Adopt sustainable funding models, NGOs challenged

DODOMA: THE Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been urged to generate their own resources to ensure long-term sustainability and reduce donor dependency.

The call was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr John Jingu during the second day of the 2025 Annual NGOs Forum held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre (JKCC) in Dodoma.

The forum concluded on Wednesday. Dr Jingu encouraged NGOs to explore viable local resource mobilisation strategies so their programmes remain effective even when downpour priorities shift or funding decreases.

“For too long, the NGO sector has relied heavily on development partners. While their support is appreciated, this dependency exposes us to risks. Even the most impactful and wellintentioned initiatives can stall if donor circumstances change,” he warned.

He stressed that without adequate financial resources, even the best ideas and plans cannot be realised. Dr Jingu commended NGOs for their vital role as agents of positive change and reminded participants that under the NGO registration law, they are permitted to engage in economic activities as long as the proceeds are reinvested to advance their mission, not for personal gain.

Recalling a directive from President Samia Suluhu Hassan in 2021, Dr Jingu noted the development and completion of an NGO Sustainability Strategy in 2022.

Since then, some organisations have begun launching incomegenerating initiatives such as development projects, social enterprises and farms. “It is time for the sector to fully embrace this strategy. We must adapt to current realities and move away from creating NGOs with the sole expectation of donor support. Even when donors are available, their priorities may not always align with ours,” he concluded.