Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana are increasingly seeking ways to sustain their work amid declining traditional donor funding, with sector leaders highlighting crowdfunding and strong community trust as key to long-term resilience. This discussion was central to the second session of the CSO Sustainability Webinar Series, held on 19 March 2026 and organised by the Ghana Civil Society Forum Sustainability Subgroup, where practitioners shared strategies for navigating an uncertain funding landscape.
Jimm Chick Fomunjong, Head of Knowledge Management and Communications at the West Africa Civil Society Institute, emphasised the urgency for CSOs to move beyond dependence on external funding. He noted that sustainability is no longer a future goal but a present necessity, as changing global priorities and increasing competition for funds demand that organisations adopt locally grounded, resilient financing models.
Sam Danse, Executive Director of the Integrated Social Development Centre, stressed that organisations relying primarily on donor funding remain vulnerable to sudden financial shocks. He urged CSOs to build financial resilience intentionally over time, through measures such as setting aside reserves, engaging governing boards in oversight, and developing multiple income streams. Danse also highlighted the need for flexible funding sources and revenue-generating activities to maintain organisational relevance in a competitive environment.
Mohammed Awal Alhassan, Executive Director of Norsaac, shared a practical example of leveraging local crowdfunding to support operations. Within a year, Norsaac mobilised over 400,000 Ghana cedis through community-based fundraising, attributing its success to sustained engagement, transparency, and building trust with local communities. Alhassan noted that crowdfunding strengthens both organisational independence and public trust, reflecting a broader shift toward localisation where communities actively contribute to financing development initiatives.
Webinar participants discussed challenges such as low public awareness, scepticism, and maintaining consistent engagement with supporters. Despite these barriers, there was consensus that trust remains the foundation of successful fundraising at the community level. Speakers also highlighted the importance of collaboration across the sector, suggesting that sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and collective approaches to sustainability can enhance resilience.
As CSOs in Ghana face tightening budgets and pressure to demonstrate impact, the ability to adapt, diversify funding sources, and cultivate strong community relationships will be critical for their survival. The Ghana Civil Society Forum will continue using its webinar series as a platform for dialogue and learning to help organisations respond effectively to the evolving funding environment.
