Match making
The CSR-in-Action portal is the first ‘matchmaking’ portal in West Africa; through which organisations can transparently seek credible partners. Here, you will find first-hand information about Requests for Proposal (RFP) and opportunities for partnership from our database of contacts comprising small businesses, NGOs, CSOs, individuals and corporate organisations.
Our process
The CSR-in-Action portal is the first ‘matchmaking’ portal in West Africa; through which organisations can transparently seek credible partners. Here, you will find first-hand information about Requests for Proposal (RFP) and opportunities for partnership from our database of contacts comprising small businesses, NGOs, CSOs, individuals and corporate organisations.
Our process
Our partners
To ensure that our clients get value for money and gain a reach beyond Nigeria to the African and North American continents, we have active partnerships with:
Foundation Center: the world’s leading source of information on philanthropy, fundraising, and grant programmes based in the USA.
BiD Network: an online resource whose mission is to contribute to sustainable economic growth in emerging countries through entrepreneurship. BiD runs online competitions and matchmaking services. It is headquartered in The Netherlands, with branches in Colombia and Rwanda.
Case Studies
Oando Foundation’s ‘Adopt a School’ Project
The Situation
Oando Foundation had adopted schools in 18 different states in the North, South-South, and South-West. To further structure their interventions in education, they needed NGOs with expertise in Teacher Training Management, Scholarship Management, Community Engagement and Rehabilitation of school structures.
Oando had less than 2 weeks to reach out to and engage the selected NGOs. They started off with 2 adverts in a daily on a Monday and when by Wednesday when response was not as expected, CiA was called in.
What We Did
We quickly put together an RFP proposal and sent an email blast to our database comprising thousands of NGOs. We sorted through and shortlisted entries based on criteria, intuitive knowledge and proof of professionalism. We then sent out to the organisations to send more information which we subjected to pre-determined quantitative metrics. We then co-interviewed (in partnership with the Foundation) selected organisation(s) face-to-face or via telephone.
The Outcomes
CiA surpassed expectation by 400%, garnering over 50 complete applications within 4 days and within agreed timelines. Through proactive pursuit of applicants, we ensured that a good number of applicants were able to provide at least 60% of requirements. Our exercise increased awareness for Oando Foundation as well as enhanced its brand collateral and increased trust within recipient circles as many applicants were convinced as to the integrity of the call since it was being handled by a trusted partner.
Access Bank’s Finance, Budgeting and Bookkeeping for CSOs Workshop
The Situation
Based on Access Bank Plc’s continued commitment and approach to sustainable development, CiA approached the sustainability team with a proposal to build capacity in Civil Society Organisations by training them in the College of Sustainable Citizenship – the training arm of CiA. In due recognition of the huge gap in capacity of these CSOs, Access Bank Plc agreed to series of trainings ranging from finance and bookkeeping to good governance. It was decided that the first in the series would be Finance, Budgeting and Bookkeeping and it held in November 2015 at the Access Bank Headquarters.
What We Did
We put together an RFP, requesting key documentation from these organisations and sent out email blasts to our extensive database. While responses started coming in almost immediately, we secured PricewaterhouseCoopers as our facilitator for the day to ensure that the CSOs would be exposed to quality material. We then sorted through all entries to ensure the validity of claims of organisations who wished to be represented and requested for information regarding their expectations from the training prior to the date. Finally, we spoke to at least one representative from each of these organisations to once again establish xxx.
The Outcomes
CiA turned out a class of about 38 participants both from within and outside Lagos. Feedback from the participants was 100% positive with many of them expressing a dire need that the training had met which they would otherwise not have been able to afford. Participants also went home with souvenirs from the training, but more importantly, other materials that they could use to guide in getting their financials well in order. All thanks to Access Bank Plc and CiA.