From June 25th to 26th, 2025, Philomena Ahey had the privilege of attending the CSOs Forum under the theme Reimagining Development Financing and Civic Action: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward.
The discussions were insightful, particularly on how Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) can strengthen local fundraising strategies to sustain their impact. Here are some key lessons I gathered:
1. A Clear Mandate and Deep Community Connection
For any CSO, having a clear mission and a strong connection with the people you serve is crucial. Funders and donors support causes they believe in—those that demonstrate real, tangible change in society. Ask yourself:
– How well do the communities we serve know and trust us?
– Are we effectively communicating our impact?
2. Local Fundraising: A Continuous Effort, Not a Crisis Response
Many organizations only seek funds when in need, but sustainable fundraising should be an ongoing process. Key strategies include:
– Mindset Shift: Ghanaian are generous but give to causes they feel connected to.
– Donor Profiling: Understand what motivates local donors—whether individuals, private sector players, or government agencies.
– Needs Matching: Align your projects with the interests of potential supporters.
– Visibility & Accountability: Regularly update stakeholders on your work through social media, reports, and community engagement.
3. Building Relationships, Not Just Raising Funds
People don’t just give to organizations—they give to people and causes they trust. Effective strategies include:
– Friend-Raising Before Fundraising: Cultivate genuine relationships with supporters.
– Donor Appreciation & Feedback: Show gratitude and provide transparent updates on how funds are used.
– Storytelling: Share compelling stories of impact to keep donors engaged.
4. Transparency and Accountability: The Pillars of Trust
Donors want assurance that their contributions are making a difference. Ensure:
– Clear budgeting and financial reporting.
– Regular updates on project progress.
– Public recognition of supporters (where appropriate).
5. Leveraging Digital and Local Engagement
– Active Social Media Presence: Daily updates on platforms like Facebook, using local languages where necessary.
– Partnerships: Collaborate with other organizations and influencers who believe in your cause.
Community Involvement: Bring local stakeholders into your projects to foster ownership and trust.
The Way Forward
Local fundraising is not a one-time activity but a continuous engagement process. By building trust, maintaining transparency, and telling our stories effectively, CSOs can secure sustainable funding while deepening their impact.
At E-Chance International LBG, we are committed to applying these lessons to strengthen our initiatives and foster long-term community development.
What strategies have worked for your organization in local fundraising? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For more updates on our work, follow us on www.echance.org
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