The Gap Fund has allocated funds to more than 40 non-profit organisations (NPOs) to date. The Fund, established by The Mergon Group in March 2020, has already raised more than R6 000 000 (Six Million Rand) from various private funders and now it’s calling on South African businesses and individuals to support the country’s most vulnerable communities.
“Our social development sector is truly playing an integral part in holding our social fabric together, doing all it can to prevent people from falling through the cracks. The Gap Fund will help to support these hard-pressed NPOs during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond,” said Keri-Leigh Paschal, Executive Trustee of Nation Builder, a Mergon initiative.
The NPO beneficiaries of The Gap Fund are doing incredible work. This ranges from care for the frail and elderly, orphaned and vulnerable children; immediate food and shelter relief to the homeless and even the provision of counselling and telephonic medical advice.
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen tens of thousands of people lose their incomes and even as NPOs work tirelessly to address the current needs, the economic impact of the lockdown is increasing the number of vulnerable people in South Africa. Our NPOs, who are best equipped to help our communities, are under huge financial pressure due to the increased demand and loss in donor support at a time when people need them more than ever.
“While many people think that NPOs are being significantly supported through the crisis, it is in fact extremely difficult for NPOs to access funding for relief efforts and almost impossible for them to access funds for their own sustainability,” added Paschal.
“Mergon has a 15-year track record in supporting South Africa’s social impact NPOs and directing funds to where they are needed most. We have the ability to distribute money to NPOs very quickly. But we need both individuals and businesses to join us by contributing to The Gap Fund, and in doing so, invest in the future of our country,” stressed Paschal.
Anyone can donate funds through the Back-a-Buddy campaign, or via the Gap Fund home page.
