Catalyst for Justice
Architect of Systems Change
I’m Jennie Grant, a strategist, movement ally, and justice-driven changemaker.
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For over 24 years, I’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with nonprofits, movements, and funders to dismantle inequitable systems and build transformative alternatives. I specialize in strategic and organizational development, movement-led change, and equity-centered transformation, all with a sharp focus on shifting power and deepening impact.
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What drives me? A fierce belief in the possibility of change.
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I bring a rare blend of strategic clarity, deep listening, and systems thinking to every engagement. I’m not just here to advise. I partner, I co-create, I walk alongside. Whether working with grassroots movements or global funders, my mission is the same: to help build just, inclusive systems that last.​
I have been a Senior Director of International Programmes at the International Budget Partnership, where I designed transformative global initiatives in fiscal governance that have reached over 11 million+ marginalized people and brought in more than $35m in funding.
I was a Deputy Director at Save the Children International where I led the strategic development of programmes and policy in Child Rights Governance for Save the Children across 60 countries worldwide. I was also a Senior Human Rights Adviser for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in Aceh Indonesia, Human Rights Adviser to NGOs in Guatemala, senior adviser to Save the Children UK and Lecturer in International Law at Sussex University.
I hold two undergraduate degrees in Social Anthropology with International Development (MA) and Law (LLB) and a postgraduate masters in International Law (LLM). I was recipient of the Sasakawa fellowship at Sussex University in 2001.
My Mission
To equip organisations and funders with the strategies, tools, and bold thinking needed to shift power, drive equity, and deliver systemic change.
I partner with non-profits, philanthropic foundations, and grassroots movements to help them:
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Understand the real problem they are solving
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Build strategies that unlock new possibilities
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Create initiatives capable of transforming systems at scale
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Centre the voices of those most affected in shaping solutions
Services
I offer strategic accompaniment to non-profits, foundations, and grassroots movements working to achieve lasting change.
Strategic & Organisational Development
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​Co-create bold strategies that tackle root causes, not just symptoms
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Redesign programmes for greater scale, impact, and sustainability
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Build cultures, systems, and processes that adapt and thrive in complex environments
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Have detailed knowledge of Co-Impact's systems change methodology
Redesign programme approaches
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Support organisations to centre grassroots voices and local leadership
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Design participatory grant-making models and decolonised approaches
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Strengthen coalitions that influence policy and shift government incentives
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Build robust MEL systems and cultures for adaptive learning.
Equity, Inclusion & DEI Transformation
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Lead intersectional reviews to identify blind spots and embed equity in strategy
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Facilitate race and gender audits, translating insights into actionable plans
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Build diverse, inclusive leadership pipelines that drive lasting organisational change
My story
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My life and career have been shaped by resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in justice.
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Raised by a lesbian single mother in the 80s, I grew up surrounded by both discrimination and activism. From an early age I witnessed the power of solidarity as my mother fought for equality through the gay rights, feminist, and anti-fascist movements. Inspired by the bravery and vision of communities who rejected the status quo, I carried with me a deep empathy for marginalised people and a belief that change, even that which seems impossible, can be achieved.
My activism began early: as a child I attended rallies and demonstrations, was a member of labour youth and at age 11 wrote for The Guardian. Determined to access better educational opportunities at 16 I won a scholarship to a local private school graduating, two years later, top of my year.
In always knew I wanted to work on social justice. At 18, I travelled to Paraguay to work with street children facing state violence and discrimination and a few years later to Guatemala to work on disappeared children's cases.​​
​Grounded in my roots, I carry forward values of optimism, solidarity, respect for lived experience, and the transformative power of education. My mission is simple: to help others achieve the change they seek, supporting movements and organisations to make impossible dreams of justice possible, sustainably and at scale.
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Today, I am recognised as a feminist systems change leader, strategist, and facilitator. I partner with philanthropic foundations, non-profits, and grassroots movements to design bold, innovative strategies that confront entrenched inequities, strengthen grassroots leadership, and deliver impact at scale.
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Testimonals
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Olayinka Babalola (PhD)
Country Director, IBP Nigeria
Her ability to identify emerging trends and translate them into actionable strategy helped steer our organization toward greater impact. Under her guidance, our Nigeria office developed a clear strategic direction supported by a strong, cohesive team. What sets Jennie apart is her combination of strategic acumen and genuine compassion. She is both a visionary thinker and a fierce advocate who brings passion and principled leadership to everything she does. Any organization would be fortunate to have someone of Jennie's caliber driving their mission forward.
Alison Holder
Executive Director, Equal Measures 2030
Jennifer is a real visionary with a deep understanding of how change happens on the ground in a wide range of contexts. She is a natural collaborator, and brings a deep understanding of inequality, intersectionality, and power to all of her work. Jennifer has decades of experience leading strategic thinking, but crucially, helping turn that into locally-owned and locally-driven programming that delivers real results for marginalised people.
Maleine Amadou NIANG
Country Director, IBP Senegal
Jennie is a visionary leader and a strong advocate for localization. I have seen her support the opening of country offices and push for country-led strategies and operations. She firmly believes in co-creation and participatory grant-making as a means to foster systems change to the benefit of underserved communities.
Jennie is a champion of intersectionality and diversity with amazing people’s management skills. She has managed teams from a variety of countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, America. She can spot talent, mentor high-level professionals and be a listening ear. A fine strategist.