The Mensch Academy provides in-person and online workshops, trainings, and literature for our Mensch Network Members and their organisations, and is aimed at advancing management skills in the not-for-profit sector.
This learning curriculum for social change is designed from a needs analysis conducted with Mensch Network Members, and has something for everyone. This curriculum is made up of learnings in the organisational areas of money, governance, strategy, people, communication & programming. The next workshop falls within the focus area of governance.
Upcoming Workshop
Aimed at advancing management skills in the non-profit sector, The Mensch Academy provides in-person and online workshops, trainings, and literature for our Mensch Network Members and their organisations. This learning curriculum for social change is designed from a needs analysis conducted with Mensch Network Members, and is relevant for persons new and more seasoned.
Upcoming Workshops
A three-workshop series on funding excellence
Workshop 1: Attracting Support
25 June 2026 | 9am – 1pm
Workshop 2: Leveraging Impact
30 July 2026 | 9am – 1pm
Workshop 3: Effective Proposal Writing
27 Aug 2026 | 9am – 1pm
These are in-person workshops, however for non Cape Town members, there is an opportunity to attend online.
Your Facilitators
Shelagh Gastrow along with an expert panel of co-facilitators will run this workshop series. By way of reminder, Shelagh and has worked with hundreds of non-profit organisations, especially when she established Inyathelo – The South African Institute for Advancement which she led from 2002-2015. She now advises and trains non-profits, universities and philanthropies in a range of areas- particularly focusing on leadership development, governance and fundraising.
Previous Workshops
Overview
Good governance is not optional, it is the foundation of a credible, resilient and fundable non-profit organisation. This highly practical workshop equips NPO leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to fulfil their roles confidently and responsibly within the S. African context. Participants will understand what is expected of them legally, financially and ethically, and how to avoid common governance pitfalls that place organisations at risk. This is an in-person workshop, however for non Cape Town members, there is an opportunity to attend online.
Your Facilitator
Shelagh has worked with hundreds of non-profit organisations, especially when she established Inyathelo – The South African Institute for Advancement which she led from 2002-2015. She now advises and trains non-profits, universities and philanthropies in a range of areas- particularly focusing on leadership development, governance and fundraising.
Overview
Newsletters. Instagram. Facebook. Or is it Meta?! Twitter – sorry, X. Proposals. Events. Fundraising campaigns. AHH! It’s easy to get so lost in all the places you can connect with people, that you forget to make sure you’re saying the right thing. So, let’s develop a clear Communication Strategy, which helps your organisation uncover and share its most powerful story, no matter where you tell it.
You’ll learn how to
- Consider the organisation from the AUDIENCES’ point of view.
- Define what makes your organisation unique.
- Evaluate and learn from the ‘For Good’ communication landscape.
Your Facilitator
Kayli has been the Creative Group Head at M&C Saatchi Abel, where she worked across a bunch of local and international brands and organisations, and she now runs her agency www.kaylivee.com. Clients she has worked with include: Old Mutual, Hollard Insurance, Heineken, takealot.com, WWF, Dementia South Africa, The Women’s Hope, Education and Training Trust, Lillets, Sissy Boy, Shimansky, Virgin Active, Yardley, The Democratic Alliance, The Haven Night Shelter and more
Overview
In essence, people are the heartbeat of any organisation. Without them, there is no execution, no innovation, and no culture. This workshop will help you develop your skills in the selection, development, and retention of talent within a not-for-profit organisation.
You’ll Learn
- How to ensure the people you bring on board are aligned with your organisation’s core values and goals.
- To effectively develop people based on their unique needs, experience, and potential for growth.
- To create strategies to retain talent when resources are limited.
Your Facilitator
Martin Kahn is an independent consultant and L&D provider working across both private and public market sectors globally. He has spent the last 16 years delivering HR, L&D, Leadership & Management and Executive Coaching training programmes for the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD, UK), the Institute for Leadership and Management and the Chartered Management Institute in which he holds various qualifications.
