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Yen Somu Bi Initiative Bridges Business and Philanthropy Gap at Ghana Philanthropy Conference 2024

Philanthropy Conference

Local philanthropy is already thriving in Ghana, as evidenced by the findings of the 2022 Global Philanthropy Environment Index, which highlights increasing recognition of local philanthropic organizations as essential partners in Ghana’s development. However, these philanthropic activities are often carried out in silos by corporate bodies, individual donors, and nonprofits. This sometimes results in redundancy and, in some cases, a top-down approach to community development, leading to ‘white-elephant’ projects, box-checking outputs, and underserved beneficiaries.

In response to this, Penplusbytes in partnership with the Star-Ghana Foundation under its Yen Somu Bi project, is convening nonprofit organizations (NGOs) and the private sector at the Ghana Philanthropy Conference 2024 for a discussion themed “Empowering Change: Bridging Philanthropy and Business for Local Impact.”

The Yen Somu Bi private sector panel session is scheduled for Thursday, 31st October 2024, on the second day of the Ghana Philanthropy Conference, aiming to foster collaboration between NGOs, civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and private sector actors, including corporate foundations and individual philanthropists.

Discussing the format of the session, Mr. Peter Adivor, Team Lead of the Yen Somu Bi project, stated, “The private sector session will take the form of a panel discussion, allowing private sector attendees to share their corporate social responsibility priorities, successes, and potential collaboration avenues with like-minded NGOs. Our ultimate aim is to bring the private sector and NGOs together to network and pool resources toward comprehensive community development.”

“Yen Somu Bi” (which translates as “let’s lend a helping hand”) is a project implemented by Penplusbytes with funding from the STAR-Ghana Foundation under the Giving for Change (GFC) programme. The project, in its 4th year of implementation seeks to highlight domestic philanthropic giving through its innovative platform (www.yensomubi.org), which is linked to research, fundraising, and advocacy.

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About Penplusbytes

Penplusbytes is a not-for-profit organization driving change through innovations in the following key areas: technology and good governance, climate and well-being, new media and innovation, and the extractive sectors.

About STAR Ghana Foundation

STAR Ghana Foundation is a national centre for active citizenship and philanthropy. The Foundation works towards the development of a vibrant, well-informed and assertive civil society able to contribute to transformational national development and inclusive access to high quality, accountable public services for all Ghanaian citizens.