NGOs must reapply for funding

Changes are being made to the City’s Social Funding Policy, meaning NGOs that have applied for help need to reapply at the end of June.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisations that recently applied for funding from the City need to reapply at the end of June as part of proposed changes to its Social Funding Policy.

The City’s health and social development department said NGOs that apply for funding under the community-based organisation (CBO) stream would not be considered in the current financial year.

Department spokesperson, Nkosinathi Nkabinde, said about 208 applications were received and evaluated in August 2011 and site visits were conducted. However, the City had decided not to carry on until proposed changes to the policy were finalised.

“Due to the City’s institution review process and the general restructuring of the [its] departments and municipal-owned entities, future plans are currently being finalised. The situation will be reviewed in the [next] financial year,” he said.

The Social Funding Policy provides a basket of subsidies for non-profit organisations. Funds are disbursed through one of three funding categories: community-based organisations, partnerships and rates.

“The CBO stream is implemented throughout the year and applications are dealt with on a first come, first served basis to those organisations that are in need of critical support.”

Ordinarily organisations that applied for funding even after the City had reached its target “would be carried over and dealt with within the implementation cycle of the following year”.

“However, due to the proposed policy changes that will apply from July 2012, current applicants will be required to reapply under the terms of the new policy.”