Programmes
Our programmes represent the heart of what SAPF stands for — building on what we have learned and
doing it better.
They are not brand-new ideas, but an evolution of what has already been working. Along the way, we have
gained valuable insights, deepened our understanding, and stayed curious.
Learning is never static, and neither are we. As the world shifts, we adapt but we always stay true to our
mission: to grow a culture of giving and to champion the critical work of nonprofits.
Our two flagship programmes have been at the core of SAPF for years. We have seen their impact firsthand,
and we are committed to making them even stronger.
Give as You Earn — Payroll Giving
Our Payroll Giving programme has connected everyday working South Africans to causes they care about.
Through Give as You Earn, employees can donate straight from their pre-tax salary to a nonprofit of their
choice. With employer matching, those contributions can stretch even further.
How it works:
• Employees: choose the nonprofit they want to support.
• Donations: are deducted from salaries before tax is calculated, making giving effortless and tax
efficient.
• Employers: may match their employees’ donations, increasing the impact.
Why it works:
• For Employees: It’s an easy way to make a real difference. Even small, regular donations add up.
• For Nonprofits: It offers steady, reliable funding crucial for both everyday operations and urgent
needs.
• For Employers: It helps build a workplace culture that values community, care, and social responsibility.
Beyond the Database : A Nonprofit Builder
Beyond the Database: A Nonprofit Builder programme recognises this reality and focuses on strengthening
how nonprofits operate and thrive in Southern Africa.
This initiative is aligned with the Department of Social Development’s strategy for nonprofit resilience and
sustainability. It draws on a proven approach called the Three-Stream Model, adapted from sectors like
Health and Oil & Gas, where efficiency and long-term sustainability are critical.
How it works
• Upstream: Laying strong foundations, better governance, leadership, and long-term strategy.
• Midstream: Sharpening daily operations—improving financial sustainability, embracing technology, and developing teams.
• Downstream: Maximizing community impact—improving service delivery and reaching those who need support most.
A key part of this work is a principle called Gemba, which simply means going to where the work happens and seeing challenges firsthand and understanding them directly from the ground up.
Why it works:
• Upstream Outcome: Stronger governance and leadership set nonprofits up for the long haul.
• Midstream Outcome: Smarter operations and better use of resources help nonprofits do more with what they have.
• Downstream Outcome: More meaningful, measurable impact in the communities they serve.
In every programme we administer, the underlying principle is our belief in the importance of consistent and thoughtful support for both the individuals conducting the work and the communities they serve.
Give as You Earn integrates giving into daily life, while Beyond the Database ensures that nonprofits are well equipped to perform their duties effectively over the long term.
As we continue this journey, we invite you to join us, to observe what is effective, strengthen key elements, and contribute to shaping future initiatives.