SA businesses, individuals can support NPOs through Gap Fund

The work of the NPO beneficiaries ranges from care for the frail and elderly, orphaned and vulnerable children; immediate food and shelter relief for the homeless; to the provision of counselling and telephonic medical advice.

“Our social development sector is truly playing an integral part in holding our social fabric together, doing all it can to prevent people from falling through the cracks. The Gap Fund is helping to support our struggling NPOs during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond,” says Keri-Leigh Paschal, executive trustee of social impact NGO Nation Builder, another Mergon initiative.

Difficulty accessing funding

“While many people think that NPOs are being supported through the crisis, it is difficult for NPOs to access funding for relief efforts and almost impossible for them to access funds for their own sustainability.

“The Gap Fund is the best place to invest in changing the lives of those who need it the most. Mergon has a 15-year track record in supporting South Africa’s social impact NPOs and channelling funds directly to where they are needed most. We can distribute money to NPOs very quickly. But we need both individuals and businesses to join us by contributing to the Gap Fund, and in doing so, investing in the future of our country,” said Paschal.

Funds can be donated through the Back-a-Buddy campaign or via the Gap Fund page.

To add to the momentum, 100% of ticket sales for this year’s sixth annual In Good Company Conference will be donated to the Gap Fund. The conference, themed ‘Be the regeneration’, will be hosted virtually this year, bringing together business leaders, social innovation experts and impact investment thinkers to look for creative solutions to the country’s current crisis.