What If... We think differently?

The Future of NGOs - Part 2

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the fast-changing world of NGOs and nonprofits! Discover how organisations are navigating a perfect storm of funding cuts, rising costs, and fierce competition for resources, all while demand for their services keeps climbing.We will unpack why today’s leaders need to think beyond traditional models, embracing entrepreneurial mindsets and bold strategies like mergers and collaborations to survive and thrive. From workforce shortages and financial uncertainty to the power of innovative partnerships, join us for a candid look at what it really takes to stand out, adapt, and make a lasting impact in 2025’s challenging landscape.

The Future of NGOs - Part 1

In this episode of the What If… We think differently? podcast, we discuss the dramatic shifts in NGO funding that unfolded in January 2025, focusing on the significant cuts to official development aid by major donors like the US and European countries. Drawing from Tendai’s recent paper, The Future of NGOs (https://doi.org/10.59186/SI.3KYH7WCH), we distil the key issues around sustainability and the evolving role of NGOs amid these funding disruptions. We explore:how these cuts have led to closures and operational challenges for many organisations heavily reliant on aid,the increasing pressure on NGOs to find alternative funding sources such as private foundations, and the broader implications for NGO independence and effectiveness. The conversation also highlights the shrinking legal and financial space for NGOs, especially in Africa, and contemplates whether this marks the end of an era for traditional aid models or the beginning of a new paradigm. Join us as we unpack these critical developments and set the stage for future discussions on the resilience and transformation of NGOs in a changing global landscape.#FutureOfNGOs #AidTransition #GlobalDevelopment #RethinkingAid #BeyondAidEra

African Philanthropy Series Part 5

We discuss the supposed ephemeral nature of community-based foundations practicing philanthropy in African Philanthropy. In this conversation, Tendai and Nonstikelelo interrogate the lack of systems, structure, and sustainability of African organisations. Although agile and responsive, Tendai posits that such African philanthropy organisations have not set themselves up for permanence because in their minds the problems they deal with are temporary ones that require a temporary solution. Despite their ephemerality, these pools build community resilience in a significant way. They stand against a potential threat of loss of agency when larger organisations engage with communities. The conversation also raises questions about how broad-based participation can lead to robust community engagement.

African Philanthropy Series Part 4

In this episode, we discuss the future of African Philanthropy as well as its vast potential to contribute towards the development of the continent. The conversation highlights emerging opportunities for giving from a growing African middle class, an engaged and connected youthful population and the growing impact of African multinational corporations with larger capacities to contribute through corporate social responsibility channels. A key thread in this conversation is the opportunity for philanthropic efforts to be directed in transformative ways in support of high-growth economic industries. In addition, Tendai discusses how African philanthropy has the capacity to bring together different players in a non-partisan and a-political atmosphere, centred on the singular agenda of Africa’s development

African Philanthropy Series Part 3

In this episode, Tendai Murisa and Nontsikelelo Nzula examine the distinctive cultural factors influencing philanthropic practices in Africa, contrasting community-driven initiatives with global giving. They discuss the roles of High-Net-Worth Individuals and corporate philanthropy in the African context, emphasizing the necessity for African philanthropy to transcend external frameworks. The discussion advocates for the development of a strong ecosystem comprising African thinkers and institutions capable of informing philanthropic efforts in accordance with the continent's specific needs. They underscore the importance of shifting away from externally imposed development models in favour of solutions that originate from within African communities.