On Thursday, 16 April 2015, Kagiso Trust representatives engaged with people from various organisations that serve women, children, youth, people with disabilities, people living with HIV and AIDS – among others – on ways to getting funding and sustaining such work for longer terms. The workshop was aimed at starting conversations around issues that lead to organisations’ liquidation.
A panel of representatives from Kagiso Trust offered advice on ways to secure funding for NGOs and ideas on how to grow and sustain organisations after getting funding, and using assets that they have to procure services – instead of paying for services organisations could produce themselves. These included examples such as growing own mealies and growing vegetable garden in the feeding schemes organisations, and using one car that was donated for delivery of documents for multiple activities that will increase an organisation’s various operations.
Investing; streamlining resources; using available assets to generate revenue; and educating staff were some of the ideas that were offered to the attendees to solve their existing funding problems. Also, after attendees raised questions on how they could be considered as beneficiaries of sponsorships if they do not have infrastructure in which they operate, they were advised that approaching local municipalities, churches, and corporate centres in communities where NGOS operate, would help solve some of the issues they face.
During the workshop, attendees were grouped in plenary sessions where they had to discuss some of the issues they face, and then present suggestions and ask questions where Kagiso Trust would step in to provide solutions.
These are some of the comments the attendees made after the workshop:
Ms Mmalerato Rabotapi, representing Bomme Ba Tshwara Thipa ka Bohaleng: “The conversations were helpful. I learned proper ways of getting funding and how to manage the funds after receiving them. I also networked with other colleagues in the sector during the plenary sessions – learning what other people are doing is encouraging.”
Ms Catherine McDonald, representing Twilight Children in Hillbrow: “This was an excellent workshop. I picked up that collaboration of various NGOs is very important. Also, people are shy to talk, we need to ask questions where we do not understand and communication is very key – that way we will be able to achieve our goals with ease.”
Mr Gabriel Mabilu, representing Best Kids at Freedom Park: “I learned that sometimes it is important to raise funds on our own instead of always approaching corporate organisations for assistance. It helps to come together like this because we get to learn what other colleagues are doing and develop contacts with them.”
The panel discussants were Mr Mokgethi Tshabalala, CEO: Thebe Foundation; Ms Khosi Ratsomo: Founder and Managing Director: GAD Consulting Services Inc.; and Mr Thabiso Ratsomo, Kagiso Trust Trustee.
