During the two-day FIND in-person meeting, participants focused on strengthening relationships, sharing organisational experiences, and deepening the collective understanding of locally-led development. Day 1 focused on building connections and showcasing the organizations learning journeys with regards to locally-led-development. The discussions highlighted the diverse geographic and thematic focus areas among the organisations, as well as varying understandings and approaches to implementing locally led development. Several key commonalities emerged across the presentations of the FIND members, including: 

• Empowering young people.
• Fostering social innovation, entrepreneurship, and locally-led solutions.
• Emphasis on trust, flexibility, and operating with a strategy for systemic change within grantmaking and collaborations
• Strengthening local philanthropy and partnering with intermediaries, 
• Exploring innovative financial mechanisms 
• Interest in working with diaspora organisations. 
• The importance of adaptable, flexible approaches that align with cultural and contextual realities.

Participants also explored the potential for FIND to unify its voice in EU dialogues on international partnerships, particularly with DG INTPA (Directorate-General for International Partnerships). Hanna Surmatz from Philea gave a presentation which highlighted ongoing efforts by Philea to strengthen links between European philanthropy and the EU, including the European Philanthropy Manifesto’s push for a Single Market for Philanthropy. 

Day 2 shifted to co-creating future pathways, starting with an interactive World Café on defining and operationalising LLD. Discussions emphasized the importance of systemic approaches, equitable partnerships, and tools such as participatory grantmaking and core funding. Barriers like regulatory constraints and power imbalances were acknowledged, with suggestions for co-created visions and support for local ecosystems. In later sessions, participants proposed collaboration areas—ranging from ecosystem support and entrepreneurship to microgrants and dilemma sharing—and debated FIND's future direction. While some favoured peer learning, others advocated for coordinated advocacy and action. The group agreed on the need for flexible, time-bound collaborations, further discussions on accountability, and collective contributions to strengthen FIND’s impact.