How Kenyan Non-profits can mobilize funds through CSR

Many Kenyan companies, including top 500 firms like KCB Foundation and Safaricom Foundation, have long engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. This established practice in Kenya has led to significant societal contributions.

CESRA, a Kenya-based organization, has developed a structured framework to promote CSR activities. Their passionate efforts have led numerous organizations in Kenya to embrace CSR, resulting in many CSR-accredited companies. These organizations now go beyond the goals of capitalism and profitability, considering how their existence positively impacts society through CESRA’s five pillars of CSR.

This mandate has opened new doors for Kenyan non-profit organizations, providing significant opportunities. However, many non-profits have yet to capitalize on these opportunities due to reasons such as:

Lack of Initiative Non-profits may not actively seek funding or engage with donors.
Limited Understanding of CSR They may not fully grasp the CSR landscape or donor expectations.
Lack of Corporate Network Without corporate connections, non-profits miss funding opportunities.
Inadequate Marketing Poor marketing and communication hinder visibility to donors.
Lack of Transparency Non-profits must demonstrate accountability to build donor trust.
Limited Resources Access to technology and resources is crucial for donor engagement.
Insufficient Expertise Skilled personnel are needed for project management and donor relations.
Poor Governance Strong governance and leadership are essential for credibility.
Lack of Measurable Impact Donors seek clear, measurable outcomes.
Political Instability Instability can make regions appear risky to donors.
High Competition Many non-profits compete for limited funds.
Cultural Barriers Cultural differences can impede donor communication.
Lack of Collaboration Collaborating with other entities can open funding opportunities.

Here is a step-by-step guide for Kenyan non-profits on mobilizing CSR funds:

Understand the CESRA Charity Accreditation Process Recognizing and adopting well-recognized legal, ethical, and accountability practices is crucial for charitable nonprofits. These practices not only benefit individual nonprofits but also assure CSR practitioners that their contributions will be used responsibly. CESRA’s Charity Accreditation process identifies Kenyan charities that exemplify excellent, socially responsible, and meaningful work.
Meet Statutory Requirements CSR funds are typically directed to charitable nonprofits with proper documentation, such as registration certificates, KRA PINs, and bank accounts in the nonprofit’s name. Ensure your organization has all necessary documentation and renew these annually as required.
Map and Understand Corporate Donors Identify and understand the companies in your area, their CSR activities, and policies. Establish meetings with their CSR teams. Alternatively, visit CESRA’s platform, which lists member companies with embedded CSR practices.
Build a Network Nonprofits should actively explore funding opportunities by attending CSR-focused events, both online and offline. These events offer platforms for networking with prospective donors and building long-term relationships.
Maintain Documented Evidence Apart from legal documents, ensure you have evaluation reports, impact data, and third-party evaluations ready. These documents demonstrate credibility and outstanding work. CESRA connects accredited nonprofits with corporate donors through their CSR programs, making it easier for well-run and accountable entities to be identified by donors.
Look for Required Resources Kenyan companies are willing to support nonprofits not only with funding but also with volunteers, providing corporate employees hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector.
Seek Feedback and Recommendations Regularly ask current donors for feedback and recommendations to improve your processes, communication, and engagement strategies. CESRA members receive letters of introduction and recommendation, highlighting their credibility and fiscal accountability through a strict annual accreditation process.
Provide Accurate Materials Ensure all solicitations and informational materials are accurate, truthful, and not misleading. Clearly describe the programs for which contributions are sought, and ensure your expenditures align with what is stated in your solicitations.