Groundbreaking Accelerator Program for Dominican NGOs
Five grassroots organizations from the local area have commenced a six-month journey as participants in the inaugural NGO Accelerator Program. This innovative program, administered by the consultancy Island Impact Ltd, aims to improve the sustainability, impact, and capacity of participating NGOs by providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and support.
“The objective is to establish the civil society sector in Dominica, enabling grassroots organizations to improve their communities in a more sustainable, systematic, and research-driven manner,” stated Sonja Wiencke, the founder of Island Impact. “Numerous individuals passionate about community organizations dedicate their time and energy to this endeavour.” Island Impact aims to provide them with the appropriate tools, knowledge, and processes to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.
The program commenced with a ‘Kick-Off Session’ at Alliance Francaise in Roseau on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. For six months, participants will acquire knowledge, skills, and instruments through online sessions. The NGO Accelerator provides a variety of comprehensive workshops that cover critical topics, including team management, fundraising strategy, activity design, and fundamental monitoring and evaluation. It also promotes a collaborative environment by exchanging best practices, resources, and experiences among NGOs. Furthermore, there is a significant emphasis on the development of sustainable models and strategies to guarantee long-term success and resilience.
“We do not conduct training sessions that require participants to attend presentations and subsequently disregard them.” “We work in close collaboration with the participants, assisting them in immediately applying the knowledge they have acquired,” stated Christianna Paul, the Evaluation and Partnerships Manager at Island Impact. The program will conclude in early 2025 with a networking event, during which the participants of this year will present their work to potential funders and collaborators.
The inaugural cohort of the NGO Accelerator Program includes 28 participants, including the Breadfruit House Dominica Foundation, You R Queen, East Dominica Children’s Federation, Waitukubuli Artist Association, and WildDominique.
Participants are enthusiastic about acquiring insights from each other’s experiences and are keen to learn new methods for managing their NGOs. They are enthusiastic about the prospect of commencing this program, as they believe it will provide them with the necessary tools to establish, maintain, and cultivate enduring partnerships with other NGOs and benefactors. Yvonne Armour, WildDominique Director and a cohort member, expressed her gratitude for the time, effort, and thought that have been invested in the organization of this NGO Accelerator workshop. She is eager to engage with, support, and learn from all of you as they embark on this transformative journey.
Island Impact Ltd. is a Dominican agency that assists non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the more sustainable, systematic, and effective resolution of social and environmental issues. The two-woman team, which has been in operation since 2021, has collaborated with more than 14 client organizations. They are eager to enhance and expand their influence through the NGO Accelerator program.