How We Are Funded?
Overview:
TOP Banana started as an idea from which a strategy was formed. From the outset, we knew that funding would be challenging and took it upon ourselves to raise our own funds by holding raffles, casino nights, charity rugby matches etc whilst numerous individuals raised funds on our behalf through, for example running triathlons. We sourced donations of clothes, toys and similar items that we took from the UK to Botswana in Shipping Containers.
Once in Botswana, we approached local businesses that donated materials, services and gave technical advice to facilitate our growth. We made countless funding applications and have reached the end of Phase 2 of our strategy. This sees the end of our infrastructure investment and is a time for us to focus on the four elements of the project and maximise the impact that they have. Phase 3 will be decided by the local community and TOP Banana management over the next 12 – 36 months. In essence, the community must decide what is right for them and decisions must be led from the "bottom-up" rather than from the "top-down".
We are exceptionally grateful for all the support we have received and hope that on behalf of the people who have directly benefitted, we have been gracious in displaying our sincere gratitude.
Our focus now is on sourcing funds to cover running costs and ensure sustainability. We have a Gala Dinner each October in Leicester with CVS (http://www.cvscharity.co.uk) and have events like the Trans Africa Challenge (http://www.transafricachallenge.com) that really add significant value and increase our propensity to positively impact the lives of people in need.
We have a separate campaign of "3000 people helping 3000 people" and hope that what we are doing is sufficiently inspiring for you contribute. We believe that asking for £1 per month is affordable and insignificant to a lot of people. We know that it is very significant to the people of Tshesebe. As their voice, we offer many thanks in advance.