Flourishing and Resilient Communities

April 2024?Newsletter

Dear Friends and Partners, Warm greetings from the Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF). Kenya alongside other parts of?East Africa is facing?severe floods from heavy rains, causing loss of life and displacement. KCDF stands in solidarity, calling for collective support to bring hope amidst destruction. Please consider donating?to our Flood Response initiative whose details you will find in this April Edition of our newsletter.?

In this edition, we share with you a glimpse of our work with our community partner Nguzo Africa from Narok County, which is changing Narok's landscape, one tree at a time, through our environmental initiative with funding support from the I & M Foundation. We also share a captivating story of impact?from Kisumu County, where the construction of?a community library?became possible after a local organization underwent fundraising training offered by KCDF through its Change the Game Academy program.

On April 9th, KCDF, the Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF), the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN), and our partners convened in Nairobi to explore ways of pushing the?#ShiftThePower movement in Kenya, East Africa, and beyond and how we can exploit the huge potential of this movement to the benefit of our communities. Furthermore, in this edition, we will tell you more about other significant meetings we participated in, including the?Weaving Resilience Network Global Gathering, which is part of the Ford Foundation's Global Weaving Resilience Initiative that?strengthens civil society in the Global South.

Have you heard about endowment funds? Read on to learn?how KCDF, in collaboration with the East Africa Financial Resilience Resource Hub with funding support from Ford Foundation, empowered CSOs through training sessions on endowment funds, ensuring long-term financial stability for organizations.

Lastly, in our special feature, we have the moving story of Catherine Kiganjo, who dedicated 26 years to serving our communities while working for?KCDF. Catherine attests that over the years, one thing has remained constant:?KCDF's core principles, which are community-driven development, capacity building, and sustainability.? ?

We are grateful for your continued support and wish you a blessed month ahead. Enjoy the read. ?

Grace Maingi

Executive Director

KENYA FLOOD RELIEF APPEAL: STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

Kenya, alongside other parts of East Africa, is facing a devastating flood crisis caused by relentless heavy rains. Lives have been lost, and countless families are displaced. At KCDF, we stand with our fellow citizens and would like to offer support during these difficult times.?

Driven by our mission of social justice and community development, we stand in solidarity with those affected. We won't stand by – we are ready to extend a helping hand.

Together, We Can Bring Hope

These floods have wreaked havoc, destroying homes and displaced families. But in the face of this disaster, there is hope. By working together, we can make a real difference.

Our trusted community partners are already reaching out to affected families, and we are collaborating to raise critical funds for immediate relief, focusing on providing the following:

• Food packages worth KES 5,000 per family
• Cash transfers of KES 10,000 per family to support essential needs
• Essential supplies: blankets, mattresses, and kitchen equipment (pots and plates)

Join Us in Reaching Our Target KCDF aims to build an emergency relief fund of KES 100,000,000 to assist families impacted by the floods. Every contribution, big or small, will make a significant difference.

Donate Now and Be a Beacon of Hope

Donate to our Flood Response campaign through Mpesa:

• Paybill Number: 522800
• Account: Flood Response

For inquiries, contact us:

• Phone: +254 768 125 456

Together, we can bring hope and support to those affected by this disaster. Let us stand united in this time of need.

KCDF PARTICIPATES IN THE #SHIFTTHEPOWER : A GLOBAL CONVERSATION ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITIES

On Tuesday 9th April, The Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF), The East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN), KCDF and?our partners convened in Nairobi to delve into the transformative potential of?#ShiftThePower ?movement within Kenya, East Africa, and beyond. ?

Following the?#ShiftThePowerGlobal ?Summit that took place in Bogota in December 2023, which brought together representatives from 77 countries, the ambitious game-changers proved their steadfast zeal to revolutionize the funding landscape, which traditionally relied heavily on foreign donors, leaning towards a more equitable and sustainable model rooted in grassroots empowerment. Jenny Hodgson,?the Executive Director at GFCF, captivated the audience with her bold proclamation, emphasizing the untapped potential within local communities to address their challenges. "Our communities possess abundant resources and ingenuity capable of fostering sustainable solutions," she asserted. "It's time to shift away from dependency on external funding and empower communities to chart their development journey." During the meeting, a consensus emerged on several strategic fronts.

