As part of the Civil Society Strengthening Fund (CSSF), awarded by WASCI and STAR-Ghana Foundation, GRAY Network organized a two-day capacity-building workshop on 16–17 July 2025 at Volta Vicharles Hotel. The CSSF supports civil society organizations (CSOs) to become more resilient, responsive, and effective by strengthening financial systems, governance structures, and operational effectiveness. Founded in 2018, GRAY Network is a youth-led organization empowering women, girls, and young people across Ghana by advocating for equitable access to health, education, and economic opportunities. Despite these achievements, GRAY Network faces common challenges such as financial instability due to short-term funding cycles, weak internal systems, and limited strategic partnerships.
Resource Mobilization
Facilitated by WASCI, the workshop covered:
- Resource mobilization and partnership development
- Donor mapping and database management
- Communication for visibility and impact
- Financial sustainability and resource mobilization strategy
A total of 23 participants attended, including:
- Board members
- Staff from programs, finance, administration, and M&E
- Members
- Volunteers
- Financial Sustainability:
- Developed donor profiling and draft fundraising strategies
- Initiated institutional resource mapping
- Institutional Strengthening:
- Built capacity in communication and donor engagement
- Introduced templates for donor mapping, communication calendars, and branding
- Operational Support:
- Outlined SOPs for brand strategy, communication, and volunteer management
- Mindset Shift:
- Participants recognized human capital, success stories, and networks as organizational assetse
- Greater ownership of mission and vision across the tea
This workshop mattered because it directly responded to those gaps by equipping GRAY Network with tools to strengthen internal capacity, build credibility, and ensure sustainability.
“As volunteers, we are a great resource, and our actions shape how communities view GRAY Network.” — Fiakodjo, Volunteer
“I was surprised to learn donors often see CSOs as ‘contractors.’ Donor profiling showed me applying for grants is more strategic than just filling forms online.” — Doreen, Member
“We must all know our mission and vision to represent GRAY well. I also learned resources go beyond money—our people, stories, and networks are valuable assets.” — Annie, Executive Director
“Donor profiling was new to me. I now understand the importance of carefully studying and aligning with potential donors.” — Aishah, M&E Officer
“We don’t sell projects but our vision. Sustainability comes from diversification, and grants are often secured through trust built before calls are announced.” — Isaac, Accountant
“Our brand, visibility, and influence are key resources. Every skill, story, and network contributes to GRAY’s growth.” — Favour, Administrator
“This workshop gave me knowledge to better guide and direct GRAY’s activities.” — Charles, Board Member
The session on institutional strengthening reminded me that every role, big or small contributes to the growth of graynetwork-Bernice, member