CAF Resillience Programme

The small charity needed support and funding from CAF Resilience to “stabilise finances and diversify income streams so that we become less dependent on public sector grants and contracts". They also sought help to build a sustainable revenue model, develop strategic partnerships and potentially merge with another organisation, and strengthen governance arrangements.

The charity recognised that their struggles were not unique – in 2016 they produced a report on the state of the African Caribbean charitable and community sector. They found that across the West Midlands region groups were either closing or struggling to stay open. For many the challenge was to seek and retain younger trustees and committee members with the relevant modern skills to take the organisations forward. They also found evidence of disinvestment in African Caribbean led organisations with funding being cut or reduced, leading to the reduction or ending of culturally specific services.

The charity is a new CAF Resilience grantee, and have found that early support has helped the board to be clearer about why they exist and who their primary beneficiary group is. They look forward to improving their cash-flow, and developing the skills to generate income and be more investment ready.