In today’s interview, we’re joined by Mpho, the Business Development Manager at Just Grace, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting the community of Langa through education, skills training, and social work initiatives. With a background in business development, project management, and fundraising, Mpho plays a pivotal role in driving the organization's sustainable growth and ensuring its financial stability.
Just Grace, established in 2012, is deeply committed to empowering communities by providing access to education, creating economic opportunities, and addressing social challenges. The nonprofit’s approach is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on quality education, decent work, and economic growth. At the heart of their work lies a holistic strategy that emphasizes technical skills, soft skills, and psychosocial support.
Mpho’s Role at Just Grace
As the Business Development Manager, Mpho’s role revolves around ensuring that Just Grace has the necessary financial resources to sustain and grow its programs. “I handle the fundraising for the organization, and also manage the social enterprises that we run,” she explains. These enterprises include a coffee line roasted and packaged by the community, as well as sewing items that are sold to support the nonprofit's work.
Mpho works closely with a team of fundraising coordinators and interns to secure funding through various channels, from writing proposals to attending networking events. But beyond just raising funds, she is also involved in ensuring that Just Grace’s social enterprises remain financially sustainable, which is key to supporting their long-term mission.
Building Strong Foundations: How Just Grace Works with the Community
Just Grace’s impact is rooted in the Langa community, and the organization’s success is largely due to the strong relationships they’ve built with local leaders and residents. “All the work that we do is in collaboration with the community,” Mpho explains. “We are so entrenched in Langa that when a need arises, we’re able to respond quickly.”
The organization’s programs, such as the Learner Engagement Program (which aims to prevent school dropouts) and the Youth Activation Program (focused on skills development for unemployed youth), are developed in response to the real challenges faced by the community. These programs are a direct result of feedback from community members, ensuring that Just Grace's initiatives are relevant and impactful.
Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
At the core of Just Grace’s work is a focus on education, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. What sets Just Grace apart is its holistic approach to education—providing not just academic support but also life skills and psychosocial assistance to help participants thrive in all aspects of life.
When Just Grace first started in 2012, the focus was on after-school support, helping learners access education. Over time, the organization recognized the need for more than just academic assistance. Today, Just Grace offers a comprehensive development program that includes coding, book clubs, and personal development, alongside the academic support. “It’s not just about having tutors,” Mpho says. “We offer a holistic development program for every learner.”
Success Stories: Transforming Lives Through Skills Development
One of Mpho’s favorite success stories is that of a participant who completed the Barista Training program. This individual learned how to be a barista, gained professional and personal development skills, and even received computer training. After completing the program, this participant went on to open a coffee shop in Langa—a move that has not only created employment for others but has also helped boost the local economy.
This story is a perfect example of how Just Grace’s skills development programs have a ripple effect. “Investing in this one individual was able to have a broader impact on the community,” Mpho says. “He was able to hire other people from the community, and tourists now visit the coffee shop.”
Fundraising for Social Impact: Challenges and Opportunities
As a nonprofit, fundraising is a critical part of Mpho’s work. She and her team rely on a variety of strategies to fund their programs, from attending networking events to writing countless proposals. However, fundraising isn’t always easy—Mpho acknowledges that not every proposal is accepted. “You might send 100 proposals and only have 10 approved,” she says. “But we keep pushing forward and work hard to represent the organization well.”
Just Grace also benefits from the support of individual donors. “Even the smallest contributions can make a big difference,” Mpho explains. “Every cent matters.”
Measuring Success: Impact Beyond Numbers
For Mpho and Just Grace, success is not just about numbers. It’s about the
lives they touch and the
impact they make. Success is measured in the tangible transformations of individuals in the community—whether it’s a young person who gains employment after years of unemployment, a learner who graduates from university, or someone who escapes an abusive situation and starts a new life.
“We measure success by how people’s lives are bettered,” Mpho says. “It’s about the young person who gets employed, the woman who leaves an abusive relationship, or the man who starts a business.”
A Diverse Funding Strategy for Long-Term Sustainability
One of the reasons Just Grace is able to continue its work, despite the challenges posed by funding cuts (like those from the USA), is its diverse funding strategy. “We’re fortunate that we’re not solely reliant on one source of funding,” Mpho explains. “Our funders range from corporations to individuals, foundations, and even governments. This diversity gives us the flexibility to adapt if one source of funding is reduced.”
While funding remains a constant challenge, Mpho is optimistic about Just Grace’s future. “We’re coping, and we continue to build strong relationships with all our supporters,” she says.
Mpho’s message is clear: Just Grace’s success is driven by the community, the people it serves, and the partnerships it builds. If you’re looking to make a real impact in the lives of people in Langa, Just Grace offers many opportunities for involvement and support. Whether you’re donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every bit helps in creating lasting change.