Who we are
We are an organization that focuses on the concept of Community Foundations, which are grantmaking public charities dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals within specific local geographical regions. We also facilitates citizen engagement in rural communities, encouraging the strategic use of assets so that locals can spearhead and oversee their own development.
How ICA Began
The ICA evolved from the South African Youth Leaders Network (SAYLN) into a community foundation operating in the West Coast district of the Western Cape. The SALYN, established in June 2015, was a membership-based network of youth-focused NGOs in the country. Since its reconfiguration into a Community Foundation in early 2015, ICA has been instrumental in the development of a number of sustainable development programmes in the district. ICA has an intergenerational approach to development in a rural context, having shifted focus from exclusively young people.
It has established local community development funds, is engaged in local fundraising initiatives and was successful in securing funding for humanitarian responses during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The organisation channelled both community and local government funding for this purpose. ICA has been driving local entrepreneurship, convening several events for entrepreneurs, and referring small businesses for funding to local development agencies like the National Youth Development Agency. The organisation has been engaged with and received acknowledgement from two local municipalities (Bergrivier and Cederberg Municipalities) in the district. These initiatives are geared towards community-led development where communities unlock local assets, use indigenous knowledge, exercise their leadership and demand power, and engage in processes to improve the quality of life at the local level. ICA Programmes ICA currently has two main programmes: Citizenship Engagement Programme and Community Affiliated fund programme.
Making an Impact
Established
2018
Area Served
Bergrivier Municipality
Approach
4C Framework
Focus
Community Development
"We believe the generosity of people can transform communities."
Mission
ICA mobilises and channels resources, facilitates community participation, and strengthens organisational capacity.
Vision
Communities, through their collective agency and generosity, are thriving and resilient.