Top global development foundations in South Africa: A primer

The focus of development foundations in South Africa has traditionally been on domestic issues. But as the country takes a more active role in global development, some of its foundations are looking to branch out as well. Here’s a list of the country’s most noteworthy foundations engaged in relief and development missions. For vacancies with these and other organizations, check out the Devex jobs board, the most comprehensive online database of its kind. For grants and other business opportunities, check our projects & tenders database. Brenthurst Foundation The Brenthurst Foundation focuses on three areas: encouraging key decision-makers and experts to share experiences and insights at private meetings and seminars; delivering relevant, practical policy advice to governments; and generating new thinking and thought leadership to address Africa’s development challenges. It works with both African and non-African organizations. Field Band Foundation An arts program targeting children and youth through field bands that stage music and dance performances. Other interventions include life-skills programs, bursaries and employment opportunities, and support for children and youth in distress. The foundation’s funders include de Beers, the PG Group, Investec, the Department of Arts and Culture, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung – South Africa This German foundation, established in 1925, shares a long history with the African National Congress and the Congress of South African Trade Unions even before opening its first official office in Cape Town in 1991. Now based in Johannesburg, FES focuses on politics, governance and society; economic, social and environmental policy; and international relations and foreign policy. Nelson Mandela Foundation The Nelson Mandela Foundation, headquartered in Johannesburg, funds research and programs on HIV and AIDS, education, social cohesion, and youth and children’s issues. Its partner organizations are the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Nelson Mandela Institute, and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. The foundation collaborates with the University of Toronto on an internship program for master’s students. Open Society Foundation of South Africa This grant-maker’s objectives are to promote democracy, a strong civil society, and respect for minorities. The Cape Town-based foundation funds nongovernmental organizations in the areas of crime, human rights and governance, and media. It is part of a global network of other institutions established by George Soros; one of the sister organizations is the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, which has operations in 10 southern African countries including South Africa. Peace Parks Foundation PPF helps establish transfrontier conservation areas and develops human resources in an effort to further sustainable economic development, the conservation of biodiversity, and regional peace and stability. PPF has implemented more than 150 projects since its creation in 1997 following a recommendation by WWF South Africa and with an initial grant by the Rupert Nature Foundation. Praekelt Foundation The foundation, established in 2007, develops cellphone-based technologies and solutions to address social issues. Specific tools that have been developed include Young Africa Live (a mobile portal for young people to discuss issues such as relationships, HIV and AIDS, and gender issues), Project Masiluleke (a text message system to enhance the effectiveness of HIV and AIDS treatment), and Yoza Cellphone Stories (to promote teen reading and writing). The foundation is based in Johannesburg, but its initiatives have been rolled out to 14 other African countries. Shuttleworth Foundation A social philanthropy venture that leverages funding into primarily education projects using modern technologies running on open-source platforms. Innovators are awarded fellowships that allow them to focus on refining their ideas while also receiving, legal, financial and administrative support. Small Enterprise Foundation – South Africa Founded in 1992, this microfinance institution now focuses on microcredit and helping the poor accumulate savings. Fadzai Munyaradzi contributed reporting. Did we forget any major development organizations in South Africa? Please let us know by leaving a comment below! And check out South Africa’s top development NGOs as well as top development consultancies and companies.