Collaboration for Collective Impact
FISTCOP actively seeks strategic and ethical partnerships to expand its vital services. We collaborate with government agencies, private sector entities through their CSR programs, local and international NGOs, grant-making foundations, and academic institutions. By forging strong alliances, we leverage diverse resources, expertise, and networks to achieve our shared goal of empowering IP communities.
Government Agencies
Collaboration with government bodies is crucial to ensuring that the legal and institutional frameworks designed to protect Indigenous Peoples are effectively implemented. We partner with:
- National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP): As the primary government agency for IPs, partnership with the NCIP is crucial for implementing programs like IP Mandatory Representation (IPMR) and providing legal assistance.
- Cooperative Development Authority (CDA): The CDA provides vital technical guidance and financial assistance for the creation and growth of IP-led cooperatives.
- Department of Agriculture (DA): The DA is a key partner for funding and technical support for the sustainable agri-agro projects that form the backbone of many IP communities’ livelihoods.
- Local Government Units (LGUs): LGUs are essential partners for implementing community development projects and ensuring the acceptance and effectiveness of IP representatives within local legislative bodies.
Private Sector Collaborations
We engage with the private sector to foster shared value and direct corporate social responsibility (CSR) towards meaningful, sustainable impact for IP communities. Opportunities for partnership include:
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs: Aligning with corporate programs focused on environment, education, livelihood, and community development.
- Shared Value Partnerships: Co-designing projects, such as sustainable sourcing initiatives, where FISTCOP’s expertise in community engagement creates mutual value.
- Impact Investing: Attracting investments for our social enterprise ventures that seek both financial returns and positive social and environmental outcomes.
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) & Foundations
Alliances with local and international civil society organizations strengthen our collective advocacy and expand our program reach. We work with:
- Grant-Making Foundations: Seeking support from foundations like Forest Foundation Philippines for forest protection projects and the Samdhana Institute for direct, flexible financial support to IP communities.
- IP-focused Organizations: Collaborating with established organizations like the Tebtebba Foundation to strengthen shared advocacy for IP rights and self-determined development.
- Development Sector Networks: Engaging with networks like the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) for shared learning and broader coalition-building.
Academic Institutions
Partnerships with universities provide invaluable research, technical expertise, and capacity-building support. A key example is the collaboration between Bukidnon State University and the BUKTAMACO cooperative, which helps in areas like cultural preservation and program documentation.
Let’s Work Together
If your organization shares our commitment to empowering Indigenous Peoples, we invite you to connect with us to explore potential collaborations.