ABOUT US

We are a not-for-profit decentralized network of international development experts that strengthens the capacity of under-represented Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Trade Unions, Faith-based institutions, and Government-owned NGOs. We provide technical assistance to mission-driven CSOs in accessing grants while also helping them create sustainable structures for their CSOs.

Who are we?

CSOPrep is a leading decentralized network of international development experts committed to fostering positive change worldwide.

Our Mission

To strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Trade Unions, Faith-based institutions, and Government-owned NGOs, empowering them to create a sustainable impact in their communities.

With our extensive network of experienced professionals, we provide comprehensive technical assistance, enabling organizations to access grants, build resilient structures, and maximize their potential for long-term success.

In the past five years, in partnership with:

British Council Active Citizen Driven Transformation Program
German Development Cooperation SEDIN
Nigerian Network of NGOs
Sterling One Foundation

We have worked with more than 100 CSOs, including networks, movements, and social impact organizations.

What We Believe?

Civil society has grown in size and importance around the world. A vibrant civil society can ensure that millions of vulnerable people have a voice and that they play a central role in the struggle to further political, social, economic, and constitutional rights.

Civil society can identify and raise issues around which collective problem-solving needs to take place. Civil society organizations (CSOs) also play an essential role in contexts of state service reduction or lack of services, particularly in countries of protracted crisis.

As such, in under-represented communities and marginalized communities where CSOPrep is working, the civil society often has limited space and capacities to operate. Civil society organizations are small and informal, with limited means and ability to effectively advocate beyond their immediate local communities.

Therefore, we seek to reinforce CSOs institutional capacity and provide them with sustainable resources to ensure their effectiveness.

We believe there are limitations to ‘technical assistance’ and training (Clarke and Oswald, 2010; James, 2010). Our 5-year experience of leading training with CSOs affirms this notion. Thus, we focus on alternative ways to support capacity development, such as mutual learning, supporting spaces for dialogue, supporting alliances and networks, and organisational learning (including peer learning, coaching, and action-learning).

Consequently, based on the context, CSOPrep:

Strengthens the institutional capacity of civil society organizations to undertake ‘praxis,’ a cycle of reflection and action that results in learning.
Promotes collaboration among civil society organizations at local, national, regional, and global levels, we support and encourage the formation of civil society consortium and networks.
Enhances communication and advocacy capacities of civil society organizations towards the defense and protection of vulnerable groups’ interests, related to key social and economic issues of importance to them.
Supports civil society to deliver quality services in the absence of state actors, for example in contexts of conflict or fragile states.

CSOPrep’s Guiding Principle for Capacity Strengthening:

1

Build respectful relationships that recognize each partner’s goals, values, capabilities, and constraints.
2

Take a systemic view that engages all parts of an organization and its external linkages.
3

Focus on evidence-based and best practices to improve quality.
4

Honor consultation, buy-in, and collective decision-making among stakeholders.

Our Target CSOs:

Adolescent Girls and Young Women
People Living With Disabilities
Government Transparency and Accountability
Orphans and Vulnerable Children
Promoting African Culture and Values
Creating alternative social movements

Board of experts

Our Board Members

Ibrahim Babagana

Temitope Adeniji-Adele

Oludotun A. Babayemi

Our team

We specialize in providing expert support to you.

Whether you’re a Civil Society Organization (CSO), Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), or a community-based group, our team is dedicated to helping you succeed.

Noelle Uloko

Khadija Yahaya Muhammad

Princess Odey

Rachael Okoronkwo

Victoria Olumese

You’ve got Questions?

We’ve got answers;

Feel free to contact us directly;

our team will gladly assist you.

What services does CSOPrep provide?webmaster2023-08-09T00:51:15+00:00

What services does CSOPrep provide?

We provide comprehensive technical assistance to mission-driven CSOs, helping them access grants and establish sustainable structures for their organizations. Our services include capacity building, grant proposal development, project management support, and strategic planning.

Can the CSOPrep help with long-term sustainability for CSOs?webmaster2023-08-09T00:55:32+00:00

Can the CSOPrep help with long-term sustainability for CSOs?

Absolutely! We understand the importance of creating sustainable structures for CSOs. Our team works closely with organizations to develop strategies for financial sustainability, governance and leadership, and programmatic impact to ensure their long-term viability.

How does CSOPrep support CSOs in accessing grants?webmaster2023-08-09T00:53:47+00:00

How does CSOPrep support CSOs in accessing grants?

Our network of experts assists CSOs in navigating the grant application process. We provide guidance on identifying suitable funding opportunities, developing compelling grant proposals, and strengthening organizational capacity to meet funders’ requirements.

Are there any costs associated with the services CSOPrep provides?webmaster2023-08-09T01:01:10+00:00

Are there any costs associated with the services CSOPrep provides?

We offer various services, some of which may have associated costs. However, we also provide free resources, webinars, and occasional pro bono support to eligible organizations. Our team works closely with each organization to determine the most suitable and cost-effective solutions.

Can the CSOPrep assist in specific thematic areas or sectors?webmaster2023-08-09T01:02:00+00:00

Can the CSOPrep assist in specific thematic areas or sectors?

Yes, we have experts with diverse backgrounds and specializations across various thematic areas and sectors. Whether it’s education, healthcare, environment, gender equality, or any other field, we can provide tailored support and guidance based on the organization’s specific needs.

Are the services provided by CSOPrep available globally?webmaster2023-08-09T00:57:45+00:00

Are the services provided by CSOPrep available globally?

Yes, our network operates globally. We work with organizations across different regions, countries, and sectors, providing our expertise and support to strengthen their impact and drive positive change in their communities.

Real-life results

We Generate Results for Our Customers

“We initially thought our organization’s problem was to be able to receive grants from donors. But we were wrong. CSOPrep made us understand that we need to focus on the outlook of our NGO, which includes our governance system. They helped us rethink, co-creating a suitable governance structure with us – which made us land a US$100,000 grant.”

CITIZENS PARLIAMENT PROGRAMMES MANAGER

We have been trying to secure grant for our project for 5 years, but, all our efforts seem not working until we met the CSOPrep team. They were very professional. From conducting our organization assessment, to helping us to land our first GBP15,000 grant. They even went to the extent of helping us manage the grant. We are delighted to have worked with them.

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