Giving Durban’s NPOs a chance to shine

Following on last year’s first successful Change in Action NPO Fair, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, We are Durban, the Hollywood Foundation have partnered once again to create a platform for Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) to strengthen their capacity and reach out to the public.

The initiative culminates with 20 NPOs in Greater Durban showcasing their organisation’s work at the one-day Change in Action NPO Fair to be held at Gateway the day after the International Day of Charity. The fair provides a public platform for the NPOs and is the final phase of an exciting capacity-building process which starts on 5 June when applications open.

“Gateway Theatre of Shopping remains dedicated to upskilling and uplifting Durban's communities," says Gateway’s Marketing Manager, Ayesha Sewbaran. "We're excited to host the Change in Action Fair on 6 September at the Cinema level, continuing our impactful collaboration with partners and local NPOs." And our, neighbours KZN’s Number One Hit Music Station, East Coast Radio, have also come on board this year once again to amplify the impact of the campaign.

"We are looking forward to the second edition of the Change in Action NPO Fair.,” says Linda Morrison, Managing Director of ‘We are Durban’. “We know the benefits it offered to the NPOs who participated last year and will be making it even better this year.  We eagerly await journeying with the next 20 selected NPOs and celebrating the incredible work they do in eThekwini." With a depth of experience in the NPO field, Morrison will be preparing training sessions and material to upskill these NPO’s.

The Hollywood Foundation will be providing the NPOs with training and a branding kit in the lead-up to the fair. “We know that NPOs usually spend their funds and time on – serving their communities, rather than on marketing themselves,” says Mpho Dintwa, CSI Manager at Hollywood Foundation. This year 4 capacity building workshops will be held, focusing on various topics and challenges facing NPO’s. Each of the 20 NPO’s will receive branded packs including a wall banner, a table, tablecloth, 2 slimline banners, 10 golfers and business cards sponsored by the Hollywood Foundation. “The public needs to know about the good work these organisations are doing and looking professional while doing so will help these NPOs gain support from the public and funders,” stated Dintwa.

Morrison says over 3500 registered NPOs are contributing to communities in eThekwini. “A lack of awareness is preventing people from accessing the services these organisations provide, and also preventing volunteers from connecting with causes they’re passionate about,” she says.

NPOs interested in participating can visit  www.hollywoodfoundation.co.za  to complete a simple application form. Applications are now open and close on midnight 23 June 2024.

Caption:  Pictured at Gateway Theatre of Shopping are from left to right are Ayesha Sewbaran (Marketing Manager of Gateway Theatre of Shopping), Kuhle Mkhize (PR & Communications Manager at Hollywood Foundation), Nicole Gounden (Campaign Manager at Gateway Theatre of Shopping), Linda Morrison (Managing Director of We are Durban), and Mpho Dintwa, (CSI Manager at Hollywood Foundation).