Internationally, Swiss Solidarity works almost exclusively through its 28 accredited Swiss partner organisations, many of which collaborate closely with local organisations on the ground. Across the humanitarian sector, there is growing commitment to making aid more locally led by shifting power and resources to local actors. In line with these commitments, Swiss Solidarity launched a pilot phase in 2022 to look into different ways of supporting and promoting locally-led humanitarian action. An external consultant recently evaluated this pilot phase.
Implemented between 2024 and 2025, the pilot combined two approaches: an external study examining the quality and complementarity of partnerships between Swiss and local organisations in Ukraine and Syria, and the provision of direct grants to a small number of vetted local organisations working in the same contexts.
The present evaluation brief summarizes findings from both approaches and highlights the distinct strengths and complementarity of both funding mechanisms. This external perspective informs Swiss Solidarity's reflection on how to strengthen its approach to promoting locally-led humanitarian action, while preserving the quality and effectiveness of its established funding mechanisms.