NGOs to Explore Donor Funding Opportunities

Today, dfcu Bank, one of Uganda’s leading financial institutions, hosted its annual NGO Forum at the Sheraton Hotel. Held under the theme “Adapting to Reduced Donor Funding: Strategies for NGOs to Sustain Local Impact and Relevance,” the forum brought together over 100 representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), development partners, and key stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for ensuring the sustainability of NGOs in the face of dwindling donor resources.

The annual initiative is organized as part of dfcu Bank’s ongoing commitment to empowering organizations that drive community transformation, provided an important platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing on how NGOs can diversify funding streams, strengthen local partnerships, and optimize financial management.

Robert Kwesiga, the Secretary General of the Uganda Red Cross Society, served as the keynote speaker. In his address, Mr. Kwesiga emphasized the growing global demand for humanitarian interventions, citing factors such as civil wars, climate-related disasters—floods, landslides, garbage slides—food insecurity, pandemics, epidemics, and self-inflicted emergencies. He noted that traditionally, the Western world has been the largest contributor to humanitarian services. However, with increasing challenges, including civil unrest within these regions, there has been a noticeable decline in humanitarian funding.

Kwesiga highlighted the importance of local participation, stating, “For countries like Uganda, this shift necessitates greater involvement from the private sector, corporate entities, and individuals in supporting humanitarian efforts.” He referenced the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, where over 30% of the country’s funding for pandemic response was generated by Uganda’s private and corporate sectors.

He further expressed optimism about the recent launch of the Red Cross Humanitarian Fund, which will provide a direct avenue for individuals to contribute to the Uganda Red Cross Society’s efforts in addressing the country’s growing humanitarian needs

In her opening remarks, dfcu Bank’s Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director, Kate K. Kiiza, emphasized the bank’s heritage and core mission as a development finance institution with deep roots in Uganda’s financial landscape.

“Since its founding 60 years ago, dfcu Bank has been at the forefront of driving Uganda’s economic and social development. As a bank born out of development finance, we remain committed to transforming lives, uplifting communities, and enabling businesses to thrive. NGOs play a critical role in this transformation, and dfcu Bank is proud to be a preferred partner in supporting your mission to drive local impact,” said Kate K. Kiiza.

She added, “At dfcu, we understand that the reduction in donor funding presents challenges, but it also provides an opportunity for NGOs to rethink their financial strategies. We are here to help you diversify revenue streams, optimize your financial management, and foster local partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.”

As part of its dedicated support for NGOs, dfcu Bank offers tailored financial solutions to support NGOs and promote sustainability. The dfcu NGO Current Account is available in multiple currencies (UGX, USD, EUR, GBP) with tiered interest rates of up to 4% for shilling accounts, 1.25% for dollar accounts, free inward transfers, and no maintenance fees for balances above UGX 500,000.

Additionally, dfcu’s Treasury Services help NGOs manage foreign exchange needs with competitive rates and daily updates, while Investment Options like government securities and call deposits offer interest rates up to 7.5% to optimize liquidity and returns.

According to the Uganda National NGO Forum’s annual reports and research by Development Initiatives (2022), over 40% of Uganda’s NGOs are facing significant financial challenges, exacerbated by a 30% decline in donor funding over the last five years, which has critically impacted essential services in health, education, and social welfare.”

Kiiza emphasized that with the right financial strategies, NGOs can continue to thrive and serve their communities. “Diversification of funding, efficient cash flow management, and strong local partnerships are not just options—they are essential. We are here to walk this journey with you, providing tailored banking solutions that empower you to maintain and even expand your impact,” she noted.

She noted that the bank offers collaboration opportunities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives which align with the mission of NGOs. These collaborations enable NGOs to work alongside dfcu Bank in interventions focused on financial literacy, community development, and youth empowerment.

“NGOs are key partners in the social transformation of Uganda, and at dfcu, we are dedicated to being more than just a bank—we are your partner in creating sustainable solutions that make a difference. Our local heritage and deep understanding of the Ugandan market allow us to support NGOs in ways that truly matter,” Ms. Kiiza stated.

As the forum concluded, dfcu Bank reaffirmed its role as a trusted partner for NGOs, committed to delivering financial solutions that empower organizations to transform lives and communities in Uganda. 

Dfcu was established in 1964 as a development finance institution. Over the years dfcu has been associated with many success stories in Uganda’s economy in various sectors including agribusiness, communication, education, health, manufacturing, tourism, real estate, mining, construction, transport, trade and commerce, among others.