Category: featured articles

Categories
featured articles

AWID AWARDS 2023 – And the Winners are…

Donors for Africa Foundation
AWID 2023 Finalist

Donors for Africa Foundation is pleased to announce its top fifty finalist for the 2023 African Women in Development Awards.

The award recognizes outstanding African women activists, change-makers, government representatives, and social entrepreneurs, who are transforming lives in their communities and countries, helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

According to the organizers, more than one thousand entries from 21 African countries were received after the call for nominations was made. The finalists were selected following a rigorous research and selection process, by the selection committee, which included government representatives, development experts, and women leaders from Africa.

This year’s celebration of female achievement saw the bringing together all shortlisted nominees from the East, West, North, Southern Africa, and the Diaspora to highlight the impact of their work to development in the region.

Chidi Koldsweat, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Donors for Africa Foundation stated that the recognition is aimed at documenting the stories of African women leading change across the continent, enabling them to gain visibility and access new opportunities. It is also designed to become a repository of data, information, and research findings.

She added that in Africa, women deliver impressive innovations every day and go un-noticed and their successes undocumented. The awards are to ensure that impact stories and best practices in social entrepreneurship are replicated to guarantee consistent development and achievement of the SDGs.

A past award recipient, Uzoamaka Amalu stated, founder, Project Lead stated that ‘’the recognition by Donors for Africa Foundation, led to increased visibility and I was constantly approached by leading brands globally for collaboration and invitations to join CSR/Executive advisory boards. It put me on a different level on the global scene especially in the development space.’’

“The award recipients remind us that there is no lack of ideas or talent, but of support mechanisms necessary for women to thrive and be active transformers to economies.

“So, our initiatives put a spotlight on outstanding women who are bringing innovative ideas and creative solutions to support, lead and deliver a future of peace, prosperity, and progress.”

This year’s award was completely different from the rest as we had entries from a rich pool of women across Africa. We celebrate our awardees and applaud their efforts in successfully addressing the challenges posed by events in their communities.” She spoke.

 

About Us

Donors for Africa Foundation is a non-profit based in Nigeria, working to reduce the number of African development organizations and non-profits that fail due to a lack of funding and technical expertise. They connect nonprofits and impact investors to opportunities.

The organization provides training services, human capital development, and accelerator programs to change-makers and social innovators to ensure their sustainability and institutional strengthening to continue accessing funds and affecting their communities.

So far, Donors for Africa’s digital and capacity-building training programs have helped organizations access over $30M in funding, trained over 5000+ non-profits, and helped more organizations be sustainable and prosper, allowing them to develop resilience withstand future shocks.

Email us: Donorsforafrica@gmail.com | mail@donorsforafricafoundation.org

Categories
featured articles

New Opportunities

Funding Opportunity
New grants opportunity

Here is a list of ongoing opportunities you should check out.

2022 Active Citizenship Award for Young Africans

Call for Applications: Reporting Grants on Digital Identity, Data & Technology in Africa

NOFO: Supporting Civic Engagement in the Electoral Processes in Africa

Call for Applications: China-Africa Relationship and the Climate Crisis

JAMII Femmes Initiative to support African Women Entrepreneurs

Decolonize! Call For Proposals 2022

John Templeton Foundation’s Grant Program

[Apply Now] Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition

Apply for Cascador Program 2022 (Nigeria & US)

All the best!

 

Categories
featured articles Uncategorised

Time Management: The Secret to Fundraising Success

Time management for fundraising

Imagine the things we have to get done in a day!

You have to be online! You have to send out emails, and respond to much more emails! Search for new donors! Manage old donors! Help your board resolve issues! Treat every donor like a major donor! People are calling for program updates! You need to plan your next hangout! Pick up the kids! Decide on the next big thing!

It is just too much and how does anyone expect you to focus on fundraising?

Trust me as a busy third sector leader, I understand and to conquer Productivity, Time Management, and Fundraising, you must understand the different mindsets driving your decisions

The productivity mindset says Get more work done!

The time management mindset says ‘Get the most important work done well’.

So how can you effectively manage your time so you can focus on successful fundraising strategies?

  1. Cultivate a Time Positive Mindset

What is your MOST important goal?

For many nonprofit leaders, your most important goal is securing funding which automatically makes your donors are a priority.               Individual donors remain 75% of the highest amount of donors who give so prioritizing your donor interaction is now more important than ever.

