Empowering Financial Sustainability: GIV’s Finance Training Workshop Under the LocNet Framework

At Global Innovation Valley (GIV), we believe that financial sustainability is the backbone of every impactful initiative. As we continue to bridge the digital divide and empower marginalized communities, it is crucial to build robust financial structures that enhance our operations’ transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

One month ago, we took a significant step forward by organizing a Finance Training Workshop under the Community Network Capacity Strengthening LocNet Framework. This initiative, made possible through the generous support of our project funder Association Progressive Communication-APC, aimed to equip our team with the necessary financial management skills to ensure effective resource allocation and long-term sustainability.

Why This Training Was Important

Managing finances in a growing community network like GIV requires more than just handling numbers; it demands strategic planning, accurate financial reporting, and compliance with best practices. This workshop was designed to strengthen our internal financial modeling by improving our budgeting, expense tracking, and financial policies.

The training was facilitated by Waithera Mwangi a finance expert, providing hands-on experience and practical insights to the GIV team and GIV scholars. The goal was to create a strong financial foundation that enables us to maximize our impact while ensuring financial integrity.

Key Financial Tools & Policies Introduced

During the workshop, participants engaged with essential financial tools and templates, including:

✔ General Payment Request Voucher – A structured form for requesting payments within the organization. 

✔ Cash Payment Voucher – A solution for handling transactions that do not involve receipts. 

✔ Cashbook Template – A tool for recording daily cash transactions efficiently. 

✔ Expense Report Template – Designed to track both project advances and overall organizational expenses. 

✔ Petty Cash Log/Register – Ensuring proper management of small, day-to-day expenses. 

✔ Risk Register – A critical document for identifying and mitigating financial risks. 

✔ Bank Reconciliation Template – Ensuring that bank records align with internal financial statements. 

✔ Finance Policy Template – A guideline for maintaining financial discipline and accountability.

✔ Procurement Policy Template – Establishing clear procedures for transparent and effective procurement practices.

These tools are now an integral part of our financial framework, ensuring that every expenditure aligns with GIV’s objectives and donor expectations.

The Impact of This Grant

The grant supporting this workshop has been a game-changer for GIV. Beyond the training, it has helped us redefine how we manage our finances, ensuring that our financial structures are resilient, adaptable, and future-ready. The core purpose of this grant was to equip GIV with a robust finance structure and strategic planning capabilities, a mission we are now actively fulfilling.

With these newfound skills and tools, GIV is better positioned to sustain and scale its initiatives, ensuring that we continue empowering refugees and marginalized communities with access to digital opportunities.

Looking Ahead

This workshop marks just the beginning of a journey toward greater financial accountability and efficiency. As we implement these best practices, we aim to set a standard for how community networks can responsibly manage resources to drive long-term impact.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, funders, and all participants who made this possible. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future!