Gatekeeper Foundation launches Accredited Organisation programme to validate NPOs

Johan Labuschagne and Paul Anderson

In today's society where poverty, malnutrition and HIV are endemic, the need for individuals and organisations to assist the underprivileged is at its greatest. Although many corporate organisations have tackled this issue by dutifully implementing Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategies in line with BBBEE legislation, they are faced with the challenge of selecting reputable organisations to support.

Although it is encouraging to see an abundance of volunteers willing to offer their time and resources to helping those less fortunate, the reality of the situation is that often these people know little about operating an NPO and this makes them less effective in addressing the needs of the beneficiaries they wish to impact. In addition to this, funders can sometimes be left wondering whether their contributions have been appropriately managed, and questions of accountability can arise.

The right to know

As a result of this, and the fact that corporate companies and potential donors have a right to know that they are investing in a legitimate organisation, Karien Hunter, the founder of AMC Hunter Inc., took the initiative to establish The Gatekeeper Foundation.

The Gatekeeper Foundation is a registered NPO and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) with a difference. Established in 2011, it was formed using the philosophy that organisations can only grow and become sustainable where they have been properly established and are managed in a cost effective and sustainable manner.

"The Gatekeeper Foundation strengthens and assists NPOs by means of capacity building programmes and the implementation of good governance. In addition to this, The Foundation provides legal and financial guidance to selected organisations; giving corporate investors peace of mind. Capacity building refers to the process of enhancing an organisation's ability to fulfil their defined mission," explains Hunter.

The Gatekeeper Foundation is ultimately a platform where NPOs can interact with each other, learn from specialists and from each other, and where they are held accountable in terms of the work they do and the impact they make, with regular feedback to corporate donors.

As part of its strategy to improve the structure and systems of NPO's, The Foundation has initiated the concept of Gatekeeper Foundation Accredited Organisations. In doing so they have identified six NPOs who will complete a capacity building workshop. "It is our intention that corporate companies will recognise that NPOs that have achieved Gatekeeper Foundation Accredited Organisation status are both reputable and legitimate. With the necessary funding, it is our plan to continue to rollout this programme to other selected NPOs in the hope that we can improve the NPO sector as a whole", confirms Hunter.

Essentially building communities that thrive

She continues, "It is The Gatekeeper Foundation's belief that by guiding NPOs and thereafter introducing them to corporates, they are essentially building communities that thrive. The basis of The Gatekeeper Foundation lies in strengthening NPOs by means of capacity building, workshops and collaboration, assisting and advising NPOs on legal and financial compliance; identifying investment opportunities within the NPO sector that are appropriate and effective and managing SED (SCI) spending on behalf of corporate clients and the organisations they support where required."

The trustees of the Gatekeeper Foundation have identified a number of service providers to the NPO sector who are actively involved in capacitating and resourcing organisations. The Gatekeeper Foundation has already realised impact through working with organisations that have brought increased social change to their communities. This is evidenced by the feedback we have received:

"The wise advice and knowledge that is imparted at each session has been so helpful and we are already seeing a great improvement in the running of The LEARN Project. Thank you Karien Hunter and The Gatekeeper Foundation for organising such an inspirational course. With the knowledge that is imparted, we feel better equipped as we aim to Educate a Rainbow Nation with the LEARN Project." - Ros Toerien and Debbie Smith, The Learn Project.

Carl Waldron, Founder of Seed of Hope explains, "I am so thankful to everyone at The Gatekeeper Foundation. As a community-based organisation, accessing quality training and consulting services within the limits of our budget is an ongoing challenge. However we recognise that the effectiveness and impact of our work is directly related to the skills that exist within the organisation. Gatekeeper has been a tremendous help in resolving this dilemma through its ability to bring excellent workshops to the network of non-government organisations in the wider Durban area."

"Establishing a legitimate and successful NPO is not a simple process, and we have made a decision to utilise our intellectual resources and time in a way that can help organisations to help others. The Gatekeeper Foundation Accredited Organisation concept has been a very exciting and impactful one for AMC Hunter Inc., and we look forward to making a difference to NPOs and essentially ensuring that they can successfully continue to help those less fortunate," ends Hunter.