On 11–12 December 2025, members of the Global Alliance for Communities gathered at the SHOFCO Siaya Community Resource Centre for two days of focused capacity building. In total, 72 representatives from community-based organisations took part in practical training designed to strengthen governance systems, organisational policies, resource mobilisation, and digital literacy.

The sessions were designed to support grassroots organizations to operate with greater accountability, sustainability, and confidence, while responding to the practical realities CBOs face in mobilizing resources and managing their work effectively.

Key learnings

The first day focused on governance, leadership, organizational policies, and the foundations of resource mobilization. Through interactive presentations, group discussions, case studies, and role play, participants explored what good governance looks like in practice, including transparency, accountability, participation, and integrity.

Discussions clarified the roles and responsibilities of board members and management, and how clear leadership structures and decision-making processes strengthen organizational effectiveness. Participants examined legal and regulatory compliance for CBOs and reflected on how weak governance can undermine credibility and funding opportunities.

Organizational policies were a major focus. Participants worked through the importance of having clear and enforced policies on financial management, human resources, procurement, safeguarding, and codes of conduct. Attention was given to documentation, record keeping, and policy review as essential tools for accountability and donor confidence.

The day also introduced core concepts of resource mobilization, highlighting different funding pathways including grants, partnerships, and community or member contributions. Participants began connecting governance and policy strength directly to their ability to mobilize resources sustainably.

The second day shifted attention to resource mobilization in a digital context, with a specific focus on digital literacy. Participants explored how digital tools can support fundraising, donor communication, reporting, and organizational visibility.

Sessions covered basic internet skills, professional email communication, and digital etiquette, before moving into online fundraising approaches such as donor platforms, crowdfunding, and social fundraising. Social media was examined as a tool for visibility and trust-building, with practical guidance on content creation, storytelling, and engaging supporters.

Participants also worked through digital approaches to reporting and accountability, including simple data management, basic spreadsheets, cloud storage, and sharing impact updates with donors online.

Across the day, members reported growing confidence in using digital tools and a clearer understanding of how digital literacy strengthens resource mobilization efforts.

Looking ahead

The workshop closed with shared reflections on challenges such as varied digital skill levels, limited time for practice, and financial constraints in accessing tools. At the same time, participants highlighted strong lessons learned: hands-on learning works best, governance and policies are foundational, and ongoing support is essential for sustained change.

Looking ahead, members called for continued mentorship, follow-up clinics on proposal development and donor compliance, support to strengthen and review organisational policies, and access to affordable digital tools and connectivity. There was also strong interest in peer learning and collaboration across organisations.

By investing in governance, organizational systems, resource mobilization, and digital skills, our members in Siaya are strengthening their institutions and laying more accountable and sustainable foundations for community-led development.