Strengthening civil society

Inyathelo believes a strong and sustainable civil society is a key component of any democracy. We work to build, maintain and improve the support, skills and funds of non-profit organisations in South Africa. How do we do this?   

The Inyathelo non-profit clinic, ASK Inyathelo, provides one-on-one mentorship, training and advice in a professional environment,with a specific focus on the sustainability and Advancement needs of NGOs.

The Inyathelo Resource Centre is the base from which we deliver on the core work of the Institute - training and capacity development related to institutional and non-profit organisational Advancement, and philanthropy and grantmaking.

The Inyathelo Resource Centre is also South Africa’s first Co-operating Collection of the US-based Foundation Center, an association which provides NPOs with access to international donor information, as well as Advancement and fundraising resources.

Inyathelo's donor directory, FundingFinder, is considered to be the most comprehensive and up-to-date online donor database in South Africa, allowing NPOs to search for funders according to sectors, activities and geographical areas.  

Inyathelo produces quality resources and publications for Advancement practitioners and philanthropists in South Africa. Some are available to purchase and others can be downloaded for free.

Inyathelo hosts regular training programmes, symposia, peer-to-peer learning sessions and workshops aimed at growing capacity within organisations and institutions to attract resources and social investment.

Inyathelo holds regular Academies for NPOs. These three-day learning events bring together local and international experts in the field of Advancement and provide delegates with a focused, consolidated skills development opportunity.

Inyathelo hosts various online resource portals where non-profits can share information, tips and tools, and articles of interest related to Advancement and Fundraising as well as Governance.

Inyathelo also involves itself in activities that impact on the capacity of the non-profit sector to thrive. We have played a leading role in the development of The Independent Code of Governance for non-profits in South Africa, as well as the Funding Practice Alliance which engages with funding challenges, particularly around the Lottery.

Inyathelo also works in partnership with other organisations and donors to establish self-sustaining Advancement, development and fundraising operations among non-profit organisations working in the field of human rights. Building on the success of the Atlantic Human Rights Programme, Inyathelo started a new initiative in 2012 called The Atlantic Philanthropies Advancement Initiative (AAI) designed to bring about a fundamental shift in thinking about donor resources and practices to attract support.