Why an NGO profile matters: how to get found by funders

Before a funder replies to your email or a partner agrees to meet, they usually look you up. What they find, or fail to find, shapes their first impression.

What people want to know

They want to know what you do, where you work, who you serve, who funds you and how to contact you. If those answers are easy to find, you save everyone time.

Write a clear description

In two or three sentences say what problem you address, how, and where. Avoid slogans. Concrete words such as the places, the sector and the people you serve are far more useful.

Show your credibility

• Registration details and year founded.
• Key programmes with locations.
• Named partners and funders, with permission.
• Contact details that work.

Keep it current

Review your profile every few months. Update programmes, contacts and any new partnerships so what people see matches what you do.

Be present where people look

List your organisation in the places funders and partners search, and keep the information consistent everywhere.

Where to go next

Search and compare organisations on the NGO Directory Africa, which lists 13,580 organisations across 54 countries.