Latest news with #NPOs
Japan Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Japan to create public-private network on disaster relief
The Japanese government plans to launch a disaster relief network comprising local governments, companies and nonprofit organizations so that they can collaborate smoothly in the event of a crisis. It aims to build a network that facilitates cooperation by grasping the human and material resources held by the private sector and NPOs, ahead of the creation of a government agency dedicated to disaster response in fiscal 2026. Due to the difficulty of launching such efforts, many companies do not engage in disaster relief programs despite increased interest in the field amid growing awareness of corporate social responsibility. Meanwhile, the central government is unable to harness the power of the private sector as it does not fully know what human and material resources are available. While there are organizations such as the National Council for the Promotion of Disaster Prevention, which includes officials from business and education circles, and a disaster reduction consortium including financial institutions, the government decided to create the new group to increase opportunities for gathering opinions from local communities and those involved in on-the-ground operations. Under the initiative, the central and local governments will be able to gain access to insights held by the private sector and learn about problems faced in their activities, while corporations and other organizations will be able to directly hear the needs of local governments. The central government will decide details of the group and its gatherings after clarifying the divisions of roles with existing organizations. "We also want to consider making (such groups) by regional bloc, in addition to a general body," as circumstances and problems differ by region, a government official said. In a hearing conducted by the Cabinet Secretariat on relief efforts at disaster sites, retailers and logistics companies complained that containers they supplied have not been returned and that procedures for obtaining road permits are complicated. Meanwhile, NPOs said that it is difficult to gain the trust of locals soon after they go into disaster sites. The government hopes to confirm the opinions of companies and other organizations through the envisioned group in order to lay the groundwork for supporting the private sector in providing aid and holding exchanges with local governments.
The Herald
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald
National Lotteries Commission extends application period to May 30
The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has extended the 2024/25 call for applications to May 30. The current application window, which originally opened on December 2 2024, was previously extended from the initial deadline of March 31 to May 16 and now to May 30 to ensure greater participation by civil society organisations. It said organisations that had already registered and intended to register their profiles on the NLC's Thuthuka online system were still encouraged to complete their registration and proceed with the application process. 'We humbly apologise for the challenges experienced by many applicants on the Thuthuka online system, and in keeping with our commitment to fairness, accessibility and public accountability, the NLC will continue implementing urgent support measures such as help desk sessions in provinces,' said NLC commissioner Jodi Scholtz. These support measures will include personalised continuous communication and the targeted education and awareness sessions to ensure that no deserving organisation was excluded. The NLC said it was committed to contacting all organisations already in the system to assist in resolving outstanding issues, ensuring they were given a fair opportunity to complete their applications. 'All prospective grant applicants must ensure that their board of directors are verified and fully compliant with the department of social development for NPOs and the Companies Intellectual Property Commission's database records for NPCs. 'The registered organisations with at least 50% of their directors verified may submit their applications before May 30 2025,' said Scholtz. The NLC said it was imperative that 100% directors' verification, including mandatory documents, was complete before any grant agreement could be accepted. 'No grant agreement will be signed unless all directors are fully verified.' TimesLIVE
Eyewitness News
10-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
GP Social Development fails to meet NPO funding deadlines for third consecutive year - Gauteng Care Crisis Committee
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Care Crisis Committee, which represents some NPOs (non-profit organisations) has called for full transparency on the funding process from the provincial social development department. The department failed to meet its funding deadline for a third consecutive year. ALSO READ: The committee represents 105 NPOs, some of which have not received contracts, while those who have signed contracts have not received payments. Committee chair Lisa Vetten says the department needs to open up about its processes. "The first is that we call on the department to issue a comprehensive data base of each and every organisation that has been given a contract whether or not they have been paid and when they will be paid, with this data base also stating who is not going to be funded." NPO on brink of shutting doors An Ekurhuleni-based skills training facility for the homeless and recovering substance abusers is on the verge of closing because of delayed funding from the Gauteng social development department. The facility asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, saying it has been waiting for a contract since January this year. DA shadow MEC for social development Refiloe Nt'sekhe says the facility received a recognition letter from the department but not a contract for funding. The DA has also written to the Public Protector and Auditor-General (AG) to investigate the late payments to non-profit organisations. "NPOs are now starting to struggle to pay salaries, there are training facilities that are funded by social development where people would have started training in April and those learners have forfeited training because there's no money for the fees," says Nt'sekhe. In its letters, the DA says the department failed to implement recommendations by the AG for the 2023/2024 financial year to meet deadlines for signing contracts with the NPOs. The party says its concerned that even prior to this, the AG made recommendations to the department from 2018 to 2021 about funding processes which were also not implemented. For this reason, the party says it has now also approached the Public Protector to ensure the department obliges. "I made a promise to South Africans that I'm going to fight with the department when they do not meet this objective by the end of April and indeed they have not met it," said Nt'sekhe.
Wamda
09-05-2025
- Business
- Wamda
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is now accepting submissions for 2026
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a global award that recognises impactful solutions, is now accepting applications for the 2026 cycle. Applicants in the following areas can apply: Climate Action Health Water Energy Food Global High Schools Each winner across 6 categories will be awarded $1 million. Who Can Apply? Startups, SMEs, NPOs or High Schools with real-world impact. Solutions that are innovative, scalable, and improving lives. Open to all sectors, including sustainability, clean tech, education, health, agritech and more. Deadline to Apply: 23 June 2025 Need help or guidance? Reach out to me on WhatsApp at +971548880242 Or email me at zein@ Or book a 1:1 support session and we'll walk through your application together: Let's put your impact on the global stage!
