Overcoming challenges and thriving as a new NGO – a case for institutional capacity building

New non-governmental organisations (NGOs) face a challenging landscape, struggling to secure funding and demonstrate impact in their early stages. This creates a Catch-22 situation, hindering their ability to gain traction. This paper explores these hurdles and showcases how the Abdullah Dzinamarira Foundation (ADF), a Zimbabwean NGO, navigated these challenges through resourcefulness. The paper outlines successful strategies adopted by ADF, including diversifying funding streams, forging strategic partnerships, and leveraging volunteers. These strategies allowed ADF to maximise the impact of limited resources while laying the groundwork for future sustainability. Looking beyond individual efforts, the paper emphasises the need for a shift towards institutional capacity building for new NGOs. Investing in their potential fosters a vibrant civil society and empowers local actors to deliver culturally appropriate solutions. The authors call for a collaborative approach, urging international NGOs, funders, and stakeholders to prioritise mentorship programs, online resources, and regional training hubs to equip new NGOs with the tools they need to thrive and become architects of positive change.