One of the ways to do this is to ‘’Develop a more efficient way to engage and interact with everyone on your value chain so you can continue to deliver an experience.

Have a more high-quality targeted list of stakeholders that is segmented. (This is one of the areas we will be discussing at our upcoming training). Categorize everyone on that list so your communications are easier and more direct.

  1. Control Your Interactions

There are  3 types of interactions: People, Communication & Environment

People: Daily prioritize people you should communicate with such as your Donors, Leaders & Board Members, Volunteers & co-workers, family & friends.

Communication:  It’s important you schedule time on your calendar for responding to emails, newsletters, reports, and projects.

Environment: How cluttered is your workspace? your desktop, or your mind? How do you handle visual distractions? Learn to work in an environment that excites you and keeps you committed to your task.

Other ways to manage your time effectively are;

  • Make a plan: Do you have a Master, Monthly, Weekly, and Daily calendar?
  • Control the interruptions. Do everything to protect your work time. Focus.
  • Find your preferred time management app. There are so many apps; workflow, Trello, Asana, Monday.com, To-do-list, slack. Find an app that works for you.
  • Find your peak zone: When is the best time for you to work
  • Carve out personal time. Don’t spend all day dedicated to working activities alone. Block off personal time on your calendar.
  • Delegate
  • Learn to say No

We have so much more information packed for our upcoming Masterclass, please send us an email at donorsforafrica@gmail.com for more inquiries.

 

Categories
featured articles Uncategorised

Think about This- When Do You Need a Fundraising Strategy?

In a world dominated by social media and digital technology, fundraising trends, strategies, and best practices evolve at a rapid pace. New and creative ways of asking for donor support emerge so quickly that it can be hard for organizations to keep up. 

For many nonprofit founders, fundraising is just one of your many, many responsibilities, you barely have time to run through each activity how much more to stay on top of trends, and put into practice the things you learn. 

When we work with third sector leaders, oftentimes they ask us what are some of the ways to know it’s time to have a strategy in place as well as a possible fundraiser.

Below are some ideas; 

You don’t have enough in-house staff: 

Many successful nonprofits often have departments dedicated to fundraising that include independent teams that handle all the moving parts. If your nonprofit has big goals but only a handful of people who can dedicate their time to fundraising activities, it may be time to consider hiring outside help. 

Training in-house staff:

Sometimes, even if you have enough in-house staff members responsible for fundraising, they may not have the necessary expertise. It may be helpful to hire a fundraising consultant instead.

Reaching untapped audiences:

As a nonprofit founder, sometimes all you may know is the information available within your immediate network. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot more outside your network. Engaging fundraising professionals who work with dozens of organizations just like yours and have a network of potential partners, vendors, and sponsors will give you access to an untapped audience.  They can see opportunities and ways to expose your organization to new audiences.  

Planning a fundraising program:

Creating a new fundraising program from scratch requires experience in that area and a deep understanding of how to maximize your organization’s resources. Your in-house staff will be able to maintain the program once it’s up and running, but it’s not a bad idea to get someone to help plan and implement it.

Launching a capital campaign:

Campaigns are an enormous undertaking and often take time to execute. They involve a lot of moving parts and rely on each fundraising program working in unison toward the same mission. Even if you have a full staff of experienced fundraisers, it can still be helpful to hire outside help to plan the campaign and keep it on track. 

Becoming a better digital fundraiser:

We rely on digital technology for just about everything, and its role in fundraising will only continue to grow and evolve. By learning new digital fundraising skills and learning from experts, you can help your organization meet its donors where they are—online. 

Now, we have talked about why you need a strategy and the realities that surround having a successful campaign.

In our upcoming e-course, we will be breaking it down and showing you a lot down to ways to approach your potential sponsors and fundraisers.

Do click HERE to be the first to know.

Categories
featured articles

Fundraising 101: Know the Basics

It is important you realize that fundraising is NOT begging. This is why so many nonprofit founders hate it before they even start it. You worry so much about rejection that you automatically decide it’s not for you without first understanding what it’s about and how to thrive while doing so.

Havings successfully raised over $35M directly and indirectly during my 9-5 and now as the founder of a nonprofit, here are a few recommendations.

1)  Start with Your Mindset. 

