introducing the Alternative Resourcing for Change and Solidarity (ARCS) Roundtable
coming together to envision the future of NGO sustainability
The ARCS Roundtable is where leaders, funders, advocates, and partners come together to share new ideas in resourcing social justice and human rights NGOs. Together, we’re co-creating a new vision for the sector’s future.
The human rights and social justice NGO sector stands at a critical moment. The traditional funding model — where most support comes from a small group of philanthropic foundations or government donors — has proven unsustainable and increasingly vulnerable. Rising inequality within donor-aid systems and the shift toward nationalist aid policies have only sharpened the pressure. The need for new thinking, innovative funding models, and fresh revenue streams has never been more urgent.
the future of human rights and social justice NGOs needs to be different
We are a community of practice — a roundtable — where nonprofit leaders, funders, and partners gather to rethink how resourcing works. Our mission is simple: to open up new revenue streams for NGO sustainability. The Roundtable provides actionable insights, co-creating a space that is both practical and forward-thinking.
Our Partners
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Spring Strategies
Spring Strategies supports a diversity of changemakers around the world — from human rights defenders and feminist movements to Indigenous collectives and philanthropic funders — to more effectively and resourcefully address systemic problems.
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The Substratum Initiative
www.thesubstratuminitiative.org
A movement-rooted infrastructure experiment. Exploring what forms of infrastructure can be shared, federated, collectively stewarded, or intentionally remain locally governed within youth-led movement ecosystems.
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HURIDOCS
HURIDOCS (Human Rights Information and Documentation Systems) is an NGO, founded in 1982, that helps human rights groups gather, organize and use information to create positive change in the world. Information is a force for good—as long as human rights defenders are able to safely and efficiently use it and make sense of it.
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Human Rights Funders Network
Human Rights Funders Network (HRFN) is a network of funders in the global south, east, and north dedicated to resourcing human rights action around the world. Our members boldly support movements leading us toward a more just future.
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Rights CoLab
Rights CoLab’s mission is to strengthen civil society and leverage markets to fortify human rights. We partner with civil society organizations to test innovative approaches to human rights in the face of deepening authoritarianism and inequality. Our incubated projects explore new opportunities including social entrepreneurship, local philanthropy, and impact investment.
join the roundtable
The ARCS Roundtable holds public webinars occasionally and shares information on alternative resourcing
We have a small and growing roster of active members. Membership is by invitation only to those who share our mission of reimagining nonprofit resourcing. As a member, you’ll gain access to:
Small group roundtables
Conversations, curated to your needs and interests
Peer-to-peer support from a trusted community
Special sessions devoted to envisioning the future of the nonprofit and NGO sector
Access to curated content on alternative resourcing strategies