5 Lessons From Our Work With SSTF
As our work under the Social Sector Transformation Fund (SSTF) draws to a close, here are some lessons we’ve learned from the projects we’ve been able to support.
1. Capability building reduces risk
Building social services and health sector organisations’ capability has reduced government’s risk when funding them as delivery partners in community.
2. Theory of change is a must-have
Building an organisation’s theory of change as a ‘strategy on a page’ is foundational. It is a powerful framework that guides organisations to unlock better performance, funding and culture. It has also proven to help identify practical tools and approaches for aggregating programs and measuring outcomes.
3. Governance needs work
Governance is an area of weakness for many organisations. Many organisations have good people with good intentions but struggle to establish and implement good governance. While governance is critical, organisations must not trade-off the skills and the culture of their organisation.
4. Getting data right
It’s incredibly important to collect the data that matters from the outset – high performing organisations use data to inform their operational and strategic decisions. But organisations can’t rush into drawing conclusions from their available data, otherwise they risk making poor strategic decisions. It takes time before data can tell the story.
5. Funding is a spectrum
Embedding commercial acumen to explore diversified revenues is critical before we can consider funding. As part of the funding conversation, we continue to acknowledge the strength of blended finance – capital structures that are composed of grants, philanthropy and fee for service work are proving to be beneficial to organisations.
The benefits of investing in capability in the for-purpose sector are manifold. Evidence-based models that future-proof social service delivery help organisations:
decrease reliance on government funding
make effective decisions and prioritise operating and strategic decisions
collect relevant and robust data
improve crisis resilience, and the wellbeing of frontline workforce.
“We will use the work done with Sefa in various settings: from presentations, strengthening our position with current and future funding bodies and stakeholders. We also have a view to build on fundraising as to not solely rely on Government funding. It also helps having Humanity Matters staff understand the work we do” - Selim Brouwers, CEO Humanity Matters
Shining the light on SSTF and beyond, NCOSS’s upcoming conference ‘Vision, Voice, Value’ hopes to chart a new course for the social service sector. If you’re interested in hearing more about building capability for small to medium-sized NGOs in the for-purpose sector, please register for the conference here.