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When donor support starts to dry up, most organizations panic. But for fundraising strategist Sylvia Njambi, the recent wave of aid cuts—especially from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—isn’t the end of the road. It’s a wake-up call.

In her words, “It’s time African nations start investing in their own development.”

I had the pleasure of hosting Sylvia on the It’s Our Time podcast, where we talked about the future of fundraising in Africa and what it really takes to build sustainable organizations in a changing donor landscape. What stood out most was her optimism. For her, the future of fundraising isn’t about chasing donors—it’s about collaboration, innovation, and community.

Sylvia’s journey into fundraising began almost by accident. While working in a nonprofit, she realized that great programs couldn’t run without consistent funding—a realization that shifted her entire career.

Today, she’s raised resources across health, agribusiness, gender, and sports development.

“Fundraising is not just about money,” she told me. “It’s a mindset—of bringing together people, ideas, and opportunities to drive change.”

She believes the core of fundraising is storytelling and structure. Whether you’re pitching a youth project or a health intervention, the fundamentals remain the same: identify the problem, offer a solution, and show impact.

Turning Funding Cuts into Opportunity

When I asked Sylvia about the growing anxiety around shrinking aid—especially among smaller organizations in the Global South—her response was refreshing.

“We’ve relied on external donors for too long,” she said. “Africa has resources. We just need systems that work and governments that are accountable.”

To her, the funding squeeze is an invitation to rethink how we resource development—by investing in homegrown solutions, building trust, and leveraging what we already have.

Collaboration Over Competition

A recurring theme in our conversation was collaboration. Too many organizations, Sylvia noted, still work in silos—duplicating efforts and exhausting their donors.

“When you work together, you reduce duplication, increase your reach, and present a stronger case to funders,” she said. “Donors are tired of fragmented efforts. Collaboration is the way forward.”

A Digital Shift in Giving

We also spoke about how technology is changing the fundraising landscape. Donors today—especially younger ones—want more than emotional appeals. They want transparency, consistency, and proof of progress.

That’s why so many nonprofits are turning to digital crowdfunding platforms like M-Changa, Thundafund Africa, and GlobalGiving. These tools make giving visible and interactive.

“When people see updates, photos, and transparent budgets, they feel part of the story,” Sylvia said.

According to the 2024 Africa Tech for Good Report, local crowdfunding in Africa has grown by over 30% in two years, showing rising trust in digital giving and community-driven change.

Building Financial Resilience

Sylvia offered practical advice for sustainability. In the short term, she encourages organizations to explore income-generating activities—selling products, monetizing training, or creating membership models.

For long-term stability, she recommends endowment funds, corporate partnerships, and impact investments. Surprisingly, only about 3% of African nonprofits actively pursue corporate fundraising.

“Corporates are looking for partners that align with their social goals,” she said. “If you can show how your work supports their CSR vision, you’re already halfway there.”

Start with Relationships

When I asked where struggling organizations should begin, Sylvia didn’t hesitate:
“Start with relationships. People fund people, not institutions.”

She reminded me that visibility matters—showing up, sharing your story, and letting people connect with your purpose.

“Be loud about your work,” she said with a smile. “Closed mouths don’t get fed.”

Her advice for emerging founders was simple but wise: learn from others. “Watch how successful organizations fundraise and communicate. There’s a lot to learn just by observing.”

The Journey Ahead

As our conversation ended, Sylvia left me with a line that still echoes: “Every no brings you closer to a yes.”

The way forward, she believes, is clear:

• Collaborate instead of compete!

• Be transparent!

• Diversify your income!

• Embrace digital tools!

And above all, remember that behind every donation is a person responding to a story that moved them.

Sustainable fundraising isn’t an event—it’s a journey. So if you’ve been wondering where to start, here’s your invitation: start your own digital fundraiser. Tell your story. Rally your community. The future of funding is right here, in how we choose to show up and work together.

Additional Resources

🔗Explore tfn's Funding ToolKit: Designed to help organizations navigate funding🔗
🔗Discover how a grassroot organization in Kenya navigated funding cuts in 2025!🔗

Special Thanks To

🔗Heinrich Böll Stiftung Foundation, Washington, DC Office🔗

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🔗Connect with the author, Beryl Oywer🔗