Cape Care Fund Unveiled

The Cape Care Fund, an initiative aimed at boosting the resilience of organisations in the social services sector, was launched on Friday, 6 June 2025.

The Cape Care Fund is a Special Purpose Vehicle created between the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) and The Health Foundation of South Africa to raise funds to further support the work of DSD through vetted, registered, compliant, well-functioning non-profit organisations (NPOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with a proven track record of quality service delivery in the social services sector, in the Western Cape. 

NPOs and NGOs in South Africa and the Western Cape are facing the combined impact of static or reduced government transfers and donor funding in the wake of South Africa’s post-Covid-19 economic downturn. Many funders, including government, have faced reduced income and have had to reduce or even cease funding NPOs altogether.

During the last three financial years (2022/23 – 2024/25), organisations across various sectors in the Western Cape have had to close their doors due to budget shortfalls, including: 

• 12 NPO child protection branches rendering statutory services
• 3 Homes for Older Persons 
• 18 community centres for older persons
• 4 NPO-run Child and Youth Care Centres

Organisations like these play an essential role alongside government in promoting the wellbeing of our communities, especially those operating in the social development sector.

Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “When I stepped into office last year, one of the first things I did was ask the Department of Social Development to do everything possible to strengthen support to this vital sector. Through the Cape Care Fund, we are hopeful to take NPOs and NGOs from surviving to thriving, for the benefit of our most vulnerable residents. I encourage businesses and residents that want to help create positive change by uplifting communities and individuals to support this initiative.”

Health Foundation CEO Harry Grainger said, “The Cape Care Fund exemplifies how innovative financing, and strategic collaboration can contribute to improved economic resilience and sustainable development. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this transformative journey—working together towards a sustainable, inclusive, and healthier society."

Various officials and international delegates attended the launch in Cape Town, including Premier Alan Winde, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers, and Western Cape Provincial Parliament deputy speaker Reagen Allen.

Minister Simmers announced: "With the developers or contractors or subcontractors that we enter into business with, we will make sure to promote the Cape Care Fund and urge these stakeholders, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, to invest in the well-being of our vulnerable residents and make a meaningful impact that goes beyond Infrastructure."

Mayor Hill-Lewis said, “Cape Town’s incredible NGOs, operating across all areas of social assistance, play a critical role in protecting our city’s most vulnerable residents from hardship, poverty and suffering. They are invaluable partners in our mission to bring hope to all Capetonians. It is of the utmost importance that they are able to continue with their work despite tightening budgets and shrinking funding. The Cape Care Fund will play a vital role in ensuring that donor money is safeguarded and directed towards the areas of greatest need, and we grateful to the Western Cape Government, The Health Foundation and everyone else who played a part in getting this fund off the ground.”

Premier Winde emphasised the importance of partnerships.

Premier Winde added, “Across our government and sectors, we must find ways to protect our service delivery capabilities. We have faced many challenges before, with frontline services threatened by fiscal constraints, and together we have found ways to navigate through these issues. We adapt, we remain nimble, we innovate, but equally as important is the fact that we do not face challenges alone. The Cape Care Fund is the perfect example of the power of partnerships, the result of a deep commitment to collaboration and a commitment to helping those in need, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

For more information about the Cape Care Fund, visit www.capecarefund.org.za