The Change the Game Academy has provided advanced training to Media Aid for Indigenous and Pastoralist Community (MAIPAC) staff in Arusha, focusing on strategies for local resource mobilization and organizational resilience amid shrinking global donor funding.
The training was organized following MAIPAC’s strong performance in a previous local fundraising initiative coordinated by the academy in partnership with the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS).
Elias Xavier, a certified international master trainer with Change the Game Academy, said the program targets organizations that have demonstrated significant progress in capacity building.
“MAIPAC is among the organizations that have shown great progress. Our model involves continuous follow-up to strengthen organizations’ ability to mobilize resources locally,” he said.
Xavier noted that global economic and political shifts have contributed to a decline in foreign aid, particularly from major donors such as USAID.
“You’ve probably seen NGOs shut down after donor-funded programs ended. This trend is global, and civil society organizations must adapt by embracing new funding strategies,” he said.
The trainer emphasized the concept of “Self as a Tool for Local Resource Mobilization,” urging CSOs to diversify income sources and reduce reliance on foreign grants.
“There are more than 100 fundraising methods. Organizations must develop income-generating projects and ensure strong financial and fundraising policies to remain sustainable,” he added.
MAIPAC Executive Director, Mussa Juma, praised Change the Game Academy and FCS for continuous support, which has enabled the organization to implement projects on indigenous knowledge preservation and anti-FGM campaigns funded by international donors such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Cultural Survival.
“Beyond donor-funded projects, we secured local partners for clean energy and anti-violence initiatives. For instance, Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) supported the distribution of gas stoves to households near conservation areas to reduce deforestation,” Juma said.
He added that MAIPAC has also collaborated with SAVVY FM and UN Women staff to combat gender-based violence in Maasai, Hadzabe, and Datoga communities.
Looking ahead, MAIPAC is seeking partnerships to develop expertise in carbon trading to benefit marginalized communities and protect the environment.
Andrea Ngobole, the Project and Administration Officer, said the organization has strengthened its international partnerships since the initial training and will continue applying for funding for clean energy initiatives, including the distribution of improved cookstoves and the production of alternative charcoal.
The training, held at MAIPAC headquarters, involved journalists from across the country who report on indigenous communities, environmental conservation, and climate change.