Fixing up your local community – be it improving a public playground, repairing sidewalks or hosting regular clean-ups – often requires funding. Getting the money you need to make these local projects happen can be difficult, especially with communities across South Africa under financial strain. But successful community fundraising begins with working with what your community already has: engaged residents, local networks, creative problem-solvers, and a deep understanding of what needs to change. 

Strategies for raising money

Get organised with a committed group.  If you get a engaged group of residents involved from the early stages of a community project, there’ll be a greater buy-in as you start to fundraise. Host community meetings or use online groups to generate ideas and use your existing connections and relationships to gain support for your project.  Even the most committed active citizens don’t usually fundraise alone. Bringing together a team to be responsible for different parts of fundraising for the project will make the work easier. 

Start small and show your impact.   Especially when you’re starting out, it can be challenging to show your community and possible sponsors that your project is worth supporting. Hosting smaller events and projects that don’t need much or any funding (e.g. a volunteer neighbourhood clean-up or a small soccer tournament) can be a way to increase your visibility and show that you’re motivated and ready to take local action. If community members, local businesses and organisations see that you’re already making a difference, they will be more likely to support you.   

Make effective use of fundraising platforms.  Online crowdfunding platforms like BackaBuddy, GoFundMe and ThudaFunda are a great way to source donations for community projects. Crowdfunders work especially well if people involved in the community project share them directly with friends and relatives.   

Host fundraising events.  Events that engage many people, like community runs, auctions, raffles, bake sales, yard sales or sports tournaments, can be helpful opportunities to both build stronger connections and get the funding needed to make local projects successful. Raise money through ticket sales and by offering prizes. 

 Connect with local businesses and organisations Community organisations like schools, churches, NGOs and residents' associations often have strong networks and underutilised venues or equipment. Getting public support or partnerships from organisations can also be a good way to get the support of entire communities for fundraising efforts. 

Local businesses are often interested in supporting community projects in line with their corporate social responsibility efforts. They may be open to donating a portion of earnings from an event, sponsoring a raffle prize, or even matching fundraising targets with donations of their own. Connecting with businesses that people in your community group have direct connections with is often a great place to start. Develop good relationships with those who support your project  – small businesses often appreciate the opportunity to advertise through your networks in exchange for helping to support your fundraising. 

 Source in-kind donations. Not everyone has money to give, but that doesn’t mean they can’t support your community project. Local businesses will often be open to sponsoring community initiatives with equipment hire, refreshments for a community clean-up, donations of food for soup kitchens, or letting community groups use a space to meet or hold events. Residents and community members may also be able to provide in-kind donations, especially items like second-hand clothing or tools and supplies for community clean-ups.  

Use social media, local newspapers and radio stations. Sharing your fundraiser or community events on active local Facebook and WhatsApp groups, or starting social media pages for your group, can be a good way to reach supporters. Use photos, short videos, and personal stories to share your impact. Local newspapers and radio stations may also be open to help advertise events and community fundraisers to their readers and listeners.  

Apply for micro-grants  Keep an eye out for offers for funding opportunities from NGOs, government or foundations through platforms and organisations like Opportunities for Youth, Hlanganisa Community Fund, Environmental Justice Fund or the DG Murray Trust.  Sometimes grant makers offer small grants for community-led initiatives, even if you aren’t registered as an NGO. 

Track and communicate progress Make sure that your volunteers and donors know how the money they worked hard to raise is used. Share fundraising progress, celebrate important steps and be sure to thank everyone who helped out. Showing your impact is important for building trust and maintaining long-term support for local projects. 

Finally, it's always a good idea to get many different sources for fundraising. Reach out to as many possible supporters and don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back from everyone. You might be surprised at how willing people are to support community efforts if asked.