Brooke Bibeault’s Post

2024 has started with fresh energy and so much gratitude: As my time at Amava Oluntu has come to an end, I am reflecting on the strong impact it had on me. Over the past 4 years, I had the privilege to work alongside incredible humans in Cape Town. I learned so much from diverse people, systems and cultures, and can’t stop giving thanks for this rich, nurturing time. Most of all, it was a humbling experience collaborating with social activists and changemakers from South Africa who have so much wisdom to share. It deeply broadened my perspectives around collective leadership, community philanthropy and indigenous knowledge, and has sensitized my understanding of the many disturbing effects of post-apartheid, especially for youth. I remember how, initially, I had to “learn to unlearn” some of my knowledge deriving from German universities and schooling. Reimagining more just futures and rethinking organisational development in this context has opened up so many new horizons for me. It was challenging at times but, today, I feel much more empowered and even more motivated to engage in spaces that work towards global equity. I am deeply grateful for the trust that I have received at Amava Oluntu and for the incredible encounters with people and nature. A special thanks goes to Wigley Theresa who, among many other things, has taught me the beauty of responding to the unknown with clarity and ease. I am now a mother of a wonderful 6 months old boy who helps me broaden my perspectives from another angle. Slowly but surely, I am seeking a new position in an organisation that makes a difference for people and planet. #givingthanks #communitybuilding #ngo #nonprofits #changemaker #amavaoluntu #amandla #decolonizing #socialjustice #southafrica #opentowork #harvesting #sensing

There are over 443,000 social enterprises and over 46,000 nonprofits in Nigeria according to Pioneers Post, British Council and All Africa respectively. What if all of these impact organizations actually provide sustainable solutions to the tons of social problems plaguing the country? The impact will be phenomenal! Rather, what we have is several nonprofits merely scratching the surface of the problems that exist; i.e provision of school packs when the kids learn in dilapidated classrooms that lack the resources worthy of exceptional learning and are taught by NCE and graduate teachers who crammed their way through school and are only teaching because they couldn't find a job. No wonder we don't ever invent anything in Nigeria. The average Biochemistry student crammed their way through school, how can he/she teach effectively? The purpose of the third sector is to support the government in ensuring a nation that is peaceful and prosperous, where inequalities are reduced and everyone irrespective of socioeconomic status or location have access to equal opportunities. There is numerous evidence of social impact organizations creating real impact in the society. This is my advice to every Changemaker working in the social impact sector especially in Nigeria, this is the year of impact! Enough of recycled projects that bring little or no impact! Rinse and repeat! You've been giving aid for a couple of years now, have you measured the output, outcome and impact? It is time for measurable impact that can be monitored and evaluated. Seek to go beyond the the first layer of the problem you are trying to solve. Go beyond low hanging fruit projects. I know you've done some things and that was good for past years, but not anymore! It's time to deploy problem-market fit solutions that would add to national transformation. Wondering how to do this? Then join me this Saturday, 27th January 2024 at the 2024 Strategic Planning Session for Changemakers, Social Enterprises and NGOs. It is free, secure a seat here: https://lnkd.in/dARnajb7 Together, we will shake your social impact organization and put it back together so it can generate more impact. You were made for impact! It is time for impact! Say this with me in the comments; My organization (tag your organization) will record maximum impact this year!!! Our projects add to national transformation. It is our year of exponential impact! #theyearofexponentialimpact #impact #socialimpact #sdgs #changemaker #sustainabledevelopment #youthdevelopment #thinktank #thinktankinnigeria #youthdevelopment #changemakershub #hubforsocialimpact #kemithechnagemaker #communityofchangemakers

Self Help Africa is looking for a Team Leader for a new EU funded project under their Green Economy Promotion and Diversification (GEPD) Programme. We will be managing Component 2: Consolidation of MSMEs and start-ups, particularly youth and women led, and promotion of their expansion into green/circular economy and digital business. The objective of our project - GREEN Tech4CE - is to promote and de-risk investment in green sustainable growth in Zambia through creating and sustaining green, circular, and digital economic opportunities for women, men, and youths. GREEN Tech4CE priorities include: 1) Improving formalisation, competences, management of MSME with growth potential, particularly women and young entrepreneurs 2) Increasing access to finance to improve product quality, product diversification and green and circular economy 3) Improving and expanding the MSME support service offer by the Zambian business and financial service providers. 4) Supporting innovation and commercialisation of emerging technologies, particularly those supporting diversification and greener and circular business models. Self Help Africa will be working with Prospero Zambia, Tandem Circular and Imani Development to bring the right blend of people and experience to implement GREEN Tech4CE. Please follow the link to find out more about this very exciting opportunity. https://lnkd.in/dwFCB9dw

