As FNB Botswana celebrates 35 years of serving Batswana, the Bank, through the FNB Foundation, has launched the Grant for 35 Communities, an initiative aimed at supporting community-led projects that can create lasting social and economic impact.
Anchored on the belief that “Help Begins with People Thuso e simolola ka batho,” the programme will provide eligible community organisations with funding of up to P50,000 per approved project, supporting ideas that address real community needs and have the potential to create sustainable value.
The programme is open to recognised community structures across Botswana, including Village Development Committees (VDCs), registered societies, registered community committees, community trusts and other recognised community-based organisations.
Speaking on the initiative, Atang Mbikiwa, Head of FNB Botswana Foundation, said the programme reflects the Bank’s belief that communities are not simply beneficiaries of development, but active participants in creating their own progress.
“For 35 years, Help has been at the heart of how FNB Botswana serves its customers and communities. As we celebrate this milestone, we want to invest in ideas that communities themselves believe can make a difference. The Grant for 35 Communities is about giving those ideas the support they need to grow into something meaningful and sustainable.”
The programme will prioritise projects that demonstrate clear community benefit, sustainability, inclusivity, community ownership and measurable impact, with particular consideration for initiatives that can continue creating value beyond the initial grant. Potential projects may include community gardens, poultry and food-production initiatives, community-owned equipment for hire, community trust projects and other locally identified initiatives that can strengthen livelihoods, create opportunities or generate value that can be reinvested into the community.
The Grant for 35 Communities represents a shift from once-off assistance towards helping communities build assets, initiatives and opportunities that can continue benefiting people over time.
“The real measure of Help is not only what we give today, but what that Help makes possible tomorrow. We want to see communities take an idea, own it, grow it and ultimately use it to create further opportunities for their people,” added Mbikiwa. Successful projects may also receive mentorship, financial guidance and implementation support, where appropriate, to strengthen their ability to successfully deliver and sustain their initiatives.
The programme forms part of FNB Botswana’s broader 35 Years of Help anniversary celebrations, recognising the Bank’s journey alongside Batswana while looking ahead to how Help can contribute towards stronger and more resilient communities for years to come.
Eligible organisations are invited to submit a proposal outlining their project, its intended
community benefit, proposed implementation and estimated budget, together with proof
of registration or formal recognition, a list of at least five standing members and
references or evidence of previous community involvement.
Applications can be submitted via CSI@FNBbotswana.co.bw or at an FNB Branch.
