Strengthening Family
and Community Care
for Orphans and Vulnerable Children
in Sub-Saharan Africa
Text-only Version
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How to Direct Your Money to Those in Need There are many ways to get your dollars to grassroots groups, where every dollar counts. You can give to foundations and donor agencies that award grants to community-based groups. Faith-based donors can contact the African diocese or national representative associated with their faith and ask to be connected with African organizations within their network. You can also give directly to grassroots groups. The following paragraphs offer some suggestions to guide your giving. Honor Community Ownership It is essential for donors to respect local leadership and community ownership if communities are to develop the capacity to meet their own needs. Grassroots groups know best how to help the children and families in their communities and devise creative solutions that outside donors would not have considered. When donor funds subside, it is the programs that are truly owned by the community that are most likely to survive.
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| Helping communities in their efforts to support families in the care of orphaned and vulnerable children requires thoughtful, responsive, and respectful partnerships with community leaders and local organizations. | ||
Fund in Amounts that Make Sense for a Community
Donors need to be sensitive to the capacity of community-based organizations to absorb and utilize funds. The size of a grant should be matched to an organization’s actual needs and management capabilities. As community organizations increase both their management capacity and range of programs, they are able to handle larger grants.
Fund Administrative and Technical Support Costs
It is difficult to run effective programs when all
outside funds are tagged for programs alone. Organizations need money
to pay for rent, utilities, staff salaries and office supplies. While
these expenses should be balanced with program costs, covering at least
a portion of administrative expenses allows organizations to focus more
fully on direct services. Local responses are strengthened when organizations
have access to information about best practices and technical support.
Funds to support management and program training, networking meetings,
exchange programs, and conference participation provide community organizations
with the tools and information to build their programs.
To receive a copy, please contact Firelight Foundation:
740 Front Street, Suite 380
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
United States of America
Phone: +1-831-429-8750
info@firelightfoundation.org
www.firelightfoundation.org