??First, there was a unanimous agreement on the imperative to empower communities to articulate their own narratives, thereby fostering a more authentic representation of their lived experiences. This underscores our commitment to amplifying local voices and perspectives within the development discourse.

?Secondly, it was recognized that our measurement policies and models must undergo refinement to ensure an accurate and meaningful impact assessment. This entails a rigorous evaluation process that not only captures quantitative metrics but also delves into the qualitative dimensions of community transformation. By enhancing our measurement frameworks, we aim to provide our partners with comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of our interventions.

??Lastly, there was a collective resolve to critically evaluate the strategies employed in delivering solutions within our communities. This entails thoroughly examining our approaches to ensure alignment with local contexts, needs, and aspirations.

At its core,?#ShiftThePower ?serves as a rallying cry, igniting a movement to amplify and support grassroots initiatives worldwide. It aims to not only spotlight but also mobilize resources and solidarity behind these emerging paradigms of community-driven change. By fostering collaboration and innovation, this movement aspires to catalyze a vision of a more equitable and resilient society, laying the groundwork for enduring transformation. For more information on the?#ShiftThePower ?movement, please click HERE

KCDF PARTICIPATES IN THE WEAVING RESILIENCE NETWORK GLOBAL GATHERING IN BRAZIL?

KCDF is implementing the East Africa Financial Resilience Resource Hub (EAFRRH) whose objective is to have a financially viable civil society ecosystem in East Africa that can generate and manage resources to advance its goals. The EAFRRH is supported by the Ford Foundation through its Global Weaving Resilience Initiative, which strengthens civil society in?the Global?South and increases civic engagement.

On the 16th and 17th of April, KCDF represented by its Executive Director Grace Maingi joined other 33 organizations under the Weaving Resilience Initiative in Rio De Janeiro -Brazil. The gathering aimed to foster a sense of community and mutual learning amongst practitioners in the Global South, who are working in over 30 countries to support human rights defenders (HRDs), civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) in their regions. ?

Key focus areas of the initiative during the gathering were :

? Sharing insights and progress across the initiative's hubs globally.

? Crafting joint initiatives and actionable plans.

? Discussing the long-term sustainability of these hubs. ?

To learn more about the Global Weaving Resilience Initiative by Ford Foundation, CLICK HERE.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY BUILT THANKS TO A SUCCESSFUL LOCAL FUNDRASING TRAINING?

West Seme location, Kisumu: The day Okuto Community Library opened its door in January 2022 in West Seme ward, Kisumu County, was a celebration.

The community had surmounted many challenges and prevailed over the COVID-19 pandemic to raise the required funds. At last, they could smile. It was a long journey coming.

Over the years, members of the community had noted that education in this region was dwindling, and they lacked a designated hall to hold meetings and other community-related events. There were conversations around starting one, but one question lingered in all forms—where do we get the funds?

It was Benta Ndeda, Director and Founder of Aniga Women Initiative who came up with a solid plan. Running the organisation equipped her with vital skills for local fundraising having gone through KCDF's Change the Game Academy program.

The Change the Game Academy program aims to support community-based organizations (CBOs), self-help groups (SHGs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on two primary training courses: Mobilizing Support (MS) and Local Fundraising (LFR).

The Mobilizing Support course equips organizations with practical skills to effectively lobby, advocate, and influence policies for the success of their development projects. On the other hand, the Local Fundraising course provides expertise to organizations on how to organize and efficiently raise funds within the local community to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Read the full story HERE on how the community locally fundraised towards building the community library.

ROOTS OF CHANGE : TRANSFORMING NAROK COUNTY'S LANDSCAPE A TREE AT A TIME?

When Stanley Kioko enrolled at Kotolian Mixed Day Secondary School in the Narok South Sub County of Narok County four?years ago, he had no idea his path would lead him to a compelling story of profound change. Back then, the school looked like a desert. The landscape in shades of brown and beige, stretched as far as the eye could see, cracked and thirsty. The classrooms, weather-beaten and dilapidated, stood like ancient relics, bearing witness to years of neglect. The few trees left were struggling to survive, with hardly any leaves left.

