Supported Living Gateway’s Post

Empowering Communities: The Path to Sustainable Change Unfortunately, the story of unintended consequences from well-meaning aid isn’t unique to Haiti—it’s a global issue. To truly help, we must shift our approach from handouts to hand-ups, fostering self-reliance and resilience within communities. 1. Invest in Local Solutions: Support local businesses, farmers, and artisans by providing access to capital, training, and markets. When we buy local, we strengthen the economy from within. 2. Partner with Local Institutions: Instead of bypassing local governments and organizations, work alongside them. Strengthening these institutions is key to long-term stability and progress. 3. Focus on Capacity Building: Prioritize education, skills training, and leadership development to equip communities to solve their own challenges. 4. Promote Accountability and Sustainability: Ensure that aid projects have clear exit strategies that leave communities better equipped to thrive independently. By shifting our focus from charity to empowerment, we can help build a future where Haitian communities are strong, resilient, and self-sufficient. It’s time to listen to the voices on the ground and let them lead the way. Read my book: https://lnkd.in/e8eKtCYR

Cash-for-work programs, once popular for providing temporary employment and injecting cash into communities, are now being reconsidered due to their lack of sustainability, potential market distortions, logistical challenges, inefficiencies in building community assets, and ethical concerns surrounding coercion and dignity. Alternatives such as unconditional cash transfers or market system development approaches offer more effective and ethical ways to address immediate needs and promote long-term resilience in crisis-affected communities. Enjoy Reading the below blog from MC!!!

In Scotland, we’re lucky to have so many community and voluntary groups helping to protect people from the unjust effects of being pushed towards poverty, hunger, debt, and destitution. Without the work of the dedicated staff and volunteers in these organisations, Scotland would be dragged even further away from our shared values of equality, compassion, and justice. In towns, cities, and villages across the country, they help people on low incomes reclaim a degree of stability and dignity in the face of constant battering from our unjust economy, and our inadequate social security system. Whether it’s campaigning for warm, affordable homes, giving people advice about their rights, providing food support, or providing opportunities for education and training – the voluntary sector gives people a lifeline when they need it most. But – more and more – far too many of these organisations are being left without the security they need to provide these vital services, and meet the needs of people in their communities. https://lnkd.in/eC2dnSRD

Sustainable funding will unlock greater overall efficiencies, Local Government Association tells next government https://lnkd.in/eXrSFZCC #funding #fundingreview #fundingsettlement #socialcare #prevention #housing #localgov #localgovernment

🌟 Considering whether cash for work programs still make sense? Check out these insights! 🌟 I recently came across an insightful article discussing the drawbacks of using cash for work programs. The piece, "Five Reasons Not to Use Cash for Work" by Mercy Corps Economic Opportunities, sheds light on important considerations for organizations and policymakers. Here are the key takeaways: 1. Limited Impact: Cash disbursements alone may not lead to sustainable outcomes or address underlying economic challenges. 2. Risk of Misuse: Cash distribution can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, such as misuse or inequitable distribution. 3. Lack of Accountability: Without proper tracking mechanisms, it can be challenging to ensure funds are used for their intended purposes. 4. Missed Opportunities for Skill Development: Non-cash interventions, such as training or asset provision, can enhance long-term impact by building skills and resilience. 5. Community Empowerment: Involving communities in decision-making processes and program design fosters ownership and sustainability. What is the alternative then? Depending on what you wish to achieve with your intervention, you can consider alternatives such as Multi Purpose Cash (MPC), Market Systens Development (MSD) approaches, or Group Cash Transfers. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ddBZKR6E #CashForWork #unconditionalcash #humanitarian #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityEmpowerment #EconomicOpportunities #SocialImpact #CVA

If you're a rural NFP or community organisation seeking funding for your project, there's a great chance you're eligible for an SRC grant. From community resource development to environmental sustainability initiatives to projects that help alleviate poverty and/or disadvantage, SRC is one of our most flexible programs and applications are always encouraged. There are two streams of funding available: Small & Vital (small community grants) - grants of up to $10,000 Prepare & Recover (disaster support) - grants of up to $25,000 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gY9_pMhQ #SRC #CommunityGrants #DisasterRecovery #DisasterResilience

