On Friday, 12 September 2025, the Flying Dodo at Bagatelle Mall in Mauritius became a hub of collaboration, dialogue, and opportunity. The NGO Connect “Strengthening NGO Capacity for CSR Project Submissions” event brought together civil society organisations, corporate representatives, and development practitioners in an afternoon designed to foster stronger partnerships between NGOs and the private sector.

With CSR funding playing an increasingly vital role in sustaining community projects in Mauritius, the event was a timely intervention to build capacity, encourage dialogue, and strengthen the relationships that ultimately shape the country’s social development landscape.

Setting the Scene

The event opened with a welcome note and a short introduction, setting the tone for an afternoon of collaboration and exchange. An overview of the NGO Working Group followed, reminding participants of the importance of a collective voice in advocating for civil society needs and in creating platforms where NGOs and businesses can meet as equal partners.

Feedback on the Guide for NGO Volunteering was then shared. This guide has become a cornerstone resource for many local organisations, helping them recruit, train, and manage volunteers more effectively. Hearing the reflections of NGOs who have used the guide underscored its value and highlighted areas for continued improvement.

An Interactive Session on CSR

The first substantive discussion of the day was the interactive session on CSR, which brought together perspectives from both sides of the table. NGOs reflected on their challenges in drafting proposals, navigating corporate requirements, and aligning projects with company strategies. Businesses, in turn, provided insights into what they look for when considering partnerships, and how NGOs can strengthen their submissions.

This session was highly valued by participants, who appreciated the practical tips and transparent dialogue. It provided NGOs with a clearer understanding of how to present themselves and their projects in a way that resonates with potential corporate partners.

The “Speed Dating” Experience

Perhaps the most anticipated part of the event was the “Speed Dating” session, where NGOs and companies met face-to-face in short, structured rounds of discussion. Each NGO came prepared with three key questions to ask companies, and the corporates also brought their own.

Sample questions included:

• What are your company’s main focus areas for CSR?
• What do you look for in selecting an NGO partner?
• Beyond funding, how can your company support NGOs through skills, networks, and volunteers?

In return, businesses sought to understand the realities NGOs face, including sustainability challenges, accountability mechanisms, and community expectations.

The format was fast-paced and engaging, allowing participants to connect with multiple organisations in a short time. For many NGOs, it was a rare opportunity to speak directly with corporate representatives in an informal yet structured setting. Likewise, companies were able to discover new NGOs and gain a broader view of the sector’s diversity.

Debriefing and Reflections

After the lively exchanges, participants reconvened to share key takeaways from their conversations. This debriefing session was crucial: it transformed individual discussions into collective insights.

Some recurring themes emerged:

• The need for better alignment between NGO proposals and company CSR strategies.
• The importance of NGOs showcasing not only community needs but also their own strengths, track records, and accountability systems.
• The recognition that partnerships should not be limited to funding; businesses can also offer valuable support through mentoring, volunteer programmes, and access to networks.

The deliberations highlighted that successful CSR partnerships depend on mutual understanding, transparency, and the willingness to explore innovative forms of collaboration.

Closing and Networking

The event concluded with closing remarks and a call to action for both NGOs and companies: to continue these conversations, to build trust, and to approach CSR partnerships with creativity and openness.

Finally, participants enjoyed a networking session, which provided space to exchange contacts, explore specific partnership opportunities, and deepen the connections made during the afternoon. For many attendees, this was one of the most valuable aspects of the event—transforming introductions into real possibilities for collaboration.

A Unique Opportunity

The NGO Connect “Strengthening NGO Capacity for CSR Project Submissions” event was more than just a workshop; it was a unique opportunity for NGOs and corporates in Mauritius to meet, learn from one another, and begin building relationships that could shape future projects.

Participants left with practical knowledge about improving CSR project submissions, but perhaps more importantly, with new contacts and a renewed sense of possibility. By bringing together different sectors in a spirit of dialogue and partnership, the event reaffirmed the belief that stronger collaboration leads to stronger communities.

Tereza Röslerová, Caritas College Olomouc – Communications Officer