Food for thought

When working with implementing partners (IPs), funding agencies aim to maximize impact, ensure compliance, and promote sustainable development. A key tool to achieve these goals is capacity assessments, which help identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for growth in the operational and financial capacities of IPs. Done well, these assessments benefit both the funding and implementing partners, creating a win-win scenario where capacity is strengthened, and assurance is provided. However, the choice of external assessors plays a crucial role in determining whether these Theassessments are seen as a collaborative effort or a burdensome audit exercise. This blog explores the value of capacity assessments and provides insights into what funding partners need to consider when contracting external assessors.

Non-profit organisations (NPOs) play a critical role in addressing societal challenges, from delivering humanitarian aid to advancing education and healthcare. With donor funding and public trust at stake, ensuring transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency is vital for NPOs to maintain their credibility. A robust internal audit function is a powerful tool in achieving these goals, offering assurance that funds are being used effectively, risks are managed, and operations align with the mission.

For non-profit organizations, financial sustainability is key to achieving long-term impact. While the mission may be the driving force behind every project, the ability to cover both direct and indirect costs is what ensures the organization's survival. As donor expectations shift and grants become more restricted, non-profits increasingly face a serious challenge: how to recover costs without jeopardizing their sustainability. In this blog, we explore the importance of cost recovery, the risks associated with increasing donor-restricted funds, and strategies for non-profits to protect their future.