FAQs

1. What is a CBO?
   Answer

   The term CBO stands for Community Based Organisation. A CBO is a structure or formation that emerges form communities and does its work in the community it is based in. It's a community initiative, by community members for community benefit.

2. What is the difference between CBO and NGO?
   Answer

   A CBO is different from an NGO in its formation and the type of work it does. A crucial difference is that a CBO is started by community members from that same community, while a NGO is formed with people that are not necessarily from the communities they serve. Furthermore while NGOs are also for community benefit, its programmes or activities are normally at a different level, i.e. conduct research or capacity building while CBOs normally focus on the delivery of social services, like home-based care or arts.

3. What is community led development?
   Answer

   Community-led development refers to development activities that are initiated and driven by members of the community for the development of their own environment.

4. Is it necessary for the CBO to have a constitution?
   Answer

   Yes, any organisation is required to have a constitution. A constitution is sometimes referred to as the founding document, which explains how the organisation functions. This document is often requested by other parties, such as; funders and banks.

5. What is the easy way to get NPO registration number?
   Answer

   There is only one way for organisations to acquire an NPO number. The organisation needs to register with the Directorate of Non-Profit Organisations by completing an application form and submitting two copies of their constitution.

6. Who is a community member?
   Answer

   A community members is someone who is involved in community development activities for the benefit of the community. Often, community workers advocate for better services in the community through social movements or campaigns.

7. What is a donor/ funder?
   Answer

   A donor or funder is an agency that provides financial assistance to an organisation with a mission of contributing to the development of a particular community or society. These agencies often have their set of criteria based on the contribution they want to make in development and provides support to organisations that assists them to further their mission.

8. Is there a time frame that CBOs have to wait for until it gets funding?
   Answer

   No, there is no time frame. Chances of a CBO or any organisation receiving funding depend on the success of their fundraising activities.

9. Is there a difference between a project and organisation?
   Answer

   Yes, there is. A project is a temporary intervention that focuses on a particular issue. This intervention has a set of short term objectives and the intervention is time bound, i.e. 6 months or 1 year project.

10. What is ABCD?
    Answer

    Asset Based Community Development is a philosophy to community development that is based on principles of appreciation of what strengths are existent in a community. This philosophy allows communities to have a positive outlook to their environment and seek ways to further utilise those assets/strengths.

11. How is a vision different from mission?
    Answer

    A vision and mission are different in a way that a Vision is the ideal state which an organisation envisages for its society; whereas a Mission is a set of duties which clarifies what you aim to do to achieve your vision.

12. What is organisational development?
    Answer

    Organisational development is a process that looks into the institutional or internal development of a particular organisation. This process includes, developing the necessary policies for an organisation, development of a strategy etc.

13. What is consciousness?
    Answer

    Consciousness is a process of awareness of your surroundings in order to make informed decisions about your actions.

14. Will an organisation get funding by virtue of being registered as an NPO?
    Answer

    No, in order for an organisation to receive funding, the organisation must ensure that they are aware of funding opportunities within their field and that they meet the funding agency's criteria. Its registration status raises the chances of being recognised by the funding agency as most them require registered organisations to apply for funding.

15. What documents must an organisation have in order to get sponsorship?
    Answer

    The important documents that an organisation should have are the constitution and a proposal that clearly states what they are requesting financial assistance for. Some agencies have their own developed form for an organisation to complete for requesting financial assistance. A sponsorship letter is also essential for a request for sponsorship.