Introduction
This study was conducted to better understand the work of The Community Foundation for the Western Region of Zimbabwe (CFWRZ) and Uluntu Community Foundation (UCF) and their contributions to Zimbabwe’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These two community foundations have a strong historical relationship. The CFWRZ originated from a local NGO, the Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP) in 1997. UCF subsequently evolved from CFWRZ and was formed in 2008 by a former CFWRZ employee.
The study largely employed qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with staff members at the community foundations, in-depth interviews with beneficiary communities’ representatives, focus group discussions with beneficiaries and field visits. The study found that the two community foundations address the following SDGs:
- SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
- SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
- SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
- SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
- SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
- SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
- SDG 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development