🌍✊ Alianza Fondos del Sur Stands with #TooSouthernToBeFunded Campaign ✊🌍 Alianza Socioambiental Fondos del Sur stands in solidarity with the #TooSouthernToBeFunded campaign, led by the #ShiftThePower movement. This global initiative highlights the systemic funding disparities faced by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Global South. Historically, bureaucratic barriers and biased practices have hindered direct funding from international donors to Southern CSOs, perpetuating inequalities and limiting local agency in development efforts. These practices often favor Northern organizations, overlooking the capacities and perspectives of Southern CSOs in addressing local challenges and driving sustainable development. #TooSouthernToBeFunded advocates for: 1. Removing barriers that restrict direct funding to Global South CSOs. 2. Revising tied aid policies to ensure equitable access to core support for Southern CSOs. 3. Enhancing transparency in funding mechanisms to track and report on resource flows. By supporting this campaign, we are committed to promoting a development paradigm rooted in equality, mutual respect, and the empowerment of local communities. We believe that empowering Southern CSOs is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development worldwide. Join us in signing the open letter <https://bit.ly/4cCbmmy> and advocating for reforms that empower Global South CSOs. Together, we can #ShiftThePower towards a more just and equitable future. #AlianzaFondosdelSur #GlobalSouthFunds #CommunityPhilanthropy 

Navigating the Challenges of NGO-Government Collaboration: Addressing Frustrations Working on various projects with government and going through the struggle, I want to highlight few points: We all know that NGOs play a crucial role in addressing community needs and advocating for higher causes, they encounter significant frustrations when attempting to work with government bodies. Understanding these challenges can help foster more effective partnerships and ultimately enhance the impact on communities. One of the most significant hurdles NGOs faces is the bureaucratic nature of government processes. bureaucratic demands overshadow their mission and slow down their ability to implement timely interventions. Navigating the complex layers of approvals, regulations, and paperwork can be time-consuming and often discouraging. NGOs rely on grants and donations to fund their projects. However, government funding often comes with specific requirements that may not align with an NGO’s mission or operational model. Limited human resources and expertise can hinder their ability to navigate the complexities of governmental collaboration, leading to missed opportunities and increased frustration. Adhering to government regulations can be daunting for many NGOs. The compliance requirements can be intricate and demanding The political landscape can significantly impact the willingness of government entities to collaborate with NGOs. Changes in leadership or shifts in political priorities can lead to uncertainty and inconsistency in funding and support. This unpredictability can create frustration for NGOs that rely on stable partnerships to achieve their goals. Trust Issues- Both NGOs and government bodies may harbour scepticism regarding each other’s intentions and effectiveness. Whatever said and done, Government agencies have to make things easy for us as NGOs play a crucial role in building the nation and reaching the last mile. #govt #bureacracy #ngogovtpartnership #projects #community #communitywelfare #govtagencies

Sector leaders will recently have been invited by PeakCare Queensland and Families Australia to participate in sector consultations to inform a new research project, Changing the Balance, exploring potential impacts on mainstream non-government organisations when future proportionate investment in child and family services shifts to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). Supplementing these sector consultations, the Changing the Balance survey is now live for organisations receiving Commonwealth Department of Social Services (DSS) funding for child and family services. The survey asks how to best support a smooth investment transition across the sector, including: - the primary organisational and operational challenges faced by non-Indigenous NGOs from the transfer of funding allocations to ACCOs - potential issues concerning future funding sustainability for mainstream NGOs in the child and family services sector - suggestions and recommendations to address the potential risks to be faced by the sector, such as potential changes/disruptions to workforce, service delivery and/or organisational financial viability - ensuring service continuity to families, children and young people during periods of transition and change Take the survey at https://lnkd.in/gCzmpSYg before Friday, 3 May To find out more about Changing the Balance, visit https://lnkd.in/gtAYSfuJ . . . . . #changingthebalance #investment #strategy #queensland #government #policy #ACCOs #childprotection #justice #FirstNations #rights #sectorsurvey #consultation

#BUSINESS: Mr. Kasou stresses the importance of taking care of the communities where they operate and this is done in meaningful ways through different initiatives – through statutory benefits and non-statutory benefits. Read more here: (https://lnkd.in/gAqMjZYE)