To successfully fundraise, you must first have an abundance mindset. An abundance mindset is about creating opportunities and believing that there are enough resources for everyone to benefit. A person with a scarcity mindset will be absorbed with what is missing in their life and organization that your mind becomes busy worrying and worrying stops you from accessing the possibilities.

You must realize that ”Fundraising is about inviting people to be part of something worthwhile, something bigger than they are, something meaningful that changes live”.

2)  Understand your Why.

Why are you fundraising?

Is it to build your database of donors, provide a steady income for you and your team, or raise awareness for your cause? Once you identify your why it plays a major role in determining how you should fundraise and what specific campaign you should target or design. 

In our upcoming cause Fundraising for Nonprofits, we will teach you the full scope of a highly successful fundraising program.

This is the same step-by-step approach we have taken when we generate funds internally and externally for our community.

Please click HERE to indicate interest and get 50% off the program cost. You will also be the first to know once we are ready to open registration.

3) Finally! Identify and Evaluate the Cause.

What is the cause you are fundraising for? Is it attractive to potential sponsors? Have you evaluated the program and extracted the why? What’s in it for your potential sponsors, donors, and partners? or is this another ”help us give, we are doing good work”.

Fundraising must answer all its detailed parts or components. It must follow a sequence so you can achieve two major results; sustainability and retention.

Retention of your donors and stakeholders and sustainability of your organization.

Do remember to fill out the form if interested and we will teach you how to fundraise effectively. 

For inquiries please contact us at donorsforafrica@gmail.com

Categories
featured articles

Donors for Africa announces a list of 2022 GE’DA Leadership Fellows. (An African Social Innovators Bootcamp Cohort 3)

GE'DA Fellows Program by Donors for Africa Foundation

Donors for Africa Foundation has proudly announced its 2022 GE’DA (An African Social Innovators Bootcamp) leadership development program fellows. 

The 42 selected fellows from 10 African countries represent Africa’s leading changemakers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to transforming their communities and shaping Africa’s future.

GE’DA’ fellows were chosen through a rigorous competitive process and criteria based on their commitment towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, outstanding leadership promise, and community service.

According to Chidi Koldsweat, the Executive Director, GE` DA’ is a Benin word for “Together Build”. It is a 3-months intensive professional leadership development program for third sector leaders working to improve their communities.

Through this program, they will receive intensive sessions from an expert faculty with competencies on the Sustainable Development Goals, pitch their projects, and access funding.

It is a call to stakeholders from the government, private sector, small businesses, philanthropy organizations, and international agencies to achieve the SDGs by investing in changemakers. The fellowship program is designed for those who want to understand how to play in the development sector and dive deep into building a sustainable social impact organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Us

Donors for Africa Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works actively with social impact leaders, organizations, philanthropists, and investors to break poverty cycles by addressing the global challenges we face in Africa. The NGO is determined to build a better world by strengthening mission-driven African Social Innovators’ capacity to access funds, achieve groundbreaking results, and create sustainable organizations. We make empowered Institutions with suitable internal structures and processes armed with a clear road map for action through our work. Through several leadership incubation programs, we raise transformational nonprofit/social impact leaders who are skilled and competent in implementing the SDGs. We advocate for and educate government and private sector agencies on policies that accelerate the SDGs and the 2063 Agenda. We also focus on research & Impact Investment.

For partnerships, don’t hesitate to contact us at partner@donorsforafricafoundation.org/mail@donorsforafricafoundation.org. 

Categories
featured articles

Do It Like Eniola Adefioye

Welcome to DFA’s  ‘Do It Like’ Series, where we will introduce you to leading men and women who are breaking glass ceilings find development, accessing millions in funding, and transforming their communities. 

We will show you what they are doing right as well as give you a peep into how they lead their organizations. This will be done in simple ways that can help you move from point A – B.

Continue to read below to see how Eniola Adefioye is leading change in the TVET ( Technical and Vocational Educational and Training) space. 

Let’s Meet You

1) Full Names, Organization, Designation: Eniola Adefioye. Lead Development Consultant at Tributary Initiative for Learning

2) Top 3 daily routines that keep you going: Meditation, Self-assessment at the end of each day. – (What I did well, What I didn’t do well, and What improvements I need to make) and Spending time with family and loved ones.

