IKARE impact journey
IKARE impact journey
The IKARE impact journey is a report by the Esade Center for Social Impact, written by Arnau Picón Martínez, that reflects on 20 years of IKARE’s work to improve access to health services and contribute to systemic change in Sub-Saharan Africa. The publication examines how flexible funding, long-term engagement, and tailored non-financial support can help strengthen organizations, unlock local capacity, and build more sustainable pathways to impact.
Drawing on the experiences of three initiatives: SOS Uganda and the 3 V Vets, the Shifo Foundation and Smart Paper Technology (SPT), and the Students Support Philanthropy Program (SSPP) and See11. The report analyzes how systems change takes shape through iteration, trust-based partnerships, local ownership, and collaboration across sectors. It also highlights the role of impact measurement and management not only in assessing results, but in informing adaptation, supporting implementation, and enabling scale.
The report is further framed by the perspective of Anne Holm Rannaleet, IKARE’s Executive Director, whose reflections help situate the organization’s evolution from donor to long-term partner. Her contribution brings a practitioner perspective to the publication and underscores the value of catalytic philanthropy grounded in patience, learning, and sustained commitment to social change.