African civil society organisations (CSOs) must urgently diversify their funding sources and decrease reliance on donor grants. This directive comes from the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI).
Charles Kojo Vandyck, WACSI's Head of Capacity Development, emphasized that heavy dependence on grants undermines long-term sustainability. He stated that grants should form only a component of a wider financial structure. This approach aims to build stronger, more resilient CSOs across the continent.
This call for diversification fits into a broader Ghanaian and African economic narrative focusing on self-reliance and sustainable development. Many African nations are seeking to reduce external aid dependence. The push for CSOs to find local funding mirrors national efforts to mobilize domestic resources. This trend reflects a growing desire for African institutions to control their own development agendas.
Mr. Vandyck, speaking at the Students and Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) 2026, highlighted this critical need. He said, “Grants will always remain important, but grants should be one part of the financing architecture, not the entire architecture.” He stressed that CSOs need to look beyond traditional donor support for their financial health.
The implications are significant for the entire non-profit sector. CSOs must now innovate their financial models. Decision-makers and development partners will watch closely to see how these organizations adapt. This shift could lead to more locally driven development initiatives and stronger community engagement.
Mr. Vandyck identified several promising avenues for CSOs to broaden their financial base. These include diaspora giving, social enterprise, and digital fundraising. Trading, investment income, government contracts, and strategic partnerships also offer viable options. He noted that diaspora communities represent a substantial, yet often untapped, source of funding for development projects. Their remittances often exceed official development assistance.
He further advocated for developing an 'African giving ecosystem'. This system would encourage contributions from African businesses, institutions, individuals, and diaspora communities. Such an infrastructure would allow people to give with confidence. This would foster a culture of local philanthropy and investment in social development.
CSOs must also become more 'economically intelligent', Mr. Vandyck advised. This means understanding and leveraging their existing assets and expertise. He clarified that this does not mean turning CSOs into businesses. Instead, it involves recognizing their economic value and using it to strengthen their institutions. Organizations should monetize their knowledge, research capabilities, networks, facilities, and intellectual property.
Another key recommendation was for CSOs to prioritize unrestricted or flexible funding. Restricted money is typically tied to specific project activities. Unrestricted funds, however, can be used to build and strengthen the organization itself. This flexibility is crucial for institutional development and long-term stability.
Finally, Mr. Vandyck urged CSOs to strengthen relationships beyond just donors. Engaging more closely with communities, businesses, policymakers, academia, journalists, movements, and philanthropists is vital. He emphasized that shrinking resources should not lead to unhealthy competition. Instead, it should encourage greater collaboration among organizations. He stated, “The new competitive advantage is collaboration advantage. It's about how we come together, what we can achieve together.” This collaborative spirit can unlock shared goals that individual organizations cannot achieve alone. The four-day SYPALA 2026 event brought together various stakeholders to discuss governance, economic freedom, and public policy.