According to the duo, their course is increasingly being recognised by NPO leaders as an essential tool they can leverage to fortify their organisations against the unpredictable nature of their operating environment.

They add that NPOs play a crucial role in bridging the ever-widening socio-economic gaps found across South Africa. 

"On the back of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic and in our current environment that is characterised by pedestrian economic growth, a soaring cost of living, climate-related disasters and relentless load-shedding, the demand for vital NPO services has never been greater," the duo says. 

NPOs are facing these same challenges in their efforts to deliver the services they do. Many are finding themselves in an increasingly precarious position and striving to make a tangible impact while also navigating South Africa's often tumultuous socio-economic landscape, Trialogue Academy and Nedbank Private Wealth add.

Add to this the fact that corporate budgets are tightening and shifting towards more selective corporate social investment (CSI) spending, and it becomes clear that it is now more pronounced than ever for NPOs to pursue strategic resilience, they say.

The NPO Resilience Course was developed following insights from the Nedbank Private Wealth Innovation Awards in 2021, which highlighted the areas where NPOs most frequently faltered in securing their resilience. 

"We saw gaps in many resilience areas, including strategic planning, financial management and operational agility," says Clara Kwizera, philanthropy specialist at Nedbank Private Wealth, "and this course is specifically designed to directly address these vulnerabilities — equipping NPOs with not just the knowledge they need but also the practical skills to enhance their resilience." 

According to the duo, the free NPO Resilience Course offers a deep dive into six key areas of resilience for NPOs, from risk management and financial stability to strong leadership and innovative and agile operations. Its structure — comprising videos, text, case studies and additional resources — offers a multifaceted learning experience with ample space for reflection and application.

The duo adds that candidates can sign up to complete the entire course or pick one or two of the modules that are most pertinent to the immediate needs of their organisation. 

Tarryn Saunders, thought leadership manager at Trialogue Academy, emphasises the many benefits of the programme but highlights one of the key outcomes as giving NPOs the ability to adopt a more proactive approach to overcoming challenges.

"What we're seeing among NPOs that complete the course is a transformation in how they think about crises. Rather than reacting to emergencies, they're pre-empting them, crafting strategies that allow them to go beyond surviving challenges and crises, and rather setting themselves up for sustainable and resilient future growth," says Saunders. 

The findings from recent research by Trialogue Academy for its 2023 Business in Society Handbook reveal that the resilience outcomes of the course could not be more timely. The research reveals a CSI sector that, while improving gradually, is still in a state of flux.

While overall CSI investment by South African companies increased from R10.9-billion in 2022 to R11.8-billion in 2023, this represents just 1% real growth (allowing for inflation). And while companies channelled most of their CSI spend into supporting NPOs, the proportion of companies doing so declined from 94% to 84% year on year. 

The research also revealed a growing need for deeper intervention and support by NPOs, particularly in the wake of the global economic crises and the impending threat of climate change.

"Against this backdrop, building resilience is of paramount importance for any NPO," Saunders says, "and it is essential not only for their survival but also to ensure they deliver optimum support of their beneficiaries in an increasingly challenging environment."

Saunders adds that the NPO Resilience Course is designed to align with these industry shifts to foster a proactive culture of resilience. The success stories of Book Dash and Feenix Trust, the winners of the Nedbank Private Wealth Innovation Award, serve as benchmarks for the levels of innovation and strategic thinking the course aims to inspire.

"Learning from those who have not just survived but thrived is a powerful component of the course," Kwizera says. 

As the course marks its first year, the enduring relevance of its curriculum is clear: The pressures on NPOs are not subsiding. The increasing financial constraints, resource scarcity and heightened demand for their services make the NPO Resilience Course by Trialogue Academy and Nedbank Private Wealth an essential learning opportunity for any NPO leader who is serious about growing the sustainable impact of their organisation, the duo conclude.

For more information, visit www.academy.trialogue.co.za. You can also follow Trialogue Academy on Facebook, X or on Instagram.