Month: October 2021

The most painful statement any nonprofit leader will hear is ”Sorry, we have no budget for your shikini N500k program” and you are reading their annual reports and seeing the billions of dollars they give towards projects.

You turn around in anger but guess what it is your fault.

Many of us like to associate our lack of success in some areas to mindset myths like ” nobody knows me”, ”because I don’t come from a wealthy family” etc. These are excuses.

Most times the reason for a lack of success is simple.

You did not plan, strategize or start early!

There were two major mistakes I made when I started my journey securing partners for my work.

1. Wrong Timing

If you have a program to launch in December, please, edakun, just forget it.

Except you have some serious connect, you will receive that dreaded email. So when is the right time to seek out partnerships and funding for your projects in 2022?

Now. As-in. Today. The question is ”Is your proposal ready? (check out our course on proposal writing) Have you done your project mapping? or are you waiting to include it in your 21days  fasting and praying prayer points in January? (Sorry no offense intended but you and I know we slip these things in. Well at least, I do )

2. Misalignment

I cannot count the number of organizations that have sent out random messages, completely misaligned, misdirected, and not of any interest to the intending brand.

A very important aspect of your success is to ensure that you connect your mission and vision to that of several corporate organizations that have sustainability as their focus.

The corporate organization you are currently writing to, have you researched to verify that they have your mission and vision as their CSR objective?

Every organization operates with a budget and many of them commence the process well ahead before the new year. Please commence now to secure that partnership.

I have so much more to write on the subject and hopefully, I get to do so real quick either in a class or on here.

I am still reflecting.

I am looking forward to GE’DA’ 2022 as this is one of the sessions we will be digging deep into. If you are truly interested in reading more, please remember to REGISTER HERE.

 

CALL FOR APPLICATION

The application for the 2022 African Social Innovators Boot camp is officially open.  

Apply HERE

Join leading changemakers from Africa at our rejuvenated boot camp now called GE` DA’ which means ‘Together Build’.

GE` DA’  is a 3 months intensive professional leadership development program that offers you a unique opportunity to learn how to improve your community by acquiring new skills and accessing funds to solve issues related to sustainable development goals.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

GE` DA’ is a 3 months intensive professional leadership development program for sector leaders working to improve their communities by addressing issues related to sustainable development goals. It is for those who desire to understand how to play in the development sector and want to deep dive into how to build a sustainable social impact organization.

Participants are selected from diverse sectors in development from different countries in Africa and encouraged to lead change boldly. Last year, over 237 applications were received and 45 people were selected to participate.

This year we will be welcoming 100 more. Will you join us?

WHAT NEXT

In this program, we are committed to empowering participants through an immersive learning experience, fostering more collaborations and co-creation while learning from sector experts, peers, and leading development organizations.

After the 12weeks of training, participants will pitch and get funded.

For partnerships & sponsorship, please send an email to partner@donorsforafricafoundation.org or call 09021851964

PROGRAM THEMES

Course modules will cover;

• Professional Development Training
• Social Innovation Techniques
• Resource Mobilization
• Starting & Scaling
• A systems approach to solving problems
• Impact Assessment / Monitoring & Evaluation
• Resilience & Leadership
• Talent Management
• Hybrid Meetings
• Virtual Mentoring Engagements
• Group Peer-Peer Sessions
• Professional Networking Interactions
• Alumni Engagements and much more

BENEFITS

• Virtual / Onsite Training
• Capacity Building Workshops
• Networking Opportunities
• Professional Development
• Personal Support from a dedicated in-country manager
• Post-fellowship support
• Recognized professional certification in Social Enterprise Management
• Funding Opportunity
• Exclusive Invitation to topical growth webinars
• Remain a valued member of the network for future events and   ongoing activities

OTHER BENEFITS

• Build professional credibility with this one of a kind, immersive experience

• Life Skilling – getting comfortable with being uncomfortable
• Exposure to invaluable professional networks and alumni network opportunities
• A global family for life!

TRAINING BENEFITS

• Group Workshops
• Expert Sessions
• Cash Prizes
• Media Exposure
• Credibility
• Project/ Funding Referrals
• Growth Network for Life

APPLICATION RESOURCES AND TIMELINE

• Applications Open –  October 1^st,  2021
• Deadline – October 30^th, 2021
• GE’DA’  Start Date – January 2022
• GE’DA’ End Date  – April 2022
• GE’DA’ Pitch Competition (2.0) – May 2022

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be considered for this fellowship, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be the founder or hold an executive position within an organization
• Be available to commit to attending all sessions
• Applicants must be 21 – 45 years. Younger applicants are welcome if they have a strong application
• Ability to attend the launch and graduation event
• Applicant and social enterprise organizations are interested and ready to scale the organization
• Must be creating positive, direct, and intended impact aligned to one or more of the SDG’s or AU Agenda 2063 / have a strong desire to
• Make full payment of fee if accepted. Scholarships may be available
• All applicants will be notified of their selection status by November -December 2021

Apply Here

Statistics

In 2020

• 232 Applications were Received
• 45 Social Innovators Selected
• 10 Finalists
• 1 WinnerApplication InstructionsPlease note that this program is merit-driven, if you are selected and do not follow through with all program requests, you may not receive your certificate from all local and international partners. Please contact partner@donorsforafricafoundation.org for more.