3) Title of one book that has inspired you: The One thing -Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan

4) What you have achieved through TVET:

  • 2000 technical trainees gained occupational competency and secured work placements.
  • Facilitated partnerships between industry and TVET institutions
  • 10 Institutions improved their KPIs for viability and sustainability
  • 300+ instructors gained competencies to facilitate innovative teaching and learning for more significant learning outcomes.

 

5) How do you approach potential sponsors: 

  • Map potential actors that support what we do or operate in our space
  • Identify that organization whose pain matches our objectives.
  • Identify a critical person/point person in the organization to approach
  • Put a call through-make an appointment or go door knocking
  • Sometimes we attend functions or events they attend for an opportunity to connect

6) Your next big goal: Provide access to affordable Virtual and Augmented Reality technology for Technical and Vocational training in Nigeria.

7) Your favorite quote: You are only as good at what you know and what you can do.

8) Professional courses are taken: 

  • International Training of Trainers( AdA-DIHK-AHK)
  • Developing-A-Curriculum (DACUM) Facilitator training
  • Systematic Curriculum Instructional Design (SCID)
  • Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
  • Nebosh Intl General Certificate in occupational health and safety

9) Top TVET mentors others must follow:

I follow those who add value to me directly or indirectly per time. Hard to say they must be followed as mentorship is a choice.

10) Contact  Details: 08109552435, eniola.adefioye@trilearning.org IG: @enioladefioye

Kudos to you Eniola. We wish you the very best and look forward to reading more about your progress.

Do you know any Social Impact Leader that deserves to be featured? Send their profile and email address to donorsforafrica@gmail.com

Categories
featured articles

It’s Budgeting Season! Are you Ready to Secure that Sponsorship?

GEDA Application 2022
Donors for Africa Foundation highlights how to secure your next funding

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.

 

Categories
featured articles

Apply for GE` DA’ (Cohort 3) An African Social Innovators Bootcamp

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 1st,  2021
  • Deadline – October 30th, 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.
Categories
featured articles Uncategorised

5 Elements of a Winning Grant Proposal

Get ahead Webinar by Donors for Africa Foundation

Have you accessed a grant before?

Well, if your nonprofit organization hasn’t received or applied for any then you should. I tell most nonprofits that the best way to learn how to apply for a grant is to actually apply for one and this is why.

Applying for grants will improve your technique and expand your ability to write a competitive document. Remember, you are not the only one competing for that money. There are many other organizations like yours with real problems they intend to address and are interested in the same money, hence you MUST bring your A GAME!

Below are a few tricks and tips you must consider when preparing for your next application and we will be expanding on this at our upcoming working webinar themed ‘Get Ahead’. Do check it out.

1.Understand the amount of work that goes into the writing process

Grant writing takes time and the first key towards writing a winning grant is to pay attention to the amount of dedication and hard work needed in drafting a convincing proposal. The same effort paid in finding the right opportunity should be the same level of precision required in grant writing.

2. You must be meticulously thorough and address all the grantor’s requirements.

Often, the problem with an ineffective grant proposal isn’t the quality of the writing, the reputation of the requesting organization, or the worthiness of its stakeholders and community. Instead, what often diminishes a proposal’s effectiveness is a failure to thoroughly address the expectations of the grantor.

It is VERY important that you review the grantor’s requirements and ensure your organization meets them.

3. Establish how your organization is specially equipped to meet the community and the funder’s needs

Never assume that your potential funder will be familiar with your organization’s mission, the scope of activities, populations served, and unique programs. Whether you do a concise (very concise!) “about us” section at the beginning of the proposal, or whether you decide to weave specific information about your organization throughout the proposal, your brand and your value must come through. How?

 

4. Keeping your data and resources for the grant application well-ordered and easily accessible

Do you have a checklist of all that is required to be submitted for the varied applications you are putting forward? Do you know all that is required? Are they easily accessible?

5. Ensure you are thoroughly vetted and reviewed before submission.

You should treat your grant proposal as you would any important document. Just as you would your annual report, letters to donors, or any other communication that leaves your organization and lands on another’s desk, establish an editorial review process.

Grant writing isn’t like other types of business writing. It has its own language and “rules.” Have someone – or many people – work with you during the production of your proposal to ensure that the final product is as near-flawless as possible.

Download apps that allow ease of this process and our program  Get Ahead will  share several platforms and apps you can ap

If you have questions or inquiries, please feel free to email us at donorsforafrica@gmail.com