By Caroline Katana
In the past, we raised money simply by asking through crowdfunding sites, mails, in person and at events.
Today there are more non-profits than ever which means more people than ever are doing the asking and the competition is heavy and donors are savvier.
Donors know good fundraising when they see it and they are steering clear of the bad stuff, they are tired of being “hit up for money “, they expect more and want to see a good return on their investment in organizations, they want satisfaction from their giving experience.
Every donor want to know organization’s trustworthy ,the difference made by organization ,the outcome ,appreciated ,feel good about their experience ,they don’t want to be hounded about more money ,heart –warming stories ,clear explanation of the need ,trust that organization deserves their support .
All grant making organizations have their own ways of working but almost all of them approach the grant making decision process in a relatively similar way.
In Kwale county, the Participatory Grant Making PGM 2 funded by the Netherlands Embassy through the JISRA project implemented by Kenya Community Support Centre KECOSCE transformed community members in its unique way.
Five grassroots organizations Green Minds CBO, Smart Move ,2ko na hope, CHED and Kwale women desk benefited with the PGM 2 program in Kwale county and set a good record on changing the lives of vulnerable people in the community through the strategic approach of inclusiveness.
Speaking during a meeting in Diani, Kwale county a representative of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Julia Munsters and Green Minds leader Caroline Katana said that in a region grappling with increasing juvenile gangs, Green Minds has been at the forefront of fostering peaceful, community-driven solutions aimed at transforming youth and promoting harmonious coexistence.
In response to these challenges, Green Minds successfully implemented a peace and security project titled “Punguza Vipanga Jenga Amani” and adopted a non-violent, participatory approach, leveraging collaboration between diverse community stakeholders—including religious leaders, youth, and local law enforcement to create awareness, mediate conflicts, and promote peace and security, with a clear mission to promote the socio-economic well-being of communities by fostering positive change, peace, and security.
She noted that The “Punguza Vipanga Jenga Amani” project has shown remarkable results including:
-Several gang leaders from Mbweka and Kombani undergone significant transformation, forming self-help groups and engaging in positive economic activities. One beneficiary has secured employment as a tuk-tuk driver, while another group is in the process of registering as a youth peace group.
-Reforming gang leaders have become peace ambassadors within their communities, contributing to the reduction of criminal activities and promoting cooperation with local law enforcement.
– Cases of insecurity have decreased in Waa, and there has been an increase in positive collaboration between youth, community members, and the police. At least 50 groups of juvenile youth transformed
2ko na hope organization implemented a project dubbed Dini ni Amani to build interfaith cohesion while CHED increase the knowledge ,access and services of SRHR through interfaith collaboration ,Kwale Women Desk implemented a project dubbed Miale ya Matumaini na Ushirikiano Dhidi ya Dhulma za Kijinsia “ to eliminated scourge of gender based violence and smart move implemented a project dubbed Asasi Yehu –foundation progressive change through religious tolerance .
Through the collaborative efforts the five organizations’ achievements were; amplifying the power of youth and women, equipping them with skills and knowledge to promote peace and tolerance.
Addressed violence extremism, collaborated to counter extremist narratives and promote interfaith dialogue in previously hot spot areas like Kombani, Ng’ombeni, Denyenye, Tsimba and Tiwi.
Promoting religious tolerance by successfully fostering understanding and respect between diverse religious communities.
Embracing of religious diversity by community members in addressing matters of sexual gender based violence and child abuse.
Munsters applauded the groups’ for their fascinating and encouraging performance promising her continued support.
The MOFA representative emphasized the importance of partnership, collaboration and networking for sustainability of the organization.
Joint initiative for strategic religious action JISRA is an interfaith partnership which promotes freedom of religion or belief implemented in Kenya ,Iraq ,Ethiopia ,Indonesia ,Mali ,Nigeria and Uganda .
