The grant making organization has launched the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation funded Community Foundations Development Project which aims at supporting 10  CBOs to be catalysts for local fundraising and community development.

Speaking on the sidelines of a two-day orientation training in Salima on Thursday, World Connect Malawi Executive Director, Frank C. Kasonga, stated that the organization will be strengthening the capacity of the CBOs to ably mobilize resources from within and beyond their communities, and then drive social initiatives depending on their community's needs.

"As World Connect Malawi, we believe communities should contribute towards their own development. Actually, we have observed that community members are always ready to support the development of their areas.

“What has been lacking over the years is trust in who would prudently manage funds for community development," Kasonga said.

The training session was also facilitated by SGS Consulting of South Africa which unpacked the concept of community philanthropy and shared success stories from other countries.

Community foundations are essential tools in promoting sustainable development by mobilizing donations from individuals, families, and businesses in specific geographic areas to support local nonprofits and community projects. This transition of CBOs into community foundations is a significant move towards increasing community giving and promoting inclusive growth in Malawi.

The initiative has elicited excitement among participating CBOs who recognize it as an opportunity to enhance their impact and reach more people in their communities.

"We are excited to be part of this project and are ready to collaborate with World Connect Malawi to establish a robust community foundation that will support our community's development initiatives.

“I am personally thrilled to be a part of an initiative that largely aims at promoting self-reliance," said Manson Soko of Ehlekweni CBO from Nzimba.

The Community Foundations Development Project aligns with Malawi's Agenda 2063, which seeks to create a self-reliant and prosperous nation.

By promoting community development and philanthropy, this project aims to promote sustainable and inclusive growth and address the numerous challenges that communities face in Malawi.