Namibia : MPower Community Trust: Strengthening Fundraising and Resource Mobilisation for Organisational Sustainability
MPower Community Trust implements Safe Voices: Amplifying Truth, Protecting Lives, a human rights and advocacy initiative grounded in the lived realities of gay men and other LGBTIQ individuals in Namibia. These communities often face stigma, silence, and exclusion when accessing public services. Safe Voices provides safe spaces for participants to share personal experiences directly with public service providers, humanising key populations whose needs are often overlooked. Public service providers also benefit, gaining greater awareness and practical skills to offer rights-based, inclusive services.
As Safe Voices grew, MPower Community Trust experienced rapid organisational expansion alongside rising donor expectations. While some financial systems existed, processes remained mostly manual. Limited automation and the absence of a formal fundraising strategy constrained long-term sustainability planning.
To address these challenges, the organisation introduced two income-generating initiatives — a small printing shop and a kiosk — designed as social enterprise activities. Led by the Executive Director with Board oversight, MPower established operational procedures, record-keeping systems, and internal controls. Staff received orientation on how income generated would support organisational sustainability.
Significant improvements followed due diligence. A separate project bank account with dual signatories was established, ensuring immediate segregation of funds and enhanced transparency. Financial documentation became more systematic, and monthly reconciliations were introduced. Policies covering safeguarding, human resources, finance, procurement, whistleblowing, and sexual harassment were developed or strengthened, contributing to a safer and more accountable work environment.
Board functionality improved, introducing structured oversight and strategic guidance. MPower began developing its first offline M&E database, allowing greater independence in tracking outcomes. The organisation also raised USD 3,000 through donations and initiated structured fundraising strategies to diversify income.
These changes led to stronger internal systems, reduced risk, and enhanced credibility. Most importantly, they improved MPower’s ability to support LGBTIQ beneficiaries through consistent, rights-based service delivery.