The Power and Importance of Collective Giving - investing in and centering organizations on the frontline of modern slavery

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How systematic change and a new approach to grass-root organizations are needed to end human trafficking worldwide

49.6 million people were still living in modern slavery in 2021, of which 27.6 million were in forced labour, and 22 million were in forced marriage. Many people are still exploited in the private sector, forced commercial sexual exploitation and even forced labour imposed by the state.

The Freedom Fund is a leader in the global movement to end modern slavery, identifying and investing in the most effective frontline efforts to eradicate modern slavery in the countries and sectors where it is most prevalent. Partnering with visionary investors, governments, anti-slavery organisations and those at risk of exploitation, we tackle the systems that allow slavery to persist and thrive.

Since 2014, The Freedom Fund has directly impacted more than 1.4 million lives, supported 12,000 community freedom groups and partnered with over 120 frontline organizations. Through its innovative ‘hotspot’ model – working in geographies with the highest prevalence of modern slavery – the Freedom Fund continues to put communities and organizations on the frontlines in tackling modern slavery at the centre of its work, successfully establishing a global network of community and survivor-led organisations that hold the vital expertise and knowledge needed to bring about real change.

Partnering with visionary investors, governments, anti-slavery organisations and those at risk of exploitation, the organization tackles the systems that allow slavery to persist and thrive. Working with critical stakeholders, local communities and individual people, the organization protects vulnerable populations, liberates and reintegrates those enslaved, and prosecutes those responsible. Committed to achieving the most significant impact, the Freedom Fund draws on the investment heritage of our founders, investing in new initiatives and replicating and scaling up proven programs globally.

About Nick:

Nick Grono has been CEO of the Freedom Fund since it launched in 2014. Before the Freedom Fund, Nick was the inaugural CEO of the Walk Free Foundation, a leading international actor in the fight against modern slavery. And before Walk Free, Nick was the Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer of the International Crisis Group (ICG), the world’s leading conflict prevention NGO, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, with offices in over 20 countries.

He is a member of the advisory board of Global Witness, a former board member of Girls Not Brides: the Global Partnership to End Child Marriage, and was previously the Chair of the Jo Cox Foundation.

Nick is known for his Leadership in the fight against modern slavery. He has briefed the UN Security Council on slavery and human trafficking and met with prominent faith leaders, including Pope Francis, to encourage their support for the fight against slavery. He is a deeply experienced and internationally respected nonprofit leader.

Listen to learn:

Supporting collaborative funds is an effective and risk-free way for philanthropists to invest in smaller, grassroots organizations that drive real change.
The Freedom Fund works with frontline organizations in geographies where modern slavery is most prevalent. We recognise that these communities have the experience and knowledge to challenge the systems that allow exploitation to thrive.
We must work together to change systems, policies and practices that keep modern slavery a reality for millions worldwide.

Explore more on the website.
Connect with him on Linkedin.

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