The Caribbean Regional Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (CRN+) has been challenged to sustain its operations in an environment of reduced donor funding. To establish a foundation for sustainability and growth, the leadership of CRN+ has embarked on a multi-prong initiative which included the development of an organisational development (OD) strategy and action plan and a resource mobilisation strategy.

In light of available funding, CRN+ agreed to maintain the current organisational structure with the addition of a dedicated Finance Officer and to recruit volunteers who could support CRN+ Programmes.  The organisation will also seek to establish an independent oversight committee for governance and accountability.

Sustainability

The goal of the CRN+ Resource Mobilisation Strategy is to diversify the organisation’s resource base for sustaining the network’s response which will be guided by the CRN+ Strategic Plan and costed operational plan.

The Resource Mobilization strategy adopts a dual approach – mobilising resources for operating costs (rent, staff salaries, maintenance costs, utility bills, etc.) through fundraising activities, and mobilising programme costs from conventional donor sources. A mapping of donors and funding agencies was conducted to identify and engage with potential donors to secure resources for CRN+ to continue its advocacy for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations’ access to prevention, treatment, care and support services, and to strengthen national networks.