A group of non-profit organisations, viz. Inyathelo -   The South African Institute for Advancement , Rural Education Access Programme (REAP), Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT) and Community Development Resource Association (CDRA), have formed a partnership to research funding practices in South Africa starting with the National Development Agency (NDA) and the National Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). The group have contracted a research team from Advocacy Research and Training consultancy to conduct this research.

The purpose of the research is to assist in improving relationships between civil society organisations and the two funding agencies so that improved relationships are based on principles of mutual accountability, ethics, sound governance and effective and efficient practices. The intention is to build mutual understanding and collaboration, mutual learning towards continuously improving practice, and ultimately better service delivery to the beneficiaries of the two agencies. The research is therefore aimed at providing substantive information and knowledge that can be used by the NDA and the NLDTF to assist in identifying areas for improvement in its delivery. The research is also aimed at documenting civil society’s experiences with the two funding agencies so as to assist in articulating their concerns with the two funding agencies through constructive engagement.

Central to the research is documentation of the experiences of civil society organisations in the application process as well as in their experiences of receiving funds from the two agencies. It is also important for the research to uncover the reasons why civil society organisations don’t choose to apply to the two agencies for funding. The research is also interested in documenting the impact that funding from the two agencies as well as the funding processes of the NDA and NLDTF have had on civil society organisations. It is hoped that the information gathered through the research process will be valuable in assisting civil society organisations to better engage with the two institutions. 

If you would like to participate in the survey contact:

Tom Lebert  <tomlebert@gmail.com>  or

Saranel Benjamin <saranelb.lebert@gmail.com> from Advocacy Research and Training.