It is no secret that non-profit organisations play a critical role in advancing social causes and addressing the needs of marginalised communities. However, running a non-profit can be challenging, particularly for those who are leveraging tech and bootstrapping both human and financial resources. 

With support from LEAP Africa, Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, we hosted a Civic Organization Capacity Building program sponsored by Ford Foundation, and MacArthur Foundation to provide non-profits in their infancy stage with the skills and knowledge they need for optimal organisational growth. 

The capacity-building program consisted of a series of workshops and training sessions which were held over 2 weeks. The first week of training was held virtually while the second week was a physical training session. The sessions were designed to be interactive and engaging, providing participants with hands-on experience in each of the focus areas. The program was open to non-profits with fewer than five years of experience in the southwestern region of Nigeria.

The training covered a range of topics, including developing a strategy document which helps non-profits define their goals and objectives, and to identify the resources and activities needed to achieve them in order to achieve a meaningful and measurable outcome. By the end of this class, participants were asked to choose a project and develop a strategy document for that project. 

The program covered grant writing, which is often a critical source of funding for nonprofits. Participants learned how to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and manage the grant application process. Another focus area was data analysis, which is essential for monitoring and evaluating program outcomes. Participants learned how to use various tools and software to collect and analyse data, as well as how to present their findings in visually appealing ways.

In the research writing sessions, participants learned how to research projects, collect and analyse data, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner. This session emphasised the importance of evidence-based decision-making. The facilitator also provided the participants with resources to further help them become better researchers.

The training also covered the art of storytelling and strategic communication which is important for non-profit visibility, project and storytelling as well as for building and maintaining partnerships.

Another part of the training also covers program management and evaluation is also a key focus, as many nonprofits struggle to manage their resources and achieve their goals efficiently. Participants learned how to develop and evaluate project plans, track progress, and identify and manage risks. 

Improving skills and capacity are essential to non-profit organisations if they are to secure funding, build and run effective programs, and achieve organisational goals. By offering training in each of these areas, Civic Hive is equipping the shortlisted youth-led organisations with the tools they need to make a difference. 

The capacity-building program was a success. Participants reported feeling more confident in their ability to navigate the nonprofit sector, build effective programs, properly report their programs through storytelling and communicate effectively with the use of the media, secure funding and conduct proper research. 

We believe that initiatives like this are critical for the long-term sustainability of the non-profit sector. By investing in the next generation of non-profit organisations, Civic Hive is helping to build a stronger, more vibrant sector that can effectively address the needs of communities across the southwestern region of Nigeria. 

We at Civic Hive are committed and dedicated to ensuring that the non-profit sector continues to thrive.