FFC was established in 2007 by Julienne Lusenge and a group of Congolese women to provide funding to Congolese women’s groups that were unable to access funding from other sources. The concept was to create a grassroots fund, bridging the gap between international donors and local women’s initiatives. The challenges faced by small or informal organizations in reaching international donors are multifaceted, including strict funding regulations and heavy reporting requirements. Additionally, factors such as insecurity, lack of infrastructure, and poor communication channels often deter donors from working with groups in marginalized areas of the country. This is where FFC steps in.