and WINGS’ global networks. Our goal was to facilitate the exchange of ideas, practices, and contexts from diverse regions and domains, foster interconnectedness, explore ways to bridge silos and amplify experiences of how philanthropy has developed the ability for effective response.
The term ‘polycrisis’ elicits different reactions from various actors. WINGS members have previously reminded us that context plays a significant role in shaping our realities and experiences, and this was true for experiencing the polycrisis, too. While some regions have been facing the devastating impact of such crises for decades, polycrisis was an emerging concept offering a new perspective in other parts of the world.
So, we began the series by unpacking the concept of polycrisis, distinguishing it from crises or disasters. We observed that language can sometimes create barriers. Nevertheless, an appreciation of the deeper meaning of the sense of ‘entanglement’ of multiple crises unpredictably exacerbating each other, creating cascading effects with systemic and cross-geographic implications, was agreed upon. Even if the word ‘polycrisis’ is not a term everyone would use, we know that crises happen everywhere and have implications for all of us. By embracing the concept of polycrisis, philanthropy can better align its efforts with the realities of our world. Hence, we need to find ways to understand and work together to break down the complexity and ensure our collective work can address the root issues.
How does polycrisis show up in the world?
Contextualising the polycrisis through real-world examples from different regions and contexts, such as the Syrian crisis, the civil war and ongoing conflict since 2011, brought the concept to life. We shared stories and experiences from the Covid pandemic exposing the global interconnectedness and vulnerabilities across multiple domains, including health, education, food security, and economies; questioning if the shift in the funding practices towards more trust-based philanthropy that accelerated at the time of the pandemic will continue to stay. We highlighted the importance of local knowledge, context-specific solutions, and collaborative approaches that involve communities.
Establishing a shared language is crucial, as true transformation requires moving from abstract theory to concrete action. That’s where practical tools and frameworks became a vital part of the conversation; as they help philanthropic organisations adopt a polycrisis lens and reflect on the need for dynamic adaptation.
Techniques like Root Cause Analysis, Scenario Planning, Horizon Scanning, Funding Mobilisation Frameworks, Portfolio Approach and Risk Mapping, provided an understanding of how to analyse complex issues holistically and identify potential interventions. We recognise that these tools can be overwhelming or difficult to adopt. That is why it’s more important than ever to bridge the gap between the experts and organisations creating these frameworks and complex scenarios, and translating them for philanthropic actors willing to understand today’s challenges and integrate a polycrisis lens into their work. Ultimately, no single organisation or sector can tackle the polycrisis alone. Increased collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action within the philanthropic sector and across disciplines is essential. Only by connecting existing expertise and resources will we amplify our impact.
How can philanthropy adopt a polycrisis lens?
Transforming philanthropy will begin with transforming ourselves, our relations, our organisations and the field. Some critical questions about incentive structures and power dynamics arose during our discussions that could enable or restrict actions:
- As practitioners and philanthropic organisations, are we thoughtfully reflecting on and addressing our own power and spheres of influence?
- Do we have the right incentive structures in place for philanthropy to act with a long-term lens, to shift the focus on preparedness and prevention and not only responsiveness?
- What is a real versus a perceived risk? Are our risk matrices and appetites prioritising communities and impact over the risk to our organisations?
We will continue the conversations to explore these questions and many more with our networks.
What’s next?
The “Embracing the Unpredictable” series was just the beginning of this partnership. Deep listening, trust building, and being open to learning from different contexts and constituencies have been an essential part of this experience. We will continue this journey to co-create spaces for learning, discussion, and collective action by:
- Continuing the conversation on polycrisis philanthropy through joint articles, blogs, and events. You can access more content from the Impact Trust and Omega Network sessions.
- Sharing knowledge through curated resources and stories of transformation published on the Philanthropy Transformation Initiative platform.
- Increasing awareness and strengthening the understanding of the polycrisis through facilitating cross-contextual and cross-continental exchanges within the WINGS network through masterclasses on tools and practices, a pilot series for foundations and funders, and self-assessment tools for integrating a polycrisis lens.
We are grateful for the engagement and insights all participants and contributing partners gave to this series. This first series has contributed significantly to our understanding of what our communities seek and will be invaluable in informing our continued work. We look forward to continuing to chart a course towards a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for all by continuing to learn, adapt, and collaborate. Do reach out to us with any questions and/or thoughts.
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1. Impact Trust and Resilience Funders Network (RFN) are a Principle Champion for the PTI Principle 10: Keeping humanity’s future in sight and integrating a polycrisis lens.
Access more content from the Impact Trust and Omega Network sessions.
Find curated resources and stories of transformation published on the Philanthropy Transformation Initiative platform.
Tamzin Ractliffe, Executive Director Impact Trust, Omega Resilience Funders Network
Liana Varon, Head of Collective Intelligence and Action, WINGS
