Insights
What is the Secret to Sustaining a Successful Philanthropy Strategy over Time?
UK CEO of Afrika Tikkun, Carole Day Sets Out Her Golden Rules for Sustaining a Charitable Enterprise
- A combination of good governance, adaptability, and the right people and partnerships helps ensure a charity remains effective
- Afrika Tikkun launched in 1994 and is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in South Africa by offering access to healthcare, education, and skills development
- Carole Day and Afrika Tikkun work to stay true to Founder Bertie Lubner and Nelson Mandela's vision through strong governance and accountability structures
Strong governance and a unified vision are the keys to success for a philanthropy strategy, according to Carole Day, UK CEO of charity Afrika Tikkun. “Governance is foundational in what we do, and the most important part of governance is clarity of purpose. What are we here for? What are our intentions? Everybody needs to be on the same page,” she told listeners on the fourth episode of Stonehage Fleming’s podcast, ‘Family Futures, Wisdom & Wealth’.
At Afrika Tikkun, explained Carole, these principles have underpinned their success since their launch in 1994 providing aid to over 107,000 children and putting over 10,000 young adults into work.
Thanks to their strong accountability structures, the charity has been able to enact meaningful change while staying true to Founder Bertie Lubner’s core vision and values. “We have a board in each country we are registered in. Our structures are clearly defined, we meet regularly, and we have trustees to help us remain accountable.”
No one framework, though, is enough to sustain a charitable enterprise across decades, said Carole. “It’s a huge combination: adaptability, good governance, the right people and good partnerships. Without these four, there is no way forward.” One such partner is Stonehage Fleming, whose team was instrumental in bringing the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to South Africa, fulfilled by Afrika Tikkun.
Discussing how outcomes are measured in philanthropy, Carole maintained that metrics for Afrika Tikkun go beyond pure numbers. “We measure quantitively and qualitatively. We can tell you how many people come through our centres, and the training they have completed, but we also pay attention to the human side.”
Afrika Tikkun’s work has a profound ripple effect in South Africa, having served over 20 million meals since its conception. “For every young person educated through us, seven others are likely to be impacted through upliftment, meals and safe spaces.”
‘Family Futures, Wisdom & Wealth’ is out now. Access episode four here to listen to host, Guy Hudson, interview Carole Day on the origin story of Afrika Tikkun, and how philanthropy helps families develop a shared purpose.