What we do
CSO Classification and Intervention
The effective design of appropriate interventions for CSOs development requires targeted approach. For interventions to have maximum impact and effective CSOs assessed should be classified and categorised according to assessed needs. The CSO development framework provides a description and classification of CSO based on assessed needs as well as types and levels of interventions required for improving operations of the CSO.
This pillar forms part of the CSO Development Programme - Click here for more detail
The four levels of CSOs are defines as follows:
Level 1: These are CSOs that provide services to a local community and they do not have any network except the founder(s). They do not have any systems and processes in place, no financial sources. In some cases, they are only funded by members of the organisation or "out of pocket" and they may not have a business operational space, thus making it very difficult to comply with the NPO Act and other registration legislation for its business operations. In literature they are often referred to as community-based organisations (CBOs).
Level 2: These are CSOs that provide services at local or district level but are struggling to source required resources to be fully functional. They have very weak processes for management, financial records, plans and they lack basic infrastructure to operate. These CSOs also lack skills to manage and operate the CSOs. These are not compliant with their registration requirements and are at risk of being non-compliant if not supported.
Level 3: These are CSOs that are usually larger and may operate at district or provincial level. They have structured operational environment and have staff with average skills to deliver on their mandate and objectives. They, however, struggle to attract enough financial and human resources to remain fully functional. They have acceptable processes, procedures and management structures. They are likely to remain compliant but are threatened by dissolution because of access to resources.
Level 4: These are CSOs that are have access to a range of financial and human resources from partnerships they have created and nurtured over a period of time. They have skilled operational and management staff. They are visible and vocal, they have strategies and abilities to mobilise resources and keep the CSOs operational. They may be affiliated to national or international bodies and they are always compliant to the NPOs Act or other registrations legislation related to their operations. They are likely to raise funding from international donors and organisations.