Resource mobilization remains a significant challenge for many community-based organizations (CBOs) working to address local needs. These organizations often struggle with limited financial resources, which hampers their ability to implement and sustain impactful projects. The situation is further compounded by a lack of capacity-building skills, particularly in areas such as fundraising and financial management. This gap often creates a cycle of dependency and unfulfilled potential. Breaking this cycle requires targeted support and training to equip CBOs with the tools they need to become self-sustaining and more impactful within their communities.
Chikomwe Community-Based Organization (CBO) is one such beneficiary of the Milimo Local Capacity Building Activity funded by USAID Malawi. Based in Traditional Authority (TA) Maliro in Mangochi District, Chikomwe CBO previously lacked the skills necessary for effective resource mobilization to support its projects.
According to Sakina Alick, the Secretary of Chikomwe CBO, the organization faced significant challenges in assisting needy students from both primary and secondary schools in TA Maliro. Furthermore, many elderly residents living in poverty did not receive the support they needed from the organization.
“Having financial resources was a significant problem, as most of our work demanded money for effective operation,” Alick explained.
The situation began to improve when the CBO received training from the Milimo Local Capacity Building Activity. This training equipped Chikomwe CBO with essential resource mobilization skills. Khadija Adik, the Vice Director of Chikomwe CBO, shared how the training transformed their operations.
“We were trained on how to make and sell baked scones to generate revenue, which we use to support needy students and elderly people in our community,” Adik said.
The training has had a profound impact. Chikomwe CBO now purchases baking materials, such as 20 kilograms of flour, which enables them to bake scones that generate a profit of approximately MK75,000. From this profit, the organization reinvests MK30,000 to purchase additional flour to sustain the business. They allocate MK10,000 to provide necessities like soap for impoverished elderly individuals and dedicate MK30,000 to support needy students by purchasing essential supplies such as exercise books and pens.
Currently, Chikomwe CBO supports three students at St. Martins Secondary School, contributing MK30,000 for each student.
Adik expressed deep gratitude for the training provided by the Milimo Local Capacity Building Activity, emphasizing how the skills and knowledge gained have significantly improved the CBO’s capacity to mobilize resources and serve its community effectively.
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