Strategic, synergistic and successful support

As a challenging year for international development charities comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting on the powerful partnerships that have made our programmes possible.

This year, alongside many other grassroots organisations, we have seen the real life impact of devastating aid cuts, with some charities being forced to withdraw support in certain areas or shut down altogether. Trusts and foundations are closing, governments are restricting support, and the general public are facing the realities of the cost of living crisis. With all of these doors closing, it is getting harder and harder for small charities like Kids Club Kampala to continue their life-changing, vital support.

In tricky times like these, we are grateful to be partnered with some fantastic B-corps, companies and businesses who provide multidimensional support. In this blog we will be highlighting our strategic partnership with Not Actual Size (NAS), and celebrating all that we have been able to achieve together since 2019.

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The power of strategic partnerships

Businesses have the power to create sustainable change, whether through financial support, resources, expertise or time. For a small charity like ours, partnerships with B Corps such as NAS offer stability at a time when it is most needed. They not only help sustain our projects but also provide strategic insight and capacity that would otherwise be out of reach.

Our UK team consists of just eight people, working to support projects that have reached more than 11,500 people this year alone. The value added by NAS cannot be overstated. Their creative expertise fills essential skill gaps, elevates our communications, and helps us share the impact of our work with clarity and compassion.

But behind every statistic is a child whose life has been transformed. Children like five-year-old Harry*.

When Harry was younger, his mother struggled daily to provide for her children.

“Life was very difficult and finding enough to eat was a struggle,” she shared. “I survived by selling peas to feed my children and pay rent.”

Everything changed when Harry joined our Encouraging Education Project. For the past two years he has received free early-years education and daily nutritious meals. He is truly thriving in the classroom, growing in knowledge and confidence each day. His mother says she never imagined he would have the chance to go to school. Harry's education has not only opened doors for his future, but has also brought hope to his family.

It is stories like these that remind us how vital it is to partner with likeminded businesses who strive to create positive change. As stated by B Corp, "the world’s most challenging global problems cannot be solved by governments and nonprofits alone." B Corps like NAS use their business as a force for good - for workers, communities, customers and the planet - and their impact ripples far beyond their own walls.

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Not Actual Size x Kids Club Kampala

Not Actual Size (NAS) is an independent, employee-owned creative agency that became a certified B Corp in 2022. They work with global brands and local independent companies alike, and they have a special passion for supporting mission-driven organisations to elevate their voice, brand and platform.

For Kids Club Kampala, this support has been transformative. Over the course of our partnership NAS have donated over 6 figures, which has been, and continues to be, monumental in keeping our programmes running. NAS have also provided design leadership, strategic insight and creative direction that have helped us launch a new website, produce impactful annual reports, strengthen our communications and share our impact more effectively.

We simply could not have achieved these milestones without them.

"Kids Club Kampala are one of those incredible organisations that get a huge amount done, on very lean resources. They make every penny count and genuinely change and improve lives, and they somehow do it with a smile on their face. Everyday. They are our favourite client, and we love every aspect of working with them." - Lottie, Strategy Director at NAS

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Together for a brighter future

Despite the uncertainty facing the international development sector, partnerships like ours with Not Actual Size give us strength, stability and hope. They remind us that when businesses choose to act with purpose, meaningful and lasting change is possible.

Their support helps ensure that children like Harry can access education, that families are equipped to build a better life, and that entire communities have the tools to create safer, brighter futures.

As we look ahead, Kids Club Kampala remains steadfast in our mission: to protect, empower and transform the lives across East Africa. But we know we cannot do this alone. Purpose-driven partnerships, supporters and friends are at the heart of everything we do.

To NAS, and to every organisation and individual who has stood beside us this year, thank you. Your belief in our work fuels our impact. Your generosity sustains our programmes. And your partnership ensures that even in the toughest times, hope continues to grow.

With your continued support, we look forward to another year of creating brighter futures.