FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Tshikululu represents several trusts, funds, and other types of social investors. These are our clients, for whom we deliver defined services. Please refer to our Who we are and Capabilities pages.

Where do I find information on the different Tshikululu clients?

Each of our clients has a different funding strategy. Please visit the Our clients page to find more information about each of our clients.

If you are an organisation applying for funding, always do your research first and make sure that your funding proposal aligns with the strategies and objectives of the client you are approaching.

Where do I access applications, and who processes them?

Our Fund Management division processes all applications for social investment funding on behalf of our clients. To find out which clients are currently accepting funding applications, refer to the Applications page.

What is the application assessment process?

Phase 1 application

Applicants submit a one-page synopsis of the proposal through the online application link provided on the Applications page. Applications are open for one to two weeks, depending on the project. Rejected Phase 1 applications receive a decline letter, while approved Phase 1 applications receive a Phase 2 application link.

Phase 2 application

Approved applicants complete a full online application for detailed assessment.

Timelines

The Phase 1 application process is normally concluded within a month. The Phase 2 application process (steps one to four) of the funding cycle takes three to six months. Should you not hear from us by then, kindly contact us. Step five is project dependent.

How long does the application process take?

Tshikululu usually undertakes a two-phase application process as set out above. The Phase 1 application process usually takes about a month, after which the applicant either receives a notice of decline or a notice to continue to the second phase of the process. If you are proceeding to Phase 2, a full online application will be sent, and upon submission it normally takes three to six months until a final decision on the application is made.

Where and when does one apply for funding?

Applications are submitted electronically via our online application platform. Electronic applications are accessed using the unique link for a specific client. Please visit the Applications page to see which clients currently have open applications and to find the unique link applicable to that call for applications. Tshikululu usually announces any new calls for applications via our social media accounts as well, so please check these pages regularly.

What is the processing fee?

There is no fee payable by an applicant, either for receiving or processing a funding application, and certainly not for reviewing a funding proposal. Tshikululu will never ask an applicant to pay a fee to have their application received or reviewed.

Please report any behaviour you believe to be unethical to the Vuvuzela Hotline.

Does Tshikululu make funding decisions?

Tshikululu makes recommendations to our clients for funding, but all actual funding decisions are made by our clients. In some cases, Tshikululu puts out calls for applications related to its own funding. If this is the case, it will be clearly advertised on the Applications page.

Who qualifies for funding?

Each of our clients has different qualification criteria. Please visit the Our clients page to find more information about each of our clients.

Most of our clients that are registered as public benefit organisations (PBO) can only provide financial assistance to organisations that are themselves PBO-registered and are undertaking public benefit activities (as defined in Schedule 9 to the Income Tax Act of 1962). However, in some cases our clients may fund non-PBOs. The following activities and areas are not supported by any of our clients at present:

Political or quasi-political bodies
Religious organisations (except community outreach projects that are open to all)
Trade unions
Overseas tours and exchanges
Sporting activities, sports and recreation clubs (except for specific projects that are focused on community development)
Company promotions and membership subscriptions
Musical festivals, choir events, and video or film productions
Fundraising gala events
Advertising in educational or other supplements
Conferences, workshops, and memorial lectures (except in special circumstances where the focus of the event is directly aligned with the foundation’s work and there is a strong strategic case for support)
General or generic fundraising requests (only specific requests are considered)
Meeting the costs of collecting donations from others

How much funding can we apply for?

Each of our clients has different funding budgets and strategies. Please visit the Our clients page to find more information about our clients.

What documents need to be submitted in support of a funding application or proposal?

Broadly, there are two types of documents that are required on application: firstly, documents to verify and confirm the applicant’s credentials and, secondly, documents that verify and confirm the applicant’s financial standing. The video below elaborates in detail on the types of documents required and at which stage of the application process they are needed.

Please see the Tshikululu application process video.

For detailed requirements, see our pages on confirming bank account details and FICA documents.

How do I know that my application or funding proposal has been received?

You will receive an email confirming successful submission of the online electronic application form. The email will include all the information that you entered on the electronic application form and provide you with the unique project number allocated to your application.

Protection of personal information

Tshikululu will only collect, process, transfer, and disclose your personal information for the purpose of rendering its services (either to you or in relation to you), complying with your instructions or the instructions of your mandated or authorised official or representative, verifying your identity, detecting fraud and preventing money laundering, complying with laws and public duties, monitoring the services provided in order to accurately carry out your instruction or those of your mandated official, assisting in improving Tshikululu’s service, and in the interests of security and crime prevention and analysis in order to assess and improve Tshikululu’s business or the business of Tshikululu associated entities and the services offered, as well as for operational, audit, legal, and record-keeping purposes. In addition, Tshikululu may collect necessary information from you directly, from your appointed mandated or authorised official or representative, or from any regulator or other third parties that may hold such information.

Whom can I contact with queries about the call for applications, the application process, or the status of my application?

Please direct your queries via email to info@tshikululu.org.za. We endeavour to reply to all emails to this address within three working days. Kindly use the project number in the subject line, where applicable, and the client of interest.

You are also welcome to call our Administration team via our switchboard on 011 544 0300.

How can I track the status of my application, funding proposal, or report submission?

During the initial screening phase (that is, the Phase 1 application), call our Administration team via our switchboard on 011 544 0300.

Should your application proceed to Phase 2 of the process, it will be allocated to a social investment analyst (or in some cases a social investment specialist). You will be informed by the Administration team of your assigned contact person, whom you are welcome to contact directly at this point. Please allow five working days for a response to your email query.

How do I complete Tshikululu’s online application, or what do I do if I am having problems with the online application platform?

Please read this guide before completing your application: Guide to Tshikululu’s online application.

Still have a question? Contact us and our team will be glad to help.