HARNESSING THE POWER OF COMMUNITY PHILANTHROPY
A VISIT FROM THE CS MOTT FOUNDATION
While building a body of knowledge on African philanthropy in Uganda, CivSource Africa undertook its maiden research on the landscape of local philanthropy in Uganda. The study presented evidence of community foundations in Uganda. It was found that there was no database of community foundations, their functionality remained unclear and there was a research gap on these institutions.
Driven by these findings, CivSource Africa in partnership with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation undertook a research study examining Community Foundations and their self-identification as community leaders. The study that was undertaken in 2021 delved into identifying community foundations in Wakiso and Kampala, their roles, their successes, challenges and recommendations to harness their potential. This two-year journey was undertaken on the basis of a trust-based partnership between CivSource Africa and the CS Mott Foundation.
On 29th and 30th August, CivSource Africa hosted Mamotshidisi Mohapi, a Program Officer from the CS Mott Foundation office based in Johannesburg – South Africa. Mamotshidisi Mohapi is responsible for grantmaking in the Enhancing Community Philanthropy program area at the CS Mott Foundation.
During our time with Mamotshidisi, CivSource Africa had a conversation with select private sector stakeholders led and hosted by Standard Chartered Bank Uganda. Moses Rutahigwa, the Corporate Banking Manager steered this knowledge and experience sharing session. This conversation highlighted philanthropy by the private sector, their various community initiatives, the challenges faced in implementing corporate social interventions in Uganda legally and socio-economically. Among the private sector participants were Unilever Uganda and Beyond Logistics.
The research on community foundations was undertaken by a research team led by Joan Nyangoma and Irene Bandaru who shared their findings in a meeting with the Global Fund for Community Foundations, CivFund, CS Mott Foundation and the Philanthropy Program team from CivSource Africa. The presentation of findings was essential ahead of the next phase that will see the implementation of a project to support community foundations in Wakiso and Kampala for the next 12 months.
The day was crowned with a field visit to Namuwongo Community Foundation, a Kampala based community foundation and a participant in the study. 5 leaders from 5 selected community foundations in Wakiso and Kampala participated in this meeting. They shared more information about the work they were doing in their communities, their successes as well as their challenges. This meeting was an essential precursor to the implementation of the next phase of the project geared towards harnessing the power and potential of community foundations.