From March 4th to 6th, 2025, FAWE (Forum for African Women Educationalists) hosted a transformative capacity building workshop on resource mobilization in Mbour, Senegal. This three-day event brought together representatives from FAWE’s Francophone National Chapters and the West Africa Regional Office (WASRO) to equip participants with the essential skills and strategies needed to secure sustainable funding and drive impactful initiatives for girls’ education across Africa.

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Development 
The workshop was a testament to FAWE’s commitment to empowering its national chapters to become self-reliant and effective in their mission to advance girls’ education. With a focus on resource mobilization, the training aimed to strengthen the capacity of participants to attract funding, manage resources, and implement sustainable programs that create lasting change.

Key Highlights from the Workshop 
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Success 
The workshop kicked off with an opening address by Dr. Bity Diène, WASRO Coordinator, who commended the efforts of FAWE’s Francophone chapters and emphasized the importance of resource mobilization for achieving FAWE’s strategic goals. The day included interactive sessions on organizational sustainability and the fundamentals of resource mobilization. Participants engaged in group activities, such as the “signature hunt,” which fostered collaboration and understanding of each chapter’s unique challenges and strengths.

A thought-provoking video featuring former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked a lively debate on Africa’s dependency on foreign aid, highlighting the need for self-sufficiency and innovative funding strategies.

Day 2: Exploring Diverse Approaches to Resource Mobilization 
The second day delved into various approaches to resource mobilization, including crowdfunding, corporate sponsorships, and in-kind donations. Participants worked in groups to explore alternative funding models and individual donation strategies, sharing practical examples and brainstorming ways to adapt these approaches to their local contexts.

The session on the role of leadership and boards in resource mobilization was particularly impactful. Participants simulated pitching projects to potential donors, gaining valuable insights into effective communication and relationship-building with funders.

Day 3: Crafting Actionable Plans for Sustainability 
The final day focused on developing actionable resource mobilization plans tailored to each chapter’s needs. Participants learned how to identify potential donors, map funding opportunities, and create compelling cases for support. The workshop concluded with a commitment from all chapters to implement the strategies discussed and report back on their progress within six months.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop 
1. Diversification of Funding Sources: Participants learned the importance of diversifying funding streams to reduce dependency on a single donor. Strategies included applying for grants, launching crowdfunding campaigns, and forging partnerships with local businesses.
2. Strengthening Partnerships: Building and maintaining relationships with donors, partners, and community leaders is crucial for long-term sustainability. Participants explored techniques for effective networking and donor engagement.
3. Capacity Building: The workshop emphasized the need for continuous learning and skill development in areas such as grant writing, financial management, and project proposal development.
4. Innovation and Adaptability: Participants were encouraged to embrace innovative funding models, such as social enterprises and income-generating activities, to ensure financial resilience.
5. Leadership and Governance: Effective leadership and board involvement are critical for successful resource mobilization. Participants gained insights into the roles of directors and board members in securing funding and driving organizational growth.

Strengthening Resource Mobilisation and Sustainability for Civil Society Organisations 
Resource mobilisation is a crucial aspect for civil society organisations (CSOs) aiming for long-term sustainability and impact. In response to this need, organisations are increasingly investing in capacity-building initiatives to ensure financial resilience, diversify funding sources, and establish sustainable programs.

Core Objectives of the Workshop: 
– Understanding funding mechanisms and sustainable resource mobilisation techniques.
– Sharing best practices and success stories from different chapters.
– Developing context-specific fundraising strategies for diverse organisational needs.
– Strengthening participants’ capacity to forge partnerships and expand funding networks.

Innovative Approaches to Resource Mobilisation 
One of the workshop’s key sessions delved into alternative financing models, including:
– Crowdfunding and individual giving: Engaging local communities and global donors through digital platforms.
– Corporate sponsorships and partnerships: Establishing win-win collaborations with private sector entities.
– Grant applications: Strengthening skills in writing compelling proposals for institutional donors.
– Social enterprises and income-generating activities: Exploring business models to ensure financial self-sufficiency.

Sustainability Planning: Beyond Fundraising 
Resource mobilisation is not just about securing funds; it is about ensuring long-term sustainability. The workshop emphasized the need for:
– Strategic financial planning: aligning budgets with organizational goals and donor requirements.
– Transparency and accountability: Building trust with donors through clear financial reporting.
– Innovation and adaptability: exploring new funding mechanisms and evolving with changing donor landscapes.
– Community engagement: Involving beneficiaries and stakeholders in fundraising efforts to enhance ownership and impact.

Next Steps: Strengthening Implementation 
As a follow-up to the workshop, national chapters will:
– Develop customised resource mobilisation plans aligned with their local contexts.
– Implement new fundraising strategies, leveraging digital tools and networking opportunities.
– Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and impact.

A Path Forward 
The workshop not only equipped participants with practical tools and strategies but also fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among FAWE’s Francophone chapters. By working together and leveraging their collective strengths, these chapters are better positioned to secure the resources needed to advance girls’ education and gender equality in their respective countries.

A Call to Action 
As FAWE continues its mission to empower girls and women through education, the success of this workshop serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration and capacity building. FAWE calls on all stakeholders—governments, private sector partners, and civil society organizations—to join hands in supporting initiatives that promote access to education and gender equality.