The FPA report, entitled Meeting their Mandates? is the result of a year-long research project commissioned by the FPA into the funding practices of the NDA and the distribution by the National Lotteries Board (NLB) of moneys held in the NLDTF. The report will be presented by a panel of representatives of the FPA partner organisations and there will be time for questions and discussion on the report.
The main aim of the research was to gather rigorous qualitative and quantitative data on the bodies so that civil society organisations (CSOs) can formulate strategic actions informed by sound research and analysis.
Speaking on behalf of the FPA, James Taylor said that the first research project focuses on whether the these organisations are meeting their mandates with regard to CSOs and grant making as defined in law.
"The report looks at the extent to which these agencies are realising their potential to address South Africa's development challenges," he said .
"The research project was initiated from a position of ongoing concern over a period of years about the impact of the funding practices of these bodies on the many organisations reliant on their grants. It expresses the opinions and experiences of grant-seeking civil society organisations as well as the views of members of the NLB, its distributing agencies and former NDA board members."
Taylor says that civil society plays a critical role in an effective democracy, and for this sector to be more effective, the quality of the relationship between state funding agencies, such as the NDA and NLB, and the non-profit development sector, must improve.
"This relationship is not just about money and compliance, but is also fundamentally about effective collaboration between organisations and funding agencies for the benefit of marginalised citizens."
The FPA comprises four civil society organisations - the Social Change Assistance Trust (SCAT), Rural Education Assistance Programme (REAP), Community Development Resource Association (CDRA) and Inyathelo-The South African Institute for Advancement.
For more information on the launch and report, contact Janine Ogle on +27 (0) 21 465 6981 or email az.gro.olehtayni@eninaj.
