The immediate impact of COVID-19 on African civil society organisations (CSOs) was swift, widespread and destabilizing. This is one of the main findings of the Africa CSO COVID-19 Survey that @AfricanNGOs and EPIC-Africa implemented between 28 April and 15 May 2020. A total of 1 015 CSOs from 44 African countries participated in the survey.... Continue Reading →
COVID-19 and NPOs in South Africa: Fundraising and Sustainability in Uncertain Times
(This article was first published on the Tara Transform website) The COVID-19 pandemic, national lockdown and resulting economic slowdown have disrupted every aspect of South African society. This situation also has far-reaching implications for the role that nonprofit organisations (NPOs) play in the lives of millions of South Africans. The more than 220 000 NPOs... Continue Reading →
Crowdfunding for NGOs in South Africa – Background, Platforms and Programmes
There are currently more than 220 000 NGOs registered with the Department of Social Development. Many of these organisations perform critical development, humanitarian, and advocacy functions, but in a changing and increasingly competitive operating environment, they are confronted with serious funding and sustainability challenges. Diversifying their funding base and attracting new individual and institutional donors... Continue Reading →
My #DesertRun4NMCH – Using Sport to Give Back
Many South Africans are using their participation in sporting activities from running marathons to climbing mountains to raise awareness and funds for social causes and to make a difference in society. Supported by the reach and popularity of social media as well as crowdfunding platforms, these initiatives have the increased potential to influence meaningful change.... Continue Reading →
Non-profits and financial sustainability in South Africa
by Shelagh Gastrow, Founder and Director, GastrowBloch Philanthropies There are more than 150 000 non-profit organisations registered with the South African Department of Social Development. This explosion of organisations has resulted in on-going pressure for funding. Whilst funding crises are the normal situation for many non-profits, it is important for them to make plans for... Continue Reading →
Taking a rain check – the tale of ‘moneybags’ and the African NGO
by Ezra Mbogori, Executive Director, MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation Having worked in the non-profit sector for over 35 years, I say nothing new by repeating what has been said many times before, that resources - both material and human - maybe even spiritual, continue to be the single biggest challenge for civil society... Continue Reading →
Inyathelo – Steadfast in Serving South African Civil Society
Inyathelo: The South African Institute for Advancement was founded as a non-profit Trust in October 2002 by Shelagh Gastrow. Its vision remains a vibrant democracy in South Africa, underpinned by a sustainable civil society, supported by a strong local philanthropic movement and rooted in the African cultural heritage of sharing. The aim is to help... Continue Reading →