Overview
Successfully designing and activating a strategic plan requires a transformational developmental approach to BOTH people and structures. This workshop expands on this holistic design, and also shares some of those nuances that help make sustainable progress.
You’ll Learn
-
To understand the phases of organizational development
-
To plan using the action learning cycle and creative budgets
-
How to nurture healthy and sustainable structures and procedures
-
Developmental leadership and management skills for successful delivery
Your Facilitator
Maya Aberman is an experienced facilitator and programme manager in the non-profit sector. With two decades of experience in programme management and training, she has worked internationally in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the UK. She has worked with diverse organisations including Friends of the Earth Middle East, and for RedR UK training civil servants of Her Majesty’s Government. Based now in South Africa, she holds an MA in Community Development from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Overview
Building a strong board of directors can help position you for deeper impact and enable you to take your mission to the next level in partnership with committed volunteer leaders. Once your leaders have said “yes” to join your board, how do you engage them in a way that is meaningful to them and helpful to the organisation? Join us in an interactive session to learn best practices for developing and managing a board.
You’ll Learn
- What roles board members can and should play in their role as volunteer leaders
- How to sequence your board engagement work as your organization grows
- How to keep people engaged
Your Facilitator
Rebecca Youngerman is a consultant and leadership coach with a passion for partnering with non-profits, philanthropies, and businesses who wish to make bold change through their organizational culture. American born, she has built and managed multiple international nonprofit boards. Read more about her Here
Overview
Are your programmes aligned with your purpose and strategy? What are your key pillars of work, assumptions, risks, plans, and budgets? Do you learn from outcomes? Programmes are your organisation’s cornerstone, but being busy isn’t the same as impact. This workshop ensures strategic alignment and explores a framework for success, helping you focus on doing the right work effectively.
Your Facilitator
Shelagh has worked with hundreds of non-profit organisations, especially when she established Inyathelo – The South African Institute for Advancement which she led from 2002-2015. She now advises and trains non-profits, universities and philanthropies in a range of areas- particularly focusing on leadership development, governance and fundraising.
Upcoming Workshops
A three-workshop series on funding excellence
Workshop 1: Attracting Support
25 June 2026 | 9am – 1pm
Workshop 2: Leveraging Impact
30 July 2026 | 9am – 1pm
Workshop 3: Effective Proposal Writing
27 Aug 2026 | 9am – 1pm
You’ll learn how to
- Shift the fundraising paradigm to attract (not chase) support
- Manage data effectively to create fundraising opportunities
- Develop a strong case for support, and write winning proposals
Your Facilitators
Shelagh Gastrow along with a panel of co-facilitators will run this series. By way of reminder, Shelagh has worked with hundreds of non-profit organisations, especially when she established Inyathelo – The South African Institute for Advancement which she led from 2002-2015. She now advises and trains non-profits, universities and philanthropies in a range of areas- particularly focusing on leadership development, governance and fundraising.
Previous Workshops
Practical Governance for Non-Profits
Good governance is not optional, it is the foundation of a credible, resilient and fundable non-profit organisation. This highly practical workshop equips NPO leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to fulfil their roles confidently and responsibly within the S. African context. Participants will understand what is expected of them legally, financially and ethically, and how to avoid common governance pitfalls that place organisations at risk.
You’ll learn how to
- Establish a legally sound and compliant NPO
- Strengthen fiduciary duties and board accountability
- Strengthen oversight, ethics and transparency
- Clarify the roles of the board, Chair and Executive Director
- Identify and mitigate financial and governance risks
Your Facilitator
Shelagh has worked with hundreds of non-profit organisations, especially when she established Inyathelo – The South African Institute for Advancement which she led from 2002-2015. She now advises and trains non-profits, universities and philanthropies in a range of areas- particularly focusing on leadership development, governance and fundraising.
Overview
Newsletters. Instagram. Facebook. Or is it Meta?! Twitter – sorry, X. Proposals. Events. Fundraising campaigns. AHH! It’s easy to get so lost in all the places you can connect with people, that you forget to make sure you’re saying the right thing. So, let’s develop a clear Communication Strategy, which helps your organisation uncover and share its most powerful story, no matter where you tell it.
