CIVISCE’s Commitment to Empowering Grassroots Organizations Through Fundraising Excellence

In December 2024, Clear Vision for Change (CIVISCE) spearheaded a transformative fundraising training program funded by the Global Fund for Women. This initiative brought together grassroots organizations from Kenya and Tanzania, including groups working with marginalized communities, refugees, and women’s empowerment initiatives. It was facilitated by Asset Africa Institute headquartered in Nairobi. The goal was simple yet impactful: “equip organizations with the skills and tools necessary to elevate their fundraising strategies and ensure long-term sustainability”.

A Diverse Network of Change Makers

This training hosted an impressive array of organizations committed to grassroots development, including: Clear Vision for Change (CIVISCE) from Tanzania, KIASWA  from Kenya, KISWA from Kenya, Maono Safi from Tanzania, Busia Survivors from Kenya, Equality from Tanzania, SWOP Ambassadors from Kenya, Tunaweza Women’s Group from Tanzania, Women’s Promotion Centre (WPC) from Tanzania, Vision Ladies from Kenya, and finally Merry Paul a CIVISCE Intern from Friedensau Adventist University in Germany.

This diverse participation underscores CIVISCE’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and transformative impact across East Africa.

Building a Stronger Future

The training empowered participants by focusing on key areas such as, Proposal writing and grant development, Digital fundraising techniques, Donor relationship management (DRM), Consortium building, Branding and visibility.

Participant Voices: Testimonials From The Training

The training’s impact is best captured through the voices of its participants:

• “This training has been an eye-opener. I’ve gained tools and insights that have already sparked new ideas on how we can better connect with donors and communicate our mission effectively.” – Vision Ladies.
• “CIVISCE’s training was engaging and practical, tailored to our needs. The knowledge we gained has positioned us to scale our initiatives and create lasting community impact.” – SWOP Ambassadors.
• “Through this training, we learned to build donor relationships and sustain them post-project phase-out. These strategies are essential for long-term success.” – Equality Women’s Movement.

Overcoming Key Challenges

The training addressed persistent challenges faced by grassroots organizations, including:

• Mapping and targeting the right donors.
• Sustaining donor relationships beyond project timelines.
• Filling internal gaps in strategic planning and team collaboration.

Looking Ahead: Recommendations For Future Growth

Participants highlighted the need for additional capacity-building support in areas such as:

• Advanced monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
• Risk management and financial planning.
• Training on digital tools and technology for streamlined operations.

A Call to Donors

This initiative underscores the critical role of donor investment in capacity-strengthening programs. By equipping grassroots organizations with tools for sustainability, donors help amplify impact in marginalized communities and build resilient, locally-led organizations that drive meaningful change.

This training has ignited a wave of transformation among grassroots organizations across East Africa. By addressing challenges and building capacity, this program has set the stage for sustainable growth and long-term success. As CIVISCE continues its mission to empower communities, donor and partner support will be instrumental in scaling these efforts and amplifying their reach.

Join us in celebrating these milestones and supporting the journey of grassroots organizations across East Africa!