This report explores how local NGOs, community‑based organisations, women’s groups, and grassroots networks engage in social protection across Afghanistan, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan. It shows that while these actors are vital in last‑mile delivery and community mobilisation, they remain excluded from policy framing and decision‑making. The study identifies barriers such as restrictive governance, unstable institutions, limited funding, and capacity gaps, while also pointing to opportunities for localisation, direct flexible funding, and equitable partnerships.
It concludes that local actors are essential yet underutilised, calling for systemic change to embed them as leaders in building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable social protection systems in crisis contexts.