Your Facilitator
Kayli has been the Creative Group Head at M&C Saatchi Abel, where she worked across a bunch of local and international brands and organisations, and she now runs her agency www.kaylivee.com. Clients she has worked with include: Old Mutual, Hollard Insurance, Heineken, takealot.com, WWF, Dementia South Africa, The Women’s Hope, Education and Training Trust, Lillets, Sissy Boy, Shimansky, Virgin Active, Yardley, The Democratic Alliance, The Haven Night Shelter and more
Overview
In essence, people are the heartbeat of any organisation. Without them, there is no execution, no innovation, and no culture. This workshop will help you develop your skills in the selection, development, and retention of talent within a not-for-profit organisation.
You’ll Learn
- How to ensure the people you bring on board are aligned with your organisation’s core values and goals.
- To effectively develop people based on their unique needs, experience, and potential for growth.
- To create strategies to retain talent when resources are limited.
Your Facilitator
Martin Kahn is an independent consultant and L&D provider working across both private and public market sectors globally. He has spent the last 16 years delivering HR, L&D, Leadership & Management and Executive Coaching training programmes for the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD, UK), the Institute for Leadership and Management and the Chartered Management Institute in which he holds various qualifications.
Overview
If fundraising feels a bit like scrambling to find the next thing, or a last-minute rush to get the money in, let’s change that. Learn the foundations that sit under all successful fundraising. There’ll be lots of time to engage, work on real scenarios and learn from others. Come join us and give yourself a strong fundraising foundation by learning the tools to build your fundraising strategy for 2024.
Your Facilitator
Michelle Stein is a fundraising consultant and trainer specialising in high-value fundraising from major donors, corporates and trusts. Her experience spans international development, faith and culture organisations in the UK and South Africa including The British Museum, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and WaterAid. She has trained fundraisers across the globe.
Overview
Successfully designing and activating a strategic plan requires a transformational developmental approach to BOTH people and structures. This workshop expands on this holistic design, and also shares some of those nuances that help make sustainable progress.
You’ll Learn
-
To understand the phases of organizational development
-
To plan using the action learning cycle and creative budgets
-
How to nurture healthy and sustainable structures and procedures
-
Developmental leadership and management skills for successful delivery
Your Facilitator
Maya Aberman is an experienced facilitator and programme manager in the non-profit sector. With two decades of experience in programme management and training, she has worked internationally in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and the UK. She has worked with diverse organisations including Friends of the Earth Middle East, and for RedR UK training civil servants of Her Majesty’s Government. Based now in South Africa, she holds an MA in Community Development from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Overview
Once your leaders have said “yes” to join your board, how do you engage them in a way that is meaningful to them and helpful to the organisation?
Join us in an interactive session to learn best practices for developing and managing a board. Join this interactive workshop to learning best practices for developing and managing your Board.
You’ll Learn
- What roles board members can and should play in their role as volunteer leaders
- How to sequence your board engagement work as your organization grows
- How to keep people engaged
Your Facilitator
Rebecca Youngerman is a consultant and leadership coach with a passion for partnering with non-profits, philanthropies, and businesses who wish to make bold change through their organizational culture. American born, she has built and managed multiple international nonprofit boards. Read more about her Here
Overview
If fundraising feels a bit like scrambling to find the next thing, or a last-minute rush to get the money in, let’s change that. Learn the foundations that sit under all successful fundraising. There’ll be lots of time to engage, work on real scenarios and learn from others. Come join us and give yourself a strong fundraising foundation by learning the tools to build your fundraising strategy for 2024.
Your Facilitator
Michelle Stein is a fundraising consultant and trainer specialising in high-value fundraising from major donors, corporates and trusts. Her experience spans international development, faith and culture organisations in the UK and South Africa including The British Museum, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and WaterAid. She has trained fundraisers across the globe.