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On 29th October 2025, KCDF marked a significant milestone as 21 of our partner community organisations concluded a transformative three-month Local Fundraising (LFR) training.
The event celebrated the graduation of 41 individuals who completed the intensive course, equipping them with the skills and confidence to mobilise resources locally in response to the growing trend of dwindling donor funding globally.
Speaking at the 18th Cohort Graduation of Local Fundraising Champions, KCDF’s Programmes Director, Caesar Ngule, commended the graduating cohort for their commitment throughout the training. He underscored the urgency of strengthening local fundraising capacities as a pathway to genuine sustainability for community organisations. In his remarks, he encouraged the graduates to become ambassadors of change within their communities, championing self-reliance, transparency, and innovation in resource mobilisation.
He also reminded them that while fundraising may be challenging at first, success lies in persistence, consistency, transparency, and accountability. Sharing KCDF’s own humble beginnings, Caesar recounted KCDF’s first fundraising event, which was not as successful as expected. He humorously dubbed it a “friend raiser”, as the most reasonable explanation that they would give to show how much they spent versus how much they raised.
Through this example, Caesar emphasised that growth is possible with resilience and learning. He further encouraged the new fundraisers to explore untapped funding avenues, particularly among corporates, businesses, and organisations that are often overlooked. These, he noted, could hold the key to unlocking new and sustainable funding streams.
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- Caesar Ngule, KCDF’s Programmes Director speaking about the importance of local fundraising
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- Emilly Omudho, Programmes Team Lead commedning the partners for the work their persistence and resilience throughout their training journey and how this graduation is a great milestone for them
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- Kennedy Odera, Programmes Coordinator speaking to the partners on the importance of the local fundraising programme in establishing a firm foundation for financial sustainability for their organisations
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- Elly Oindo, Programmes Officer, speaking on the need for partners to submit their reports on a timely manner
Other KCDF team members, including Emilly Omudho (Programmes Team Lead), Kennedy Odera (Capacity Strengthening Coordinator), and Elly Onyango (Programmes Officer), also extended their congratulations and urged the partners to remain committed to their fundraising journeys.
As part of their final assessment, the organisations presented their initial experiences in local fundraising, showcasing innovative approaches and tangible results.
Nyalenda Young Turks Community-Based Organisation from Kisumu shared their success in mobilising local resources to empower youth.
Their initiatives, ranging from computer literacy and tailoring to smart agriculture and awareness of gender-based violence, were made possible through strategic collaboration with local authorities.
SOWETO Jacaranda, an organisation based in Nairobi County, shared about their children’s recreation centre that offers a safe space for learning, play, and access to a community library. They also delivered an inspiring account of their fundraising journey. Their fundraising efforts saw a remarkable leap, from raising KES 20,000 in their first event to KES 350,000 in the second, an achievement they credited to the dedicated coaching they received during the training course.
The sessions also featured a simulation activity that immersed participants in the dynamics of building effective fundraising teams. This exercise helped clarify the roles of staff, communities, and stakeholders in resource mobilisation and highlighted common challenges and strategies for overcoming them.
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- Participants engaged in developing a fundraising team siumlation activity
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- Johness a trainer hyping up the team
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- Participants during a team discussion
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- Group Activity
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- Participants excited about an ongoing discussion about their future plans
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- CtGA Expert Trainer during a simulation activity of developing a fundraising team
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- Caesar Ngule, KCDF’s Programmes Director speaking about the importance of the knowledge of local fundrising
Key Takeaways from the Day’s Sessions
- Embrace Persistence, Consistency, Transparency, and Accountability.
Successful local fundraising hinges on these four pillars. Clearly communicate your cause, the purpose of the funds, and how the contributions will be used. Maintain transparency by sharing the amount raised and how it has been spent. Most importantly, showcase the impact of your work; this builds trust and increases the likelihood of continued support in future fundraising efforts.
2. Always Express Gratitude
A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Acknowledging and appreciating your donors strengthens relationships, fosters loyalty, and promotes long-term engagement with your cause.
3. Build a Cohesive Fundraising Team
Effective communication and transparent role allocation are essential when forming a fundraising team. Each member should understand their responsibilities and the ways in which they contribute to the overall goal. This clarity enhances coordination and drives better results.
4. Value Every Voice
Inclusive decision-making strengthens team dynamics. Encourage open dialogue and listen to every team member’s perspective; each contribution matters and can lead to innovative ideas and stronger strategies.
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- Emilly Omudho, Programmes Team lead preparing the certificates
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- Participant receiving a certficate from Caesar Ngule
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- Participant receiving the certificate handed by Kennedy Odera
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- Participant receiving certificate by Zubed a CtGA Expert trainer
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- Participant receiving certificate handed by Elly Onyango
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- Participants in a celebratory mode cutting their cake
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- Participants celebrating the cake session
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- Training participants
As donor landscapes continue to evolve, KCDF’s local fundraising trainings have become a cornerstone for building resilient, self-sustaining community organisations. By equipping local changemakers with practical skills, strategic insights, and the confidence to mobilise resources within their own communities, KCDF is nurturing a new generation of fundraisers who are redefining what is possible. Their stories of innovation, perseverance, and success demonstrate the transformative impact of KCDF’s investment in local capacity. With ongoing support, collaboration, and bold exploration of new opportunities, these trained fundraisers, empowered by Change the Game Academy, will drive a movement toward lasting, community-led development across Kenya.
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