Tulp Fundraising Services

28/04/2026

While their application processes can be demanding and their funding calls somewhat unpredictable, the National Lotteries Commission remains one of the few funders willing to support core operational costs without requiring a long-standing prior relationship.
That matters. It shows an understanding that meaningful outcomes, or, impact doesn’t happen in a vacuum — programmes are carried by people, and people need to be paid. Strong organisations also rely on systems, coordination, and continuity, all of which sit behind the scenes but are essential for delivery.
Many funders express concern about ‘donor dependency’ when it comes to covering operational costs. But this raises a fair question: what are non-profits left with if core functions remain underfunded? Project funding alone, while valuable, often assumes a level of organisational stability that hasn’t actually been resourced.

13/04/2026

I came across this image on LinkedIn by Doug Shipman and thought it was beautifully described. Most people see the impact and service of our work, but they do not always see the restricted funding and the constraints regarding decision-making. Unlike the corporate world, where capital is often flexible, NGO leaders must deliver programme and organisational results within very narrow confines. We are also governed by various laws and regulations—far more than a commercial enterprise. That said, NPOs nowadays are supposed to grow each year by =>10% (as prescribed often by their boards), so you can imagine how challenging the role of leading a non-profit is.

07/04/2026

Trialogue once again is inviting SA NGOs to contribute to our collective knowledge of the nonprofit sector by taking part in its annual survey for the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook. What's great is that participants stand a chance of winning a full-page advertisement in the handbook. As an added incentive this year, Trialogue is offering five Business in Society Conference tickets to the first five NGOs to submit their completed surveys by close of business on Friday, 24 April 2026 🙂 Nice!

07/04/2026

How inspiring are the Finnish to me – They are known for their gentle stoicism, toughness, tenacity and calmness, and these character traits are reflected in the concept of Sisu, which stands for the philosophy of that which must be done, must be done, whatever it takes. I find this deeply inspiring, as it speaks to the strength, stamina and willpower needed to persevere in the face of adversity. Shaped by decades of harsh environmental conditions and external threats (foreign invaders), the Finnish have developed a remarkable determination to overcome what might seem insurmountable.

06/03/2026

Slum Dwellers International (SDI) is a network of community-based organisations of the urban poor in countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America and is looking for an experienced grant manager in South Africa. Exciting movement this is!:

The Senior Grants Officer will oversee the financial management of SDI’s grant portfolio, including, grant budget development, grant budget tracking, controls, forecasting and compliance, as well as financial reporting on all grant agreements.

27/02/2026

For non-profits, the inclusion of for-profit executives brings valuable expertise, networks and decision-making capabilities. Yet, non-profits should not overestimate their added value and must ensure their boards are balanced, with diverse skills and perspectives that complement the organisation’s needs. Read:

The appeal to serve on the board of an NPO may be an emotional one: service and meaning. But hard questions must be answered before taking the step.

24/11/2025

Others contend that the real story is not one of collapse, but of liberation…

As global aid systems wobble and donors retreat, many observers predict hardship for African communities. But in a sharply argued response to this narrative, Dr. Moses Isooba, Executive Director of the Uganda National NGO Forum, contends that the real story is not one of collapse, but of liberation....

20/11/2025

We are facing the largest global cuts to development aid ever. New research warns about the consequences of the draconian reductions in development assistance by the US and European countries. According to the Institute for Global Health in Barcelona, the withdrawal of aid could cost millions of lives by 2030. Listen to this fragment on NPO radio 1 (Dutch) where development expert and academic Sara Kinsbergen is being interviewed

Terwijl landen als de VS, Duitsland, Frankrijk en Nederland flink snijden in ontwikkelingshulp, waarschuwt een nieuwe studie van het Global Health Institute voor de gevaren daarvan: bezuinigingen op ontwikkelingshulp kunnen tegen 2030 miljoenen levens kosten. Hoogleraar ontwikkelingshulp Sara Kinsbe...

15/11/2025

When you decide to set out to find a professional fundraising consultant to assist you in raising funds for your NGO or project, it is important to know what to look for. This person is going to be stepping into such an important role in your organisation, so you need to be able to work with them easily. Here are some tips on what to look for in a fundraising consultant: www.tulpfundraising.co.za/how-to-find-the-ideal-professional-fundraising-consultant-for-your-ngo-or-project/

11/11/2025

“In a recent conversation with a donor, I heard something striking,” says Christin Winter, Conservation Programmes & Fundraising Strategist and Programme Manager at EHRA. “One of the main reasons grant applications get denied is because they sound AI-generated — full of generic buzzwords."

I had no AI to help me write fundraising proposals, and I’m glad for it. If I had, I’d have learned only a fraction of what I did.”

Christin emphasises the importance of connection — reminding us that grantmakers are people who want to connect with people making change happen. The goal is to reach the hearts of the people — and to build lasting partnerships. 💛

"Your proposal is your voice, your story, your purpose, your needs, your passion. Don’t let it be replaced by machine-generated words", she says.