> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info/toolkit/principle/4-support-local-leadership-and-ownership/checklist-support-local-leadership-and-ownership.md).

# Checklist: Support local leadership and ownership

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Use this checklist to assess whether your approach aligns with **Principle 4: Support local leadership and ownership** across programme design, implementation, and partnership management.

Apply it when designing programmes, selecting partners, and managing grants.
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☐ Are **local media organisations and media development actors** meaningfully involved in defining priorities, objectives, and approaches from the outset?

☐ Do partnership structures enable local actors to **hold decision-making roles**, including as lead partners where appropriate?

☐ Are financial resources and budget control **shared in a way that reflects local leadership and responsibility**?

☐ Are eligibility criteria and application processes **accessible to local actors**, including those without prior donor experience?

☐ Are compliance and reporting requirements **proportionate to partner capacity and context**, and adapted where needed?

☐ Are there mechanisms in place to support partners in **building compliance and financial management capacity over time**?

☐ Do programme timelines and processes allow for **meaningful consultation and co-decision**, rather than token participation?

☐ Are roles and responsibilities across consortia structured to avoid **systematic subcontracting of local actors**?

☐ Does the intervention support local actors to **progress from sub-grantee to direct funding recipient over time**?

☐ Are risks, responsibilities, and visibility requirements **shared fairly across partners**, without transferring disproportionate burden to local actors?

☐ Does the approach contribute to strengthening **long-term institutional capacity, sustainability, and leadership**?

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### Common risk flags

* Local actors engaged only at **implementation stage**, not in design or decision-making
* Partnership models where local actors are **subcontracted without influence over strategy or resources**
* Compliance and reporting requirements that **exclude smaller or first-time applicants**
* Concentration of financial control and decision-making with **international implementers**
* Short-term capacity-building activities without **long-term institutional strengthening**
* Lack of pathways for local actors to **access funding directly over time**
* Consultation processes that are **symbolic rather than decision-shaping**
* Disproportionate risk transferred to local partners without **corresponding authority or support**
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**Download and print the checklist from here:**

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