Umbrella Initiatives connects NGOs with support

While many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) work directly with vulnerable communities, Umbrella Initiatives has taken a different approach by supporting the organisations themselves, helping them reach more people and strengthen their impact.

Founded in 2024 by Argentinian national Alicia Dipierri, the volunteer-run foundation has built a network of 35 Namibian NGOs, connecting them with resources, skills, funding opportunities and partnerships.

Dipierri, who holds a doctoral degree in economics focusing on cooperation and communal resources, established the organisation after recognising that many people wanted to help others but did not know which organisations to approach, whom to trust or what support was needed.

“I wanted to create the bridge between those that are doing amazing work on the ground (the NGOs) and those who want to help (companies, individuals, institutions, etc),” she explained.

Bringing NGOs together

The name Umbrella Initiatives reflects the organisation’s role in bringing smaller NGOs together under one umbrella.

Umbrella Initiatives connects organisations working towards different community goals, helping them access donations, funding, training and partnerships.

Rather than working in isolation, the NGOs become part of a network where resources and opportunities can be shared. The name represents the foundation’s belief that collaboration makes it possible for organisations to strengthen one another and reach more people in need.

The idea gained momentum in 2024 when Dipierri presented it at NGOs in the Spotlight, an event she organised through her volunteer work with Back to School Namibia. Ten people initially expressed interest, followed by another 60 who joined the action volunteers pool.

Turning ideas into action

Through its donation hub, Umbrella Initiatives collects, sorts and distributes donated goods to organisations in its network. It has distributed almost four tonnes of donations through initiatives that include donation drums at Woermann Brock supermarkets and Windhoek International School.

Its training and outreach programme offers four workshops annually on topics such as fundraising, marketing, website development and community engagement. It also hosts NGOs in the Spotlight events, where organisations present their work and explain how the public can support them. Previous events have attracted up to 250 registered participants.

The foundation also helps create and renovate kindergartens and playgrounds, equips NGOs with essential resources and supports children receiving care at the central hospital paediatric oncology unit.

Through its funds facilitation programme, it allocated almost N$200 000 in 2025, connecting available funding with organisations according to proposals submitted.

The organisation estimates that its initiatives have reached between 2 000 and 3 000 people through its network.

Keeping the network going

However, sustaining the work remains a challenge. All funds raised go towards supporting the network, leaving no money for paid positions within the foundation. Its operations therefore depend entirely on volunteers who balance their service with work, studies and family responsibilities.

Looking ahead, Umbrella Initiatives hopes to expand opportunities for young Namibians to connect with NGOs and contribute their skills while gaining practical experience.

For Dipierri, the vision is to demonstrate how collaboration can create opportunities that individual organisations might struggle to achieve alone.

Her advice to aspiring volunteers is simple: “Do not be afraid to reach out and ask ‘how you can help?’”