Our workblog

Strategic conversations have been a core aspect of how we refine the practice of philanthropy in Uganda. It is in these conversations that statistics are reduced to narratives; compelling stories that ignite action and enable us address the challenges premised in the field of philanthropy and civil society.

If you are born and raised in this part of the continent designed and named Africa, you will then know and appreciate that everything starts with a conversation. With the words ‘let’s talk’ or ‘can we talk?’ As a society, and community, conversation drives and leads our lives.

Succession, legacy, and footprint are three important concepts that are often discussed in business and leadership contexts. The GROW¡ mentorship and coaching program is therefore one of those leadership spaces where the three concepts had to be discussed as we experienced and raced our last mile of the program.

One of the things I have pondered a lot recently is how much of ourselves and our upbringing, we bring into the work that we do.

I am a Preacher’s kid. My father served as a prelate in the Church of Uganda for more than 40 years of his life. During that time, we hosted all manner of people and fellowships at our home.

The Trilogue is the premier annual conference in South Africa showcasing important developments across the corporate responsibility sector, with a focus on the ‘S’ in ESG. (Environmental, social, and corporate governance). It took place at the Wanderers Club: Protea Hotel on 10th & 11th May. Read more

Right from its inception, CivSource Africa sought to be a learning organization. We were fairly new in the field of philanthropy advising as a stand-alone entity and when we incorporated CivFund, we also felt like we were new in the grant making space.

The East African Philanthropy Network (EAPN) in partnership with CivSource Africa and Philanthropy Forum for Uganda convened an in-person forum for philanthropy practitioners in Uganda under the theme, “Reimagining Philanthropy, Envisioning the Future.”

Last year CivSource Africa carried out a tailor-made mentorship and coaching program for CEHURD’s Senior management team under the GROW¡ Mentorship and Coaching program. At the end of the program, the senior management team was not only convinced with the program’s positive impact on them but believed their middle management team needed to be part of the GROW¡ model in a bid to grow together. More

A team of two from CivSource Africa was honoured to travel to Dakar, Senegal to attend an African Social Movements Funders’ meeting between the 28th and 29th of March 2023. The meeting, organized by TrustAfrica and the Wallace Global Fund was a build-up on the African Social Movements Baraza held in October 2022. The meeting brought together funders and social movement leaders from across the continent and beyond. The two-day meeting was geared around moving forward the five areas of interest from the preceding meeting.

On September 30th, 2022, CivSource Africa held the Gathering of Givers Africa Edition. The Gathering of Givers is an annual event that seeks to convene and foster connection and collaboration amongst philanthropists.

I had the distinct pleasure of being among 40 international delegates that attended the UK Community Foundations Conference. The conference was held in Manchester, UK from 11th to 13th October 2022.

Being generous to others is a noble trait for humans to possess. I remember while we were in school, especially kindergarten, the first thing we were taught was to share. The teachers ensured that every child embodied this trait.

Only by understanding how and why the aid and development industry came to be can we get to a place of meaningful recommendations about what needs to be done to build a more sustainable and locally contextual civil society. We can either understand ‘aid as interests’ or ‘aid as power’.

At 8:30 am, I arrived at Naguru Skyz hotel, the venue for the context meeting organized by Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI) and CivSource Africa (CSA). I was very expectant and excited about the discussion concerning Uganda’s retention on the FATF Grey list and its implication on the NGO sector.

“Talent is the multiplier. The more energy and attention you invest in it, the greater the yield.”

When John Maxwell states in his book "Power of Moments," "Stretch for Insights," that is exactly what the Mopane' leadership department went through when tasked with delivering the Nyaka Staff Retreat in August 2022.

LETTING GO OF FEAR!

When I first started supporting the GROW¡ Mentorship Program. A mound of dread and uncertainties loomed over me. How could I help leaders who were already in charge of their organizations? Countless questions arose in my head with each passing day about the kind of impact I would have or whether my contribution would be remembered.

Friday, June 3, 2022, was a day for which CivSource Africa and the Mopane’ Leadership Department will be eternally grateful. Friends, partners, and well-wishers of CivSource Africa, the GROW¡ Mentorship and Coaching Program graduated 25 leaders after a year of intensive learning and sharing. Read more

In this digital age, access, adoption, and digital literacy are imperative resources. There is a plethora of research that has explored digital inequities, inequalities, and divides looking at the countries, communities, and individuals digitally disadvantaged or left behind.

CivSource Africa works to refine the practice and footprint of philanthropy for civic engagement in Africa. This mission is served through donor advocacy, building capacities of civic actors, and shaping narratives.

CivSource Africa (CSA) is an independent advisory organization that seeks to refine the practice of philanthropy and the footprint of civil society for authentic civic engagement in Africa.