There are more than 250 000 non-profit organisations (NPOs) helping to develop society and combat the effects of poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. NPOs make a considerable contribution to the economy and the development of civil society, including directly sustaining more than 1 million jobs, supporting the economy through contributions to education, entrepreneurship and infrastructural development in communities, and saving the cost of living in society through the prevention or treatment of health conditions, promoting safety and learning, supporting families and tackling other social problems.
Despite this huge contribution of social and economic capital, the sector gets little direct support from government agencies and structures. It has no representative bodies or recognised lobby groups. There are no training facilities or qualifications in non-profit work. Although individual organisations can be granted the status of public benefit organisations, which entitles their donors to a tax benefit, complying with the conditions imposed by the tax authorities to achieve this status is beyond the means of most organisations.
Adding to these challenges, many donors are reluctant to fund NPOs’ non-programme costs and beneficiaries usually cannot pay for the services received.
As a result, almost all NPOs operate in conditions characterised by extreme financial risk, uncertain employment, an inability to grow their services and no resources to provide for their future sustainability.
With few available resources, most NPOs are unable to do the research, writing and marketing communication required to sustain successful fundraising campaigns and appeals. Equally, most are incapable of generating their own income or developing their own resources. Without help, even a small change in fortune can force the closure of an organisation or the end of the services it performs for the public good.