Meet the Futuregrowth CSI Committee

Committee anthem: We are the World by Michael Jackson

WHAT DOES THE CSI COMMITTEE DO?

The Futuregrowth Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Committee consists of ten members from across the business. Staff members are invited to serve on the committee based on their passion for supporting those in socio-economically deprived communities. Any staff member can also motivate to become part of the committee if they are interested in having a say on how the CSI budget is allocated.

Futuregrowth allocates 1% of its after-tax profits to CSI. The CSI Committee vets requests for funding and manages the CSI budget. Projects within the Western Cape that are accessible from our offices are favoured, but we will consider projects that have a regional impact across the country in collaboration with trustworthy partners. Committee members visit projects personally to conduct a thorough due diligence on funding requests and monitor those approved on an ongoing basis. Our broader staff complement is encouraged to be actively involved in projects where needed, such as helping with renovations or Christmas parties and the like. During the COVID-19 lockdowns such personal contact was limited and much of the spending was allocated to PPE resources and COVD-related relief. Help was more desperately required than ever over this period.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS….

WHY DID YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CSI COMMITTEE?

"I think I was one of the first group of staff members who volunteered to be on the CSI Committee. I have been actively involved in various civic/community-based bodies for most of my adult life. Serving on Futuregrowth’s CSI Committee is simply an extension of that. “

"Growing up on the Cape Flats, I know how hard it is to break the poverty cycle. Underprivileged children lack access to education, healthcare, and food - and the CSI programme gives us the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. My hope is that every donation we make positively contributes to their success story, so that when they grow up, they can pay it forward.”

"I believe that giving a helping hand where one can is vital, given that we live in a country where the gap in income levels (and therefore access to resources) between the so-called ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ is so great. This belief was the reason for my previous involvement in organisations that tutor Maths to high school learners - and is the reason I took the opportunity to join the Futuregrowth CSI Committee.”

"I joined the CSI committee because I feel it’s important to help those in need especially if you have the resources to do so. I am trying to make a difference and give back in any way I can.”

"I’ve always wanted to do what I can to make things better, which also plays a role in why I joined Futuregrowth – with its concern for investing in South Africa’s future, today – and this was a way to do that in a more tangible way.”

"It’s my heart's desire and passion to live a life that makes a difference in our socio-economically deprived communities. When I learned about the CSI committee, I knew I needed to join these like-minded committee members who are extremely passionate about making a difference.”

WHAT DOES THIS ROLE MEAN TO YOU?

"It warms my heart that this committee avoids grant-making (sexy) projects and focuses on grassroots organisations that desperately need support, but lack the ‘marketing capabilities’ of some of the larger, more established NPOs. Our policy is also to provide direct support to these organisations and to bypass the professional funders, thereby ensuring that 100% of our support goes directly to the NPOs.”

"It is so gratifying to see the difference in people’s lives that results from the donations that we make.”

"It’s been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences over the past few years, where I am able to support projects that don’t necessarily have a large funding base but have a big impact in our community.”

"Being part of the CSI committee has provided me with an opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself and to serve the communities around us. It’s a responsibility I take seriously - to be able to light up the torch for our fellow community members in their times of need.”