The Ghana National Civil Society Sustainability Strategy: A Key Tool to Drive the Sustainability of CSOS in Ghana
This strategy paper has been developed as a one-stop toolbox of ideas, initiatives and strategies for making Ghanaian civil society viable and sustainable.
The Strategy document is a product of national CSOs convenings on the sustainability of the sector organised by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and STAR Ghana Foundation.
This strategy paper analyses the different approaches, models and resourcing strategies commonly used by CSOs around the world drawing inspiration from previous work by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) on issues around sustainability and the characteristics of sustainable CSOs.
From the national CSO convenings, it has become clear that there is growing interest in the development of alternative funding models that reduce a CSO’s dependence on traditional gift-incomes and official aid. The global trend, from which Ghanaian CSOs can learn a lot, seems to be one of developing greater independence and resilience through diversifying income sources and a willingness to explore more entrepreneurial routes to financial sustainability. To do that this strategy suggests a mix of 41 administrative and strategic policies, strategies, plans, forms and manuals that a viable CSO should have.
The overriding message in this state is that there is the pressing need for CSOs to re-think their business models, think strategically about their financial models and adopt strategies that will help them maintain their independence and still be sustainable.
Download the full Ghana National Civil Society Sustainability Strategy here.
