THE NPO Business Forum of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) was recently encouraged to self-evaluate and reflect following an insightful visit from motivational speaker and founder of the Robin Hood Foundation, Cindy Norcott.

The business coach and best-selling author gave the room full of NPO and corporate social investment (CSI) representatives something to think about when posed the question: “What is that in your hand?” The event was an informative legacy-building session which explored effective strategies on how to fundraise and engage volunteers.

With the talk themed ‘Action – the antidote to despair’, Norcott challenged the attendees to take what they have and to share it, pointing to the power of networking. “Collaboration is key. We labour together. If each brings what is in their hand to the table, the labour is easier and more effective,” said Norcott.

She advised those at the DCCI offices in Stamford Hill to be very clear on their organisation’s values and to avoid “mission drift” when donors try to ignore an organisation’s parameters and to dictate how their donations are to be used. Highlighting the dignity of giving, Norcott said it is vital that trust is built, and that the organisation listens to the instincts of the people they are working with.

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Her sentiments were shared by the chairperson of the NPO Business Forum and organiser of the event, Karen Brokensha of The Domino Foundation, who encourages working together for the greater good of those in need.

“The days of NPOs competing with each other are long past,” said Brokensha. “The issues in our communities are far larger than any one group can tackle and solve on its own. Cindy has brought into sharp focus the truth that we are stronger together.”

She encouraged NPO implementers and CSI enablers to become active participators in future forums to be in on the conversations and building ways to find joint answers to the challenges in the city. With her passion for helping people develop their businesses and reach their full potential, Norcott said she valued the opportunity the forum had given her to encourage organisations devoted to addressing the needs of underserved people to build trust and not to compete with others with the same heart.

The Robin Hood Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and runs more than 120 charitable outreach projects every year around KwaZulu-Natal. To connect with the foundation, contact Norcott via email: Cindy@proappoint.co.za. Brokensha can be contacted about future NPO Business Forum events at marketing@domino.org.za.

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