Strengthening member engagement and strategic planning for 2025 and beyond

BOCONGO, the Botswana Council of Non‑Governmental Organisations, used Cycle 6 to strengthen three foundational organisational capacities: strategic direction, membership management, and resource mobilisation. In a context of declining government subventions and reduced donor interest in middle‑income countries, the platform focused on building internal systems that would enhance its legitimacy, improve member engagement, and support long‑term sustainability. The project resulted in a new strategic plan, a functional membership database, and a resource mobilisation strategy designed to diversify funding and strengthen relationships with partners.

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Project Description

 

BOCONGO entered Cycle 6 facing several structural challenges: an outdated or incomplete strategic plan, the absence of a functional membership management system, and limited internal capacity for resource mobilisation. These gaps affected the platform’s ability to coordinate its members, articulate its mission, and secure funding in a shifting donor landscape. 

 

The project addressed these challenges through three major workstreams: 

 

1. Strategy Development & Operationalisation 
BOCONGO recruited a consultant to lead the development of its 
2025–2030 Strategic Plan, a process that included member consultations, drafting, validation workshops and staff training. This was the first time in years that the platform had dedicated resources to strategic reflection, enabling staff and members to align around a shared vision, mission and longterm goals. 

 

2. Membership Composition & Digital Systems 
The platform developed a 
Member Relationship Management System, addressing longstanding issues with tracking membership status, payments, thematic areas and engagement levels. Staff were trained to use the system, and the database was integrated into BOCONGO’s website to ensure longterm accessibility and ease of use. 

 

3. Resource Mobilisation Strategy 
BOCONGO hired a consultant to design a comprehensive resource 
mobilisation plan, including donor mapping, relationship
building approaches and internal capacitybuilding. Staff and members were trained on how to operationalise the strategy, manage donor relations and prepare competitive proposals. 

 

By the end of the cycle, BOCONGO reported stronger internal coordination, clearer strategic direction, and improved systems for engaging members and partners. The project also contributed to renewed confidence among members, who had previously expressed concerns about the platform’s strategic clarity and valueadded role. 

Key Results 

  • Developed and validated the BOCONGO Strategy 2025–2030, with full staff and member participation. 

  • Created and launched a Member Relationship Management System, enabling realtime tracking of membership composition and engagement. 

  • Developed a Resource Mobilisation Strategy, including donor mapping and operational guidelines. 

  • Trained staff and members on strategic planning, database use and resource mobilisation. 

  • Improved internal coordination, with clearer roles, better planning and more structured communication with members. 

  • Strengthened organisational legitimacy, supported by improved systems and clearer strategic direction. 

 
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Learning

 

BOCONGO’s experience shows that organisational strengthening requires time, sequencing and deep member engagement. One of the main lessons was the importance of allocating sufficient time for recruitment and consultation processes—especially when developing foundational tools such as a strategic plan or membership system. 

 

The project also highlighted that memberdriven priorities create stronger ownership. The needs addressed—strategy, membership systems and resource mobilisation—were identified directly by members during the 2024 AGM, which increased trust and enthusiasm throughout the process. 

 

Finally, BOCONGO learned that strengthening internal systems is not only about tools, but also about building staff confidence, improving coordination, and creating a culture of documentation and knowledge management. 

 
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