Collective action for community resilience

Igniting the power of collective action to change communities from within

Self Help Groups bring people together to save, build livelihoods and lead change in their own communities. We help shift resources and power to the local actors who make it happen.

The model

What is a Self Help Group?

Groups of 10–25 people who meet every week to save together, start businesses, support one another and create lasting change for themselves and their communities.

Our mission

We believe people should be in charge of what happens in their own communities — so we work to shift resources, decisions and power to local actors.

About us
The evidence

A proven return on community-led action

Independent research shows Self Help Groups deliver outsized social, economic and health impact for the people and places they serve.

Economic$58 : $1

in social and economic benefits returned for every $1 invested

Cost-benefit analysis, Ethiopia

Inclusion↑ More

women stepping into local politics and community decision-making

Across Self Help Group programmes

Health↓ Fewer

maternal deaths in communities reached by Self Help Groups

Independent evaluations

Explore our research & learning

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