🌟 ASMITE FOUNDATION: Your Partner in Social Transformation & CSR Excellence 🔹 About Us ASMITE FOUNDATION, a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013, is a catalyst for societal transformation. With over [insert number of years] years of dedicated service, we are at the forefront of driving sustainable change through inclusive initiatives. Our work spans across various domains, including education, health, environment, and community development. 🔹 Our Expertise * NGO Consulting: We provide strategic guidance to NGOs to help them maximize their impact and achieve their goals. * CSR Consultation: We collaborate with corporate partners to design, implement, and manage impactful CSR initiatives that align with their business objectives and contribute to social good. * Project Implementation: With our experienced team, we ensure that all projects are executed efficiently, with measurable outcomes and sustainable impact. * Fundraising & Grant Writing: We specialize in crafting compelling proposals and mobilizing resources to support various social initiatives. Are you looking to make a difference? Let's work together to create meaningful change. Could you connect with us to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership? #ngo #csr

Why #Corporate, #NGOs (#NonGovernmentalOrganizations) partnerships are getting limited to only #financial supports? Such partnerships have many dimensions to have multiplier impact. #Donor driven approach is an easier way than #partnership driven. Later demands #courage to treat #civilsocietyorganisations / NGOs as partners because it requires best of the know-how, hand holding, active listening, more incubation time and equal stake at #community to witness failures if any. In absence of above, most of the time CSR starts behaving like a typical #donor to NGOs. At Living My Promise, I have observed, best of the #philanthropist are extremely humble & open to ideas even while sharing their #wealth with NGOs. In addition, they share their knowledge, wisdom and networks to help ngo grow. Converting an #csrdonation into #csrpartnership demands time, field visit, dynamic planning and constant handholding for a greater good of the society. Most of the time csr mismanages the partnership due to lake of learnings, know-how, abrupt project decisions and poor network. This is what is resulting into poor impact at ground zero and increase in #reputationalrisk of the #corporates. Here are some of the major missing skills with CSR: 1- Planning based on #TheoryofChange 2- Finding out #CoreProblem based on Cause & Effect relationship 3- Ability to finalise #OVI (Objectively verifiable indicator 4- Process documentation skills for replication 5- Reading, writing & Networking to connect dots for NGOs However, Corporates can play a significant role with NGOs in various ways as mentioned below. 1. #FinancialSupport: Corporates can provide funding to NGOs for specific projects, supporting their social & environmental initiatives. 2. #StrategicPartnerships: Partnerships between corporates & NGOs can leverage each other's strengths, expertise & networks to achieve common goals. 3. #CapacityBuilding: Corporates can offer training, mentorship, and capacity-building programs to enhance NGOs' skills and capabilities. 4. #ResourceSharing: Corporates can share their resources, such as #technology, #expertise, and #infrastructure, with NGOs to amplify their #impact. 5. #NetworkingOpportunities: Corporates can connect NGOs with their network, opening doors to new partnerships, funding opportunities, and access to influencers. 6. #EmployeeEngagement: Corporates can encourage employee volunteering, skill-based volunteering, and fundraising campaigns to support NGOs. 7. #ImpactInvesting: Corporates can invest in NGOs through impact investing, seeking social returns. 8. #Advocacy and #Awareness:Corporates can amplify NGOs' voices, raising awareness about #social & #environmental issues and advocating for policy changes. Secondly bridging the gap between Govt & NGOs. By supporting NGOs, corporates can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, enhance their #brand #reputation, contribute to a +ve #social and #environmental impact. (photo below is just a depiction)

*WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SCO EA:* HOW SCOEA SUSTAIN ITSELF FINANCIALLY? The Shirikisha Civic Organization of East Africa (SCOEA) has incorporated a social enterprise sustainability model to reduce reliance on donations and create financial independence. This carefully planned strategy involves establishing various social enterprises that serve both the community and generate profits, thereby ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability. Under the Community Health and Social Inclusion program, SCOEA has set up *Kalu Mart Health Centre* in Western Uganda. This facility provides comprehensive and compassionate healthcare services, catering to the healing and effective treatment of every client while also operating as a revenue-generating entity. In line with the Social Entrepreneurship program, the organization has established *Musinguka Tourism Company Limited* , which offers environmentally friendly tourism services. This enterprise also utilizes tourism as a conservation tool, promoting sustainable practices while generating income for SCOEA. Addressing climate change and environmental sustainability, SCOEA has launched *RARTA Waste and Energy Solutions Uganda.* This entity provides waste management services and uses innovative methods to produce briquettes and other fuel solutions from waste materials, contributing to both environmental preservation and financial sustainability. Furthermore, the Financial Inclusion program includes *SCO Finance Limited,* which focuses on providing affordable credit to marginalized communities. This initiative not only enhances financial inclusion but also contributes to the financial sustainability of the organization. By carefully aligning these social enterprises with its programs, SCOEA has diversified its sources of revenue while directly impacting the communities it serves. This strategic approach enables the organization to address social and environmental challenges while simultaneously generating income to support its ongoing initiatives. As a result, SCOEA is gradually reducing its dependency on donations and securing its financial sustainability for the future. VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.scoeafrica.org

Pioneering Change Through the Empowerment of Women At Star Strong, we are always searching for organizations that align with our human first approach to investing. When we found the BOMA project, it was a perfect fit. We are able to deeply support and guide the work they are doing. Here is some of the amazing ways they are making the world more equitable and connected. 🌱 Understanding The BOMA Project A Mission of Empowerment: The BOMA Project, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to transforming the lives of women and youth in Africa through education and entrepreneurship. The REAP Program: Rural Entrepreneur Access Project (REAP) is BOMA's offering program aimed at alleviating extreme poverty in rural African communities. It identifies women and youth applicants in need, and provides them with seed capital to build a business. The program also includes comprehensive training and mentoring to empower participants to start, sustain, and grow their businesses, leading to long-term economic independence. Green REAP: The sister program of BOMA’s flagship initiative is Green REAP, addressing poverty and environmental degradation. It trains participants in sustainable business practices, such as producing forest honey, aloe, gums, resins, and biomass briquettes, contributing to ecosystem restoration. This program promotes ecological stewardship, particularly in communities heavily impacted by climate change. These programs are a testament to our philosophy at Star Strong Capital: investing in people is not just a charitable act, but a strategic move 🌍 Expanding Impact Across Africa Geographical Reach: Initially focused in Kenya, The BOMA Project has successfully expanded its operations to Ethiopia, Cameroon, South Sudan, Uganda, and Burkina Faso, demonstrating the scalability and adaptability of its model. Empowerment from Within:** By employing a workforce that is 98% African, The BOMA Project ensures that its initiatives are not only locally relevant but also driven by those who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the region. 🤲 Targeting the Marginalized Focus on the Underserved: The BOMA Project specifically targets women and youth, who are often marginalized in traditional economic systems, ensuring that the aid reaches those who can benefit the most. Creating Sustainable Futures: Through seed capital, training, and mentoring, The BOMA Project is not just providing temporary relief but is fostering long-term economic independence and resilience. We profiled how we became involved in the BOMA project on the Star Strong blog. Read more about this amazing organization and how you can get involved here. #Empowerment #ExpandingImpact https://hubs.ly/Q029LZD20

Pratyush Kumar Panda this insightful post of yours highlights the untapped potential in corporate-NGO partnerships. Limiting these collaborations to financial support misses out on creating a significant, lasting impact. The call for a partnership-driven approach, emphasizing shared knowledge, active listening, and mutual growth, is vital. At Living My Promise, the emphasis on humility and open-mindedness by philanthropists stands out, showing how true partnerships can flourish. By addressing key skills like planning, networking, and capacity building, corporations can transform CSR from mere donations to meaningful, sustainable impact. Let's aim for dynamic, engaged collaborations that leverage the best of both worlds for greater societal good. Keep at it my friend.

This is disheartening hence there is need to conduct genuine baseline studies and use the results to plan for implementation.

Check out this article authored by Naghma Mulla, published by Campden Wealth, that explores how strategic philanthropy can empower NGOs to create lasting social impact. Leave your thoughts in comments, and don't forget to like and share!