NOW US AWARDS
Leadership development is at the core of the founding vision of ELF-Africa; a conviction that leadership matters, and our belief in the potential of values-based leadership to deliver social, economic, and political transformation.
ABOUT NOW US
NOW US Awards (Nothing About US, Without Us) is a project funded by VOICE aimed at bringing together rightsholder’s voices and, through an Award process, highlighting unsung efforts to take us one step closer to a responsive and inclusive society. Voice funds civil society groups that breathe and live NOW-Us! (Nothing About Us, Without Us!) in the collective journey to an inclusive world and envisions a society with empowered rights holders who can express their views and demand their rights for responsive and inclusive societies. We recognize the need to inspire, fund, promote inclusive initiatives in Kenya that promote diversity and inclusion and trigger the self-empowerment of rightsholder groups and communities. Through the gaps identified from the Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA), the capacity of organizations and Rightsholders is built through training, Mentorship, Executive Coaching and Technical Support, resulting in a sufficiently skilled workforce, strengthened structures, systems and procedures in organizations for greater impact.
Who was eligible to participate in the NOW-Us! Awards?
Grassroots organizations in Kenya advocating for inclusion, diversity, and rightsholder empowerment were eligible to participate.
What did participants gain from the NOW-Us! Awards?
Participants gained technical knowledge in governance, financial management, resource mobilization, project management, strategic communication, and human resource management. They also benefited from mentorship, networking opportunities, and media visibility to showcase their work.
How were the NOW-Us! Awards implemented?
The program was implemented through capacity assessments, residential bootcamps, virtual check-ins, and media amplification, providing continuous support to participating organizations. Key activities included training on governance, strategic planning, resource mobilization, and amplifying grassroots voices through media partnerships.
What were the main objectives of the NOW-Us! Awards?
Objectives included strengthening organizational capacity, enhancing governance and operational systems, promoting financial sustainability, and improving the visibility of grassroots organizations through media and digital platforms.
How did the NOW-Us! Awards impact participating organizations?
80% of organizations developed strategic documents such as work plans and policies. 90% of staff gained technical knowledge, and many organizations secured funding and formed partnerships. Some initiatives scaled up operations, such as Empower Her Initiative increasing sanitary pad production and NONDO training persons with disabilities in public participation.
How could one get involved in the NOW-Us! Awards?
Organizations applied through ELF-Africa’s open calls, and selected participants engaged in training, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities. Partners and stakeholders also supported the initiative through funding, mentorship, and amplifying the work of grassroots organizations.
