‘Leaven’ a lasting legacy
A team of three women hope to help empower non-profit organisations in need with their fundraising experience.
THREE passionate women from the Highway area teamed up to create Leaven Raising, a non-profit company, in a move to help empower non-profit organisations in need.
The dynamic team has more than 35 years of combined experience in fundraising and were quick to notice the immediate impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on non-profit organisations when South Africa entered its hard level 5 lockdown. The team launched their initiative, which is in the process of receiving its own NPO status, earlier this year.
“The need for the sector’s essential work became even more paramount overnight. Think of a non-profit running a school feeding scheme. They had to pivot quickly, and within regulations, to get food to the children in their programme. The need to feed children didn’t change, but how they received their daily meal had to. Consider a non-profit in nursing care, now the frontlines. They were suddenly faced with extra expenses. The existing budget didn’t include a line item for PPE in response to a worldwide pandemic. It was essential to continue their work,” said Jenna Hardman.
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While grants and foundations make up a large portion of a NPO’s income these are considered short-term commitments of between three to five-year cycles, which, said the team, was not sustainable long-term.
“Sustainable fundraising for a non-profit comes from individuals. When you get communities of individuals behind your non-profit, that’s where magic happens. It’s where non-profits can build strong foundations and lasting relationships. While the work of the non-profit is center stage, looking after your donor is as important,” said Hardman.
“If you’re a donor to any non-profit, their message is simple and sincere: thank you. The non-profit sector relies on you for the future of their projects. There is no insignificant donation, they need every Rand. Especially now.”
Non-profit organisations in need can contact the NPC via email at hello@leaven.co.za, or call 082 788 4633.
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