​The City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Department of Social Development today concluded a two-day workshop to capacitate non-profit organisations (NPOs) working in various sectors.

The event was held to coincide with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, commemorated each year on 17 October. Among the NPOs who attended the workshops are Women Hope for the Nation, Apex Learning Levels, and the New World Foundation.

Key focus areas included highlighting the work of the City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department as well as its provincial counterparts, but also empowering NPOs – both registered and unregistered.

 

Presentations covered a number of aspects including:

• The NPO Act and ensuring compliance
• NPO tax law
• Sustainability in the NPO sector
• Fundraising and proposal writing
• BBBEEE codes
• How government funding works

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‘It’s in government’s best interests that we have an NPO sector that is working and working well. All of our social challenges require a collective and shared responsibility, because government alone cannot do it. In years gone by, far too many organisations have been forced to close their doors because of lack of access to funding or because they aren’t fully compliant and therefore missing out on opportunities. So we are investing in our NPO sector to ultimately strengthen our response to the many challenges that our communities face. Partnerships like these are crucial in terms of our Organisational Development and Transformation Plan goal to build integrated communities by working with the non-profit sector,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Area South, Councillor Eddie Andrews.

In the last financial year, the City of Cape Town facilitated the following rebates, reductions and exemptions for the non-profit sector:

• R128,2 million for religious institutions (2 120 beneficiaries)
• R 76,7 million for public benefit/non-profit and sports organisations (1 910 beneficiaries)
• R67,2 million for agricultural organisations (618 beneficiaries)

‘We are, however, bound by legislation that requires organisations to meet set criteria in order to access rebates and other funding. So I appeal to non-profits across Cape Town to ensure that they are compliant so they can reap the benefits. If they’re unsure of how to go about it, we encourage them to contact the City or the Western Cape Department of Social Development so we can assist them,’ added Councillor Andrews.

For more information on how to apply for the rebates, residents or organisations can contact the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 or visit their nearest municipal office.

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