The CSI Toolkit, a 220 page practical ‘how-to’ guide on investing CSI funds effectively, aims to steer corporates through the CSI landscape, is the first publication of its kind in South Africa. Published by Corporate Social Investment (CSI) consultancy, CSI Solutions (Pty) Ltd the Toolkit is based on comprehensive research in the CSI industry. It provides invaluable information on the process, from developing a strategy to identifying, planning, managing and exiting community development projects.

“The purpose of the Toolkit is to engage with the CSI industry, share lessons learnt and work towards a professional CSI practice,” says Michelle Yorke, Director of CSI Solutions. It encourages practitioners to actively engage in the process, learn from experiences and make the most informed decisions to develop sustainable projects.

Yorke adds that: “Our sponsors; AngloGold Ashanti, Bakwena, Chevron, Edcon, The Eskom Development Foundation, Pick ‘n Pay and The Telkom Foundation are all involved with CSI on a large scale and understand the value in building capacity at practitioner level to aid the development of projects at grass roots level.” 

The publication involved a collaborative research process that included interviews with 100 major players in the CSI field; corporate organisations, including Coca-Cola, Cell C, Sappi and Zenex Foundation, and NGOs, including Starfish, Reach for a Dream, Project Literacy and Junior Achievement SA, as well as site visits and extensive desktop research.  Based on this, it provides information around impact, sustainability, partnerships, social facilitation, capacity building and communicating your CSI activities.

Andre Fourie, CEO of the National Business Initiative says: “There is a gap in information regarding CSI opportunities and the prospects of professionalising the CSI industry in South African businesses.” The Toolkit addresses these issues by illustrating practical examples and processes that will assist companies to make the greatest impact from their social investments.

The Toolkit is aimed at grant-makers, not only corporates with big CSI budgets, but also SMEs that are exploring CSI opportunities. NGOs too can gain value from the information by understanding grant-makers’ expectations. It reflects the effect on beneficiaries at grass roots level, and promotes the practical alignment of business reality with social investment opportunities.

“CSI within a South African landscape may be achieved by responsible business practices” says Fourie. The area of CSI in South Africa is ever-growing, and more and more companies are realising the importance of sustainable impact for development.

To find out more, please click here or e-mail info@csisolutions.co.za.

To order the book call Chelsea Rowe on 011 327 4504.