At the heart of the debate was a challenge to leadership: National Societies must take greater responsibility for their financial future. One speaker argued that partners should be viewed as a source of strength rather than as the solution to weaknesses within National Societies. The lesson for other National Societies was clear: domestic fundraising does not necessarily require wealthy donors alone. National Societies were urged to learn from one another while adapting strategies to their own legal, economic and institutional environments. It is whether National Societies have the resources, leadership and independence needed to remain present when communities need them most.