About Us

About Us

Mission

We partner with social change organizations in moments of transition to preserve what matters, evolve with mission integrity, and grow a resilient development ecosystem.

Our Theory of Change

Our Theory of Change describes the impact we’re working towards and our understanding of what we need to do to achieve that impact.

When civil society organizations face complex transitions – a merger, strategic partnership, or wind-down – we work closely with leadership to navigate change with clarity and care. We offer trusted guidance, tailored advice, and access to the people and infrastructure that preserve what matters most, protect legacy, and position the organization for what’s next. Over time, this strengthens a resilient, community-led ecosystem that supports the whole sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

CSP is a collaboration between Accountability Lab, Development Gateway: An Irex Venture, and Digital Public. We’ve partnered on the development of resources, a partnership matching service, and professional support infrastructure for organizational transformation.

All civil society organizations navigating complex transitions, whether due to leadership changes, funding constraints, political pressure, or shifting mandates.

We offer a trusted, human-centered, and power-aware support structure. Our services include archiving or legacy plans for data and knowledge products, succession and sustainability strategies, and tactical, legal, and digital resilience measures.

We offer a curated, values-aligned community network of expertise, including legal, human resources, finance, and strategy. A philanthropically-raised base supports transitioning civil society organizations with matchmaking services; transition support resources and services; and aligned and fit-for-purpose public interest preservation infrastructures (including archives, fiscal sponsors, and technology infrastructures). We have a relationship-centered approach grounded in trust, humility, and shared learning. Seed funding and flexible tools support early-stage engagement and experimentation.

Support is costed on a case-by-case basis, depending on your needs and priorities. Contact us for further information.

We’re collating both pro- and low-bono professional service providers who can assist with strategy development, landscape analysis, transition support, and business modelling. Get in touch if you’d like to join us.

Yes, particularly around learning, research, marketing, and network building.

We’re proud to be working with The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Hilton Foundation, Skoll Foundation, Laudes Foundation, Echoing Green, and the True Cost Initiative.

We have developed a shared fund, which is actively accepting technical and/or financial resources. Email us to learn more.

Partners

Since 2000, Development Gateway: An IREX Venture (DG) has built tools, systems, and dashboards that make development data easier to gather, use, and understand. They enhance transparency and efficiency in agriculture, health, education, extractives, information management, and cross-cutting global policy fields. DG’s partnerships with governments, institutions, and communities help ensure they have the information needed to make evidence-based decisions.

Accountability Lab was founded in early 2012 as an effort to work with young people to develop new ideas for accountability, transparency and open government. It has evolved into a global network of local Accountability Labs that are finding new ways to shift societal norms, solve intractable challenges and build “unlikely networks” for change. Our global translocal network includes Accountable Now.

Digital Public started in 2016, with a focus on designing, developing, and implementing infrastructure to enable communities to govern the technologies shaping their lives. Today, it designs and supports public participation in governing digital transformation, helping communities, governments, non-profits, and technology companies engaged in digital transformation to design contextual, legal, digital infrastructure for participation and governance.

Leadership Team

Josh Powell

Josh leads Development Gateway’s efforts on strategy, partnerships, and engagement as CEO. He has expertise in the application of open data standards in both country and global contexts, coordinating enterprise software development and system integration, guiding applied research and adaptive program management, and building partnerships and nascent concepts into concrete programs and impact.

Cheri-Leigh Erasmus

Cheri-Leigh is a global expert on governance and anti-corruption, dedicated to leveraging emerging technologies and data to enhance transparency, strengthen civic participation, and promote the inclusion of traditionally marginalized groups. As Co-CEO of Accountability Lab, she supports innovative efforts to hold governments accountable across 12 countries in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.

Blair Glencorse

Blair is considered one of the world’s most influential thinkers on issues of governance and citizen engagement. He is a seasoned international development professional and social innovator, with significant experience across issues of accountability, institutional reform and political-economy transitions. He is founder and Co-CEO of Accountability Lab.

Sean McDonald

Sean builds governance for technology and technology for governance. Sean is the co-founder of Digital Public, where he focuses on data governance design. He is a lawyer and the former CEO of FrontlineSMS, an award-winning public interest technology company. Sean is a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Governance Innovation.

Jean Scrimgeour

Jean is a governance specialist with 15 years of experience and established skills in non-profit management, organizational accountability and business development in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A former co-chair of the TAP Steering Committee, and co-chair of C20 Anti-Corruption Working Groups, Jean is also Co-CEO at Accountability Lab.

Deborah Ingersoll

As a trusted advisor, coach, and skilled facilitator, Deb creates the space and structure for breakthroughs to emerge. She helps clients chart a path forward with clarity and care, grounded in reality, shaped for sustainability, and aligned with your values. With an approach rooted in a people- and planet-first mindset, Deb blends systems thinking, human-centered design, and creative problem-solving to support meaningful transformation — helping individuals, teams, and organizations navigate complexity with courage, connection, and compassion.

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