Invitation to participate in the 1st East Africa Grantmakers Conference - June 29th and 30th 2010 at the Redcourt Hotel, Nairobi

EAAG acknowledges that for philanthropy to grow and be vibrant in the region, all stakeholders must begin to speak to each other and reflect on the role that each one of them will play in making this noble vision a reality. This is the first time that a philanthropy conference is being held in East Africa - Africa has actually never hosted a conference of this nature in the past. We need to begin to speak to each other and take collective action to help us take philanthropy to the next level of growth.

This conference will be held at the Redcourt hotel, in Nairobi, which is owned by the Kenya Red Cross and all the proceeds of the hotel go to support the philanthropic initiatives of the Red Cross. By attending this conference, you too will be contributing to philanthropy.

A Snap shot of the Conference

About the Master- Class (ICTs and Fundraising)

The world has become a global village, thanks to the developments in ICT. Fundraising for the Not for profits is becoming a rocky affair as the Not for profit sector continues to grow. How can the Not for Profit sector make use of the opportunities that the ICT growth and development presents? What will it take for your organization to present itself as uniquely placed to take advantage of the developments in ICT in your fundraising efforts? To delve into these issues, Allan Pressel and Katharine Coles, both from the USA will in this powerful and unique master class equip participants with vital techniques including; Developing an E-Strategy for East African Nonprofits, 35 Ways to Maximize Fundraising through Your Website and 7 Keys to Powerfully Building Your Brand.

What is there for the corporate sector?

Corporate Social Responsibility continues to grow in its scope and approach in the private sector in East Africa. New approaches such as Impact Investing and/or Social Investing are gaining prominence in other parts of the world. The establishment of Corporate Foundations is a practice that some private sector companies have em-braced positively. This conference will provide a platform and opportunity for the corporate sector in East Af-rica to bring their experiences to bear on the subject of Corporate Foundation building. Colleagues in the sec-tor who have traveled this path will share their experiences. The Rockefeller Foundation which is supporting the development of Impact investing will guide participants in reflecting on these new approaches.

Other areas of focus

What will it take for philanthropy to develop and grow to the next level in East Africa? What is the role of the different players in promoting philanthropy in the region? Where do we want philanthropy to go in East Africa? What is it that has inspired key philanthropists to contribute to the development of our region? Can we borrow a leaf from them? A number of speakers will help us reflect on these key issues. In addition, a motivational speaker and a practicing philanthropist will be on hand to inspire you into thinking and reflecting on your own giving.

Reflections on African Philanthropy

Have you ever stopped for a moment to reflect on just how our African culture is rich when it comes to giving? Has it ever occurred to you that indeed giving is deep rooted in our very African nature? That giving is part of our own social organization? Is it possible to reflect, appreciate, acknowledge and celebrate our forms of giving? Even as we celebrate our forms of giving in East Africa, we will need to ask, how we can build on these forms of giving to support our development agenda in the region.

To help us reflect on these pertinent issues, Susan Wilkinson- Maposa of South Africa is our guest speaker. Susan is a renowned author on African Philanthropy, she has published severally on this topic. One of her key publications is “The poor Philanthropist: New Approaches to sustainable development. She has also authored; “The Poor Philanthropist: how and why the poor help each other” among other key publications. Susan is the Program Director of the Community Grantmaking and Social Investment Program at the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Susan’s career spans over 20 years in Africa and Asia.