African civil society organizations (CSOs) are crucial in driving social and economic development across the continent. They provide essential services, advocate for marginalized communities, and implement programs that improve livelihoods in healthcare, education, human rights, and economic empowerment. However, recent reductions and freezes in US Government (USG) foreign aid have created financial and operational constraints threatening their sustainability and effectiveness.
For decades, USG funding has been a significant source of support for many African CSOs, helping them implement transformative projects that reach millions of people. With the recent funding changes, many organizations are experiencing financial instability, programmatic disruptions, and uncertainty about their future. Some have already been forced to scale back services, while others struggle to find alternative funding sources. The ripple effect of these cuts extends beyond individual organizations, impacting the communities they serve and slowing progress toward key development goals.
Despite the mounting challenges, comprehensive data on the full impact of these funding changes remains scarce. Without this information, funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders cannot effectively assess the situation or respond with appropriate support mechanisms. This knowledge gap makes it difficult to craft policies, funding strategies, and interventions that adequately address the needs of African CSOs.
To bridge this gap, EPIC-Africa and @AfricanNGOs have launched a survey to assess how African CSOs are being affected, their strategies to navigate financial shifts, and the support they need to remain resilient. The findings from this survey will be instrumental in shaping responses from donors, governments, and development partners.
Why This Survey Matters
Understanding the realities faced by African CSOs is essential for informed decision-making. This survey seeks to:
- Provide a clear picture of how funding changes affect CSOs’ operations and sustainability.
- Identify the strategies CSOs are using to cope with financial constraints.
- Inform policy recommendations and funding strategies to support African CSOs.
- Strengthen advocacy efforts by equipping CSOs and their partners with data to engage donors and policy-makers.
- Highlight gaps in support and opportunities for collaboration between local and international stakeholders.
The data collected will help ensure that the voices of African CSOs are heard in discussions about foreign aid and development funding, leading to better-targeted support. By identifying trends and emerging challenges, this survey will contribute to a deeper understanding of how organizations can build long-term resilience in an evolving funding landscape.
The insights generated from this research will also serve as a resource for funders who want to refine their approaches to supporting African CSOs. By participating, organizations will contribute to a broader effort to shape policies that align with their realities and ensure sustainable funding solutions.
Be Part of the Solution
This survey will generate critical insights to support evidence-based recommendations for donors, governments, and the CSO sector itself. By participating, organizations can help shape strategies to sustain African civil society in the face of funding uncertainty. The results will benefit individual organizations and strengthen the broader ecosystem of African civil society by promoting sustainability and innovation in funding approaches.
📢 Make your voice count! The survey is available in English and French and takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete.
This initiative is supported by the Firelight Foundation.
Thank you for your commitment to strengthening African civil society.
