Philanthropic & Impact Investment Strategy
Aligning capital with purpose, accelerating funding to high-impact ventures and NGOs
Olive Forum connects donors, philanthropists, and ESG investors to pre-vetted, mission-aligned initiatives across the MENA region — building financial pipelines for social innovation and inclusive development.
Our Services
Impact Assessment & Screening
We offer impact assessment and screening services to help organizations measure what matters. For donors, we design thematic giving portfolios using ESG/SDG scorecards and specific impact requirements.
Donor & Investee Matchmaking
We connect NGOs and ventures with the right investors, and support developing tailored proposal and pitches for successful matches. Our services also include fundraising strategy design and donor engagement coaching to maximize alignment and impact.
Startup & NGO Funding Readiness
We help NGOs and ventures strengthen their funding readiness through training on strategic positioning, metrics, storytelling and ensure compliance with donors needs, translating intent into clear, trackable outcomes.
How can Olive Forum Help?
Olive Forum stands at the intersection of strategy, diplomacy, and regional insight. With deep roots across Middle East and North Africa, we bring unparalleled contextual fluency to help mission-driven organizations navigate complexity with confidence. What sets us apart is our ability to blend sharp strategy with cultural intelligence, building trust where others hesitate, and unlocking collaborations that others miss. Whether it’s forging unlikely partnerships, aligning with diverse stakeholders, or catalyzing regional impact, Olive Forum is more than a connector – we’re your strategic ally for lasting change.
Let’s design your funding strategy together.
Whether you’re a startup preparing for your first major grant or a donor shaping a strategic giving portfolio, we help you build the readiness, narratives, and visibility you need to stand out!
Ready to Make Regional Impact? Start the Conversation.
News Updates
The Olive Impact Compass
A trust-sensitive due diligence tool for donors and investors seeking sustainable, dignified, and values-aligned partnerships.
The Olive Impact Compass
A trust-sensitive due diligence tool for values-aligned partnerships — on both sides of the table
In fragile or politically complex environments, traditional due diligence falls short. It may flag financial risks, but it often misses the deeper question: do the people involved trust each other — and should they?
The Olive Impact Compass is our unique tool for evaluating mutual trust, cultural fit, and perceived legitimacy between donors, foundations, and local implementers. It helps ensure that partnerships are not just technically sound, but socially credible and values-aligned — especially when navigating identity, conflict, or reform.
What It Assesses
Community legitimacy and reputation of local partners
Narrative and perception risks — how the initiative is viewed publicly
Power dynamics between funders and implementers
Cultural and values alignment on both sides
Trust gaps — including when NGOs mistrust donor agendas or feel extractive dynamics
When It’s Useful
Before launching philanthropic or peace-positive investments in sensitive areas
When building long-term partnerships with grassroots or civil society actors
For donors seeking to listen first and engage ethically in unfamiliar contexts
When both sides want to work with integrity — not just compliance
Why It Matters
In peacebuilding and reform, mutual trust is the true due diligence. The Olive Impact Compass helps you build partnerships that are grounded, credible, and more likely to succeed — because everyone involved believes in the process.
Example: Trust Screening for a Legacy Fund
A family foundation wanted to support youth-led reconciliation in a post-conflict area. But past donor efforts in the region had left a legacy of mistrust. Olive Forum used the Impact Compass to:
Map how local groups perceived external funders
Assess which actors were seen as credible within the community
Facilitate trust-building conversations between foundation staff and local leaders
The result: A more transparent, respectful partnership — and a program with shared ownership from day one.
