Why do companies and NGOs often find it so difficult to interact in a meaningful way? “Because they don’t consider the relationship as a mutually beneficial situation but as a case of “we want their money” (NGOs)“ or “we have to finance an NGO” (corporates), said Kim Van Niekerk, at an EIBI seminar.

“For years, the two sectors have struggled to speak a common language and meet their true potential in collaboration,” she explained. NGOs should take into account which corporates need what expertise and how they can add value rather than simply ask for contributions.

By the same token, corporates should consider in which fields it makes sense for them to engage and with which NGOs. There is a lot to be done as cutting-edge partnerships are happening across the globe between businesses and NGOs but their number is limited to a few of the bravest explorers, she concluded.