Professional advice given to NGOs
Uthungulu Community Foundation continus its vital role in entrepreneur development
NGO sustainability is a critical consideration if this sector is to play a meaningful role in providing a variety of necessary services in South Africa.
‘However, NGOs are often reliant on donor funding, from a limited number of donors, and their capacity to plan and implement resource mobilisation strategies is often inadequate,’ says Simphiwe Mbatha, CEO of the uThungulu Community Foundation (UCF).
‘Furthermore, changes in donor imperatives, international trends and restrictive corporate strategies pose increasing challenges for NGO sustainability.’
In response to these challenges, the UCF last week facilitated an empowering workshop on the following critical factors for success of an individual or an organisation:
• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting;
• Social entrepreneurship;
• Impact investment.
To facilitate this workshop, the foundation engaged the services of an expect, Lisa Thompson Smeddle of Sustainable Development Network based in Cape Town and the United States.
Lisa holds an Honours degree in social sciences from Chapman University in California, and both Honours and Master’s degrees in sustainable development from Stellenbosch University.
She has over 25 years’ experience of working with different non-profit organisations in southern Africa.
‘A total of 36 local entrepreneurs attended the workshop, where the theme ‘social enterprise’ in particular was well received,’ said Mbatha.
‘The other topics gave attendees capacity to plan for the future and gain knowledge of the importance of investment and monitoring and evaluating operations.
‘Social enterprise provided entrepreneurs with required skills for initiating community-based projects, as well as properly managing and maintaining existing ones.’
Individuals and organisations interested in learning more about the workshop are free to call 035 7971882 for an exchange of views to enable the foundation to possibly organise another workshop.
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