thoughtful, considered, and necessarily cautious approach, open to others’ input and guidance. The make-up of the committee, including stateless people, donors, and humanitarian actors, demonstrated ISI’s awareness of the range of insight that could and should input into the implementation of the model and fund. … Particularly crucial to the success of the model was the flexibility with which it was implemented across all stages – from project design and the preparation of proposals, implementation of individual and joint activities, learning and adaptation of projects, through to budget and the provision of funds… The partnership approach to the model between ISI and the organisations receiving funds was viewed as an important part of this flexibility. This approached enabled discussions, developed common understanding, and led to flexibility to adapt to the developing circumstances faced by partner organisations. ISI managed this while also giving partners the space for their work to flourish without micromanagement”. As noted by one Consortium member: “During the entire process ISI treated Phiren Amenca as equal partners and did everything in their power to support and facilitate our work and activities. This was true for the first and it is for the second award. Especially during the process of writing and submitting the project, ISI’s expertise came to light, redesigning our project to be the right measurement of the maximum result.” Thinking through in advance what strategies can be adopted to mitigate risk, while also maintaining flexibility and room for adaptation throughout the implementation of CESF projects, was especially important against the backdrop of a fast-evolving public health and socio-economic crisis. Consortium member CANS noted that “One of the key lessons learned from the project implementation process is that it is necessary to take into account all risks, without exception, when preparing a project, despite their low level at a certain stage, and prepare a strategy to minimize them […] it is necessary to have several plans and options for achieving the goals of the project, which, as far as possible, should be worked out at the planning level. We also believe that it is important to leave a wider platform for action in project activities and build actions on a model of flexibility, especially in the current conditions of a dynamically changing world.” A Collaborative Peer Structure The solidarity and relationships formed through the Consortium provided a solid foundation for the success of the CESF with the partner-based approach and its peer support structure being central to this. As set out in the CESF Independent Evaluation Report: “ The consortium model was undoubtedly a strength of the CESF, making the work done … more effective and better able to address the needs of marginalised groups, even with small amounts of funding.” … “Another successful aspect of the model contingent upon coordination was the ‘collaborative peer structure’ that connected organisations and partners, enhancing networks and knowledge sharing. One partner organisation spoke of the ‘critical development’ in their work of the creation of ‘global solidarity networks’… In particular, there were benefits of understanding statelessness situations in different country contexts and collaborating in developing responses.” … “The success of the model lies significantly in relationships developed, and the manner of its implementation allowed trust to build between ISI and partner organisations. ISI did a good job in making partners feel relaxed and able to share problems and jointly problem solve. This led to a positive sense of partnerships throughout.” The establishment of trusting partnerships to seek advice and support was highlighted throughout, for example a partner in Nepal stating: “Do not hesitate to ask for help: When we were stuck and could not move forward with the project, we were too ashamed to ask for help. Once we did that and found NFA, we were able to work ahead with great success. As a new organisation now we know that other organizations are very helpful and we will not be afraid to ask for help. Other implementing partners should consult with those who have undertaken similar projects, and not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help from ISI or other organizations to implement any activity.” Similarly, NFA reflected that “this whole project is centred around solidarity and trust - solidarity on behalf of NFA who believes in, stands with, works with and advocates for its Asia-Pacific partners, and the trust of these partners that NFA will work with their best interests in mind.” Centring Stateless People Another key element of the Consortium approach has been the centring of stateless people, not as platitude or in a formulaic way, but as an integral component of the modus operandi within the CESF. Many of the Consortium members were groups led by people impacted by the issue, but those organisations that did not have lived experience leadership also centred community outreach and engagement as a necessary way of operating. As noted by Consortium members in Malaysia: “It is crucial to build trust and rapport with community members. Family Frontiers has been working towards community engagement gradually over the past few years. When we filed the case and the community was needed more than ever in the campaign, we received great enthusiasm and openness to participation from community members. This enabled the mobilisation of mothers to self-advocate for equal citizenship and to take up active roles in the campaign.” Similarly, the CESF consortium member working in Kuwait also reflected how “setting the agenda and giving Bidoon a platform to speak their minds was the most effective and impactful way of communicating with them and determining the best course of action.” In Lebanon, the direct communication and involvement of stateless people was further facilitated by the project being managed by a stateless person who worked with the community to look for pragmatic solutions. The CESF Independent Evaluation Report also highlighted the importance of, and success with which the Consortium centred stateless people: 28