CFAs: Care and Services to Families Programme 2026 (South Africa)

The Western Cape Department of Social Development is accepting applications from eligible non-profit organisations to deliver community-based Care and Services to Families across the Western Cape, South Africa. The programme funds initiatives that strengthen families, protect vulnerable children, provide HIV care and support, operate Drop-in Centres and shelters, and deliver professional social welfare services.

Organisations with strong governance, qualified social service professionals, and relevant registrations are encouraged to apply to expand essential family support and child