"When I joined this school four years ago, it was dry everywhere," reminisces Kioko, his voice tinged with the weight of memories. "We had few classes and students, there were few trees, and there was no water."

Kioko remembers the tough journeys he and his fellow students undertook, trekking more than six kilometers under the scorching sun, their footsteps stirring up clouds of dust into the air, all in pursuit of water.

For Kioko and his peers, each day brought new challenges. The winds, fierce and unrelenting, bore down upon the fragile structures, threatening to tear apart the very fabric of their education. And when one day the winds made real her threats bringing down one of the classrooms, learning had to be halted.

“That day, we were so scared. The teachers asked us to go home and we had to wait for the classroom to be repaired before we could resume studies. The winds were often so frightening we dreaded them," Kioko recounted.

In the face of these challenges, Nguzo Africa, an organization dedicated to fostering community resilience through environmental stewardship emerged, giving the school a glimmer of hope. Through strategic alliances and a shared commitment to positive change, Nguzo Africa donated 1,800 saplings to Kotolian, heralding the dawn of a transformative journey, visible in the school today.

The organization has been at the forefront of changing the mindsets of the community toward tree planting and tree growing.

The donation by Nguzo Africa was made possible through its partners including Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) - which works to promote the sustainable development of communities through social investment, resource mobilization, endowment building and grant-making, and I&M Foundation, who support initiatives that bring positive impact to the society in different areas among them environmental conservation.

Over three years, commencing in 2020, the project Ksh.8,526,140 and Nguzo Africa’s in-kind contribution of Ksh.2,535,140 targeted the pressing issues of drought, flooding, and food security, surpassing its initial objectives. With a remarkable achievement of planting over 92,000 trees across schools and communities, the endeavor, led by Mr. Ogechi, holds significant promise for Narok County's environmental sustainability and the well-being of the residents.

Read the full story HERE

KCDF CONDUCTS AN ENDOWMENT FUND TRAINING FOR CSO'S

On the 15th and 17th of April 2024, KCDF led a comprehensive online training session on leveraging endowment funds and flexible funding for civil society organizations (CSOs) in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This was?in collaboration with the East Africa Financial Resilience Resource Hub partners including Civsource Africa in Uganda and Foundations for Civil Society (FCS) in Tanzania with funding support from Ford Foundation.?

Key topics were covered including?legal and governance frameworks for fund establishment, emphasising the importance of understanding regulatory requirements and best practices in managing endowment funds. Over 100 participants engaged in lively discussions, exploring timelines for setup, registration requirements, and transitioning from donor reliance to self-reliance. Donor concerns were addressed, with strategies suggested for building a flexible funding database.

Throughout the sessions, participants gained comprehensive insights into endowment fund principles and practical skills for effective fund management. The training aimed to empower CSOs to diversify funding sources, reduce dependency on external grants, and enhance financial resilience.

Additionally,?on the 29th and 30th of April 2024, KCDF conducted a similar physical training on leveraging endowment funds which saw 31 individuals representing 16 organisations attend.

WATCH ?all the endowment fund training sessions?HERE

26 YEARS OF SERVICE AT KCDF : FEATURING CATHERINE KIGANJO?

Kindly provide an overview of your background at KCDF as you also introduce yourself

For the past 26 years, I have been a part of KCDF, taking on different roles and witnessing its growth as an institution over the years.

I joined KCDF in 1997 at its onset as an administrative officer and was the second staff member famously referred to as staff 002 after the then Project Manager.

This gave me the opportunity to serve in various roles and developed skills as we focused on building the structures of the organization and serving the community. Part of my responsibilities included supporting the organization’s governance structure, administration and, as well as the human resource department. I also managed programmes in education which focused on granting scholarships to vulnerable students in secondary school and tertiary education and providing mentorship in both levels of learning.

In my last four years at KCDF, before transitioning out in December 2023, I served at the senior management level as the Team Leader – Organization Development and Institutional Strengthening of community development organizations, to enhance their adaptability to serve their communities and ensure financial resilience for sustainable development.

I hold a BA in Business Administration, a higher Diploma in Human Resource Management and an MSc. in Human Resource Management.? I am a qualified facilitator of development processes in organization Learning & Development (FOLD) having attended EASUN Centre for Organizational Learning in Arusha, Tanzania.? I am a Senior International Fellows of CUNY International Fellows Program on Community Philanthropy based at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. The program is designed for decision-makers in community philanthropy who are committed to strengthening civil society capacity.? Additionally, I hold certification as a Leadership and Team Coach.

Apart from my professional journey, I have a keen interest in sports and wellness, as it helps with my holistic growth at a personal level as part of my work-life balance. I also cherish spending time with my family. I am married to Mr. George Kiganjo, and we have been blessed with two adult children who from their early years experienced my life serving at KCDF.

Reflecting on your extensive experience, what do you believe has been KCDF's most significant contribution to the community or society at large?

When KCDF was founded in 1997, the big question was "why?". It all began with the idea of creating a community foundation that would really put the power in the hands of the communities themselves. The idea was to empower communities to take charge of their own development process, focus on their sustainability and the ability to exist should donor funding terminate. It got us thinking: why do organizations fold when the funding stops flowing? Are they prepared for it? Can they survive beyond that?? That's why KCDF was set up to partner with others, ensure our sustainability, and do things differently from practice then. Back then, NGOs weren't popular, and people were skeptical of them. So, we knew our approach had to be different. KCDF as an organization was not going to focus on implementing projects but was going to focus on facilitating development through grants.

When KCDF was established, it started small with only a few staff members. Initially, it was set up as a project of the Aga Khan Foundation to establish its feasibility before transitioning into an independent organization. As a project of the Aga Khan Foundation, KCDF had a Project Manager, an Administrator, a Finance and Grants Officer, Programme Officer, and a Driver.

Our main goal was to find organizations at the community level that we could support. Starting the?grant?process was a major learning experience for us. We had to build systems from scratch?in terms of?administration, finance, and programs because nothing existed before. We had to develop a tool for assessing organizations and a system for processing grant applications. We also had to go to these organizations to conduct their capacity assessment, to understand their needs and aspirations for their communities.

KCDF developed this model where communities could decide what they needed most; not just what donors wanted to fund.? By really listening to communities, KCDF partnered and supported them to identify what they wanted to achieve, determine solutions to their problem, promote philanthropy to encourage raising resources locally and provide grants to address their most pressing needs.

But it wasn't just about getting the funding; we wanted organizations to think about the long term. We would ask them, "How can you keep going once the funding runs out?" It was about preparing them for the future, whether it was with KCDF or other funding sources. This model has been the heart of what KCDF does-empowering communities and organizations to focus on sustainability and lasting impact.

Throughout your tenure, what have been some of the most memorable projects or initiatives that you've been involved in, and why do they stand out to you?

Throughout my tenure at KCDF spanning 26 years, the organization's commitment to being strategic and intentional has been pivotal in shaping its trajectory. This deliberate approach has enabled KCDF to hone its focus and build systems and structures for long-term sustainability. Central to this endeavour has been the cultivation of a strong governance framework across all entities. The board of directors, in particular, has played a crucial role in guiding KCDF's evolution, progressively steering its growth trajectory.

An equally significant aspect has been the nurturing of a family culture within KCDF, characterized by mutual respect for colleagues and the communities we serve, alongside fostering meaningful donor relationships. Over time, KCDF has collaboratively forged long-term partnerships with donors profoundly impacting the lives of underprivileged children, and transforming organizations and communities.

From its humble beginnings, established as a proof of concept, Kenya Community Development Foundation was hosted as a project under the Aga Khan Foundation, with only five staff members.? KCDF has grown into a well-established organization with strong structures, systems, and support from various funding sources and resources. Transitioning from a project to a reputable community foundation known for its community development approaches, the establishment of its assets and promoting philanthropy.? KCDF has remained steadfast in its commitment to community-driven development and sustainability.

This growth has been reflected not only in the expansion of staff and programs but also in the increased allocation of resources and grants to bolster community development initiatives. My role as a Project Management in the education program epitomized this commitment, particularly in our efforts to provide scholarships to vulnerable secondary school students. By extending support beyond tuition fees to encompass life skills training, internships, and mentorship, KCDF empowered over 1,500 ?students to excel and pursue leadership roles, both locally and internationally through partnership with various international development agencies and private sector partners by the time I was leaving.? During my time at KCDF, I also played a role in spearheading the establishment of community foundations across Kenya, supported by generous funding from the Mott Foundation. This endeavour aimed to broaden the scope of community-driven development beyond KCDF's borders, nurturing organizations with the potential to become catalysts for change in their respective communities.

In wearing various hats at KCDF, including roles in Corporate Governance working closely with the KCDF Board of Directors and Trustees and human resource management, I had the privilege and opportunity to work with over 100 KCDF colleagues over the years, contributing to their professional development, and fostering a cohesive organizational culture. Reflecting on this journey, I am deeply grateful for the enriching experiences and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within KCDF and beyond.? I strived to fulfill my role to the best of my ability. My journey at KCDF has truly been an enriching one.

How have you seen KCDF evolve, adapt and grow in response to changing social, economic, and political landscapes over the past 26 years?

Over the past 26 years, I've witnessed KCDF undergo significant transformations in response to societal, economic, and political shifts. Initially conceived as a project under the Agha Khan Foundation with a small team, KCDF primarily focused on grant-making to establish its reputation. However, by 2001, KCDF had asserted its independence, registering as a company by guarantee and transitioning into an autonomous entity.

From then on in addition to partnership with communities through grantmaking, KCDF shifted its focus towards sustainability for the foundation and the communities it partners with, emphasizing growth of assets. Periodically, every five years, we conducted thorough evaluations to ensure relevance, staying true to its mission, remaining open to necessary adjustments and backed by unwavering support from our board and management team.

Throughout these changes, KCDF's core principles remained steadfast: community-driven development, capacity building, and sustainability. I can attribute this success to the leadership of the Executive Directors whom I worked very closely with; the founding Executive Director Monica Mutuku who served for 8 years, Janet Mawiyoo who served for 17 years and currently Grace Maingi.

Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, KCDF adapted its approach, transitioning to remote work and overcoming obstacles in direct community engagement. Despite these hurdles, we prioritized building trust and empowering communities to lead their own development efforts. This trust-building continued beyond the pandemic, fostering confidence and self-reliance within the communities we serve.

What advice would you offer to the current KCDF staff members or those working in the development sector?

The essence of KCDF's mission lies in steadfastly adhering to its founding principles, which emphasize community-driven development. Central to this approach is nurturing communities to foster their growth and assume ownership of their development journey. Such endeavors require a collaborative spirit that respects and honors the knowledge and aspirations of the communities involved.

KCDF should remain steadfast in its commitment to meaningful engagement with communities and organizations, eschewing the mere dissemination of grants in favor of cultivating robust relationships and capabilities. Through dedicated investment of time and resources, communities are equipped to flourish autonomously over the long haul.

Acknowledging the pervasive influence of financial considerations, KCDF has to always resist the temptation to view interactions with communities solely through the lens of donors. Genuine partnership and attentive listening to community voices should take precedence, steering clear of prescriptive approaches. Here, the role of KCDF shifts towards providing technical assistance, fostering a dynamic of inquiry that empowers communities to chart their own course towards sustainable solutions.

I believe that a strong organization continues to grow from strength to strength. We should all endeavour to do our best, serve with passion and ensure we make KCDF stronger during the period that we shall serve for the good of the organization and the communities.

What next for you?

In the future and over the long term, I aim to actively support CSOs, communities, and individuals in their journey of organizational development, institution strengthening, and personal growth. I approach this endeavour through a coaching perspective, guiding them to envision and pursue their desired paths forward.

Reflecting on my tenure at KCDF, I occasionally ponder whether I overstayed. However, I've come to realize that every experience holds valuable lessons. Beginning as an administrative officer and progressing to roles as a team leader and portfolio head has equipped me with a diverse skill set encompassing management, project management, organizational development, institutional strengthening, and governance. I am profoundly grateful for these opportunities for growth and learning.