Announcing Donors for Life, a guided programme that helps nonprofits build a stable, predictable base of individual monthly donors.

Nonprofits across South Africa are under significant pressure. International funding is shrinking — especially from the USA — while corporations, trusts and foundations continue to scale back. Many organisations are surviving month-to-month, depending on once-off donations and unable to plan ahead.

That’s why BackaBuddy and Paysoft Impact have partnered to introduce Donors for Life, a guided programme that helps nonprofits build what many struggle to secure:a stable, predictable base of individual monthly donors. This programme offers hands-on support, helping nonprofits develop, launch and scale recurring giving programmes that sustain impact year-round.

Applications for the first cohort are now open at: https://donorsforlife.co.za/application/. Apply by 12 December 2025.

The January 2026 cohort will accept 10 nonprofits for intensive training and implementation support. Beyond this intake, the initiative will continue creating tools and pathways to help organisations across the BackaBuddy community strengthen their monthly donor programmes. 

The power of monthly giving

Consistent monthly support enables organisations to deliver care without service gaps, plan programmes with confidence, reduce crisis-driven fundraising, and focus their resources on meaningful community impact. It also allows them to grow sustainably over time, rather than rebuilding from scratch after every financial dip.  Monthly donors remain connected and committed, helping organisations offer ongoing, reliable support throughout the year.

“If you want long-term impact, you need long-term donors. Debit orders make that possible, reliably, month after month.” -- Chad Roberts, Founder of Paysoft Impact

Why do debit orders create long-term commitment?

Debit orders provide the highest donor retention rates because they continue automatically, unlike credit cards, which expire or get replaced. On the other hand, Nonprofits with debit order donors typically retain supporters four to five times longer, strengthening their long-term impact. The programme provides participating organisations with a full sustainability and support package designed to build lasting recurring giving programmes.

What selected NPOs receive through donors for life

1. Impact & Capacity Assessment: A complete review of organisational strengths, community needs and long-term donor potential.
2. Clear, Measurable Growth Goals: Participating NPOs will set realistic targets for building a committed community of monthly donors.
3. Campaign Development Support: Teams receive assistance with crafting a compelling campaign name, narrative and public value proposition.
4. Strategic Launch & Visibility: Each campaign will be featured on BackaBuddy and supported with PR, media exposure and visibility across partner platforms.
5. Technical Infrastructure: Organisations gain access to automated debit orders, CDV checks, electronic mandates, donor communication and reactivation workflows, annual increase options, automated Section 18A certificates and impact reporting support.
6. Dedicated Support Team: Each nonprofit will be guided by a Paysoft Impact fundraising consultant and BackaBuddy charity specialists who will assist with planning, donor engagement and long-term implementation. 

Any nonprofit in South Africa may apply.  Applications are open to NPOs across South Africa committed to building sustainable monthly giving programmes.

Strengthening South Africa’s Social Sector

Donors for Life aims to strengthen South Africa’s nonprofit sector by equipping organisations to grow not just their funding — but their ability to create lasting, dependable change.

 Apply now

Apply by 12 December. Successful applicants will be contacted directly.

For more information contact:

Simbulele Jezile
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• About BackaBuddy: BackaBuddy is South Africa’s leading donations-based crowdfunding platform, having helped individuals and nonprofits raise more than R650 million for medical, educational, emergency, welfare and community upliftment needs.
  
  
• About Paysoft Impact: Paysoft Impact provides debit order processing and donor management solutions tailored to nonprofits, supporting strong recurring giving and long-term community impact.