AFSA Funding Workshop

Mandla Nyuswa

AFSA Funding Workshop In October 2009, the AFSA held a 2-day workshop on fundraising for its KZN based partner organisations.  A total number of twenty four (24) people from partner organisation who were responsible for fundraising, attended.  Special delegates included Ms Kitty Sokhela from CSI and the Communication Senior Manager from Toyota SA.   These two ladies were very instrumental l in terms of orientating AFSA project partners on various approaches of working with the Corporate Social Investment Section. For example, CSI focused more on income generating projects and welfare of employee’s resident’s areas. Another important area of focus was on production control and accountability. The main aim of the workshop was to equip project partners with skills to identify possible stakeholders to help sustain the work of their projects and, equip them with skills to write funding proposals.  This was based on various challenges which are faced by organisations in terms of mobilising resources to sustain their work. For example, most of the CBOs lack, or have limited funds to run their organisations.  This is due to a number of donors being in their final year of the grant agreement. Additionally, the project leaders and directors have basic knowledge and skills to maintain and secure funding from donor agencies.  This poses a challenge of major staff turnovers within the CBOs and has negative impact of the sustainable development of organisations. The organisations mentioned that the National Lottery Board has not yet approved their applications for funding and NTLFD is not giving a clear direction on its board requirements. Other organisations are struggling to get registration of tax exemption from SARS; this registration is a part of CSI requirements. The following was the course content of the workshop which enabled participants to gain valuable knowledge during the course of the workshop: The realities of the funding environment and some fundamental principles community based organisations need to follow to successfully compete for funding. An overview of different sources and types of funding. An understanding of the importance of developing and maintaining an organisational profile and building and sustaining strategic relationships and partnerships. Some practical information and “hands on” activities which will assist participants in writing funding proposals and presenting their case for funding. Compliance meeting conditions of funding once received.   The following is a synopsis of issues covered under each topic and activities carried out: Session 1 – Introduction to Realities and Principles Competition for funding; common frustrations when applying for funding; the basic “must haves or must dos” when seeking funding; importance of follow up and courteous assertiveness. Where to find funding or sponsorship; international donors, government, corporate, local business. Doing the groundwork – understanding the objectives of the targeted donor.   Activities conducted:  Mini audit of each organisation – listing the “positives” of each organisation from a funder’s point of view and listing the “negatives”.  What action can be taken to strengthen each organisation’s capacity to attract funding? Session 2 – Sources of Funding This session covered the following: Potential donors including corporate, international and government. Sources of information about donors. Limitations of donor funding.   Participants were required to work in groups with the CSI Funding handbook, Group 2 work with Internet (alternate after 20 minutes). Each group had to identify 1 corporate donor and either 1 government donor or 1 international donor whose funding criteria they believe d their organisation would be able to meet.   Session 3 – Writing a Funding Application This session enabled participants to identify their priorities for funding.  Participants had to do further research using the CSI book and/or internet to find possible sources of funds.  They also had to learn to write the funding proposal based on the goals of the funding grants. Session 4 – Organisational Profile and Situational Analysis This session covered the importance of keeping the organisation’s public profile.  It aimed to answer questions like: Who knows about the organisation and the work that it does? What are some ways to ensure that organisation are noticed and viewed positively by potential funding agencies and other strategic partners?  The following aspects were raised: Publicity materials –one simple brochure, what should it say? Does the organisation have a clear “mission” or “vision” and an operational plan that clearly articulates what services the organisation is involved with, and to whom it provides services to? Why does the organisation exist?  What does it do that makes its on going existence important to the community and client base? What are the key facts and figures relating to the area and community (communities) your organisation works with? The value of having a situational analysis.   Session 5 - Building Relationships Which community leaders, organisations, local business and government departments (local, provincial, national) cover each organisation’s geographic area and have a link to the work that organisation? What kind of events does the organisation conduct with local councillors, politicians, public servants etc? What local forums, networks etc , can the organisation be part of Who is on the organisation’s  management committee and criteria’s for  electing suitable management committee Does the organisation have local media contacts?   As part of the activity exercise, the participants had to list every organisation, business, government department, community leader, etc, they needed to partner with.  This also included a list of community forums, networks etc that they felt they needed to be part of. Session 6 – Compliance with Funding Agreements This session briefly looked at common funding agreement requirements and the importance of compliance. Session 7 – Writing a Funding Application (con’t) In this session, participants were guided through the guidelines of one international donor and as a group; they went through the process of completing the application form. This oriented participants on the processes of developing a draft of a real funding proposal. ·         AFSA project officers will conduct site visits and double check all initiative of donor base work. ·         Organisations are encouraging to visit all nearest business owners and companies with intention to present and market organisation. ·          Organisations will conduct business AIDS seminar as one of methods to engage business in organisation development work and to get more support on resources such as funding and food. ·         Ensure that all the organisations are registered with SARS tax exemption unit and tax clearance unit. At the end of the two day workshop, all the participants were given tasks to draft funding proposals. They also received funding materials and handouts to help them in their fundraising efforts and in identifying potential donors. Organisations selected task team members who will work on funding proposals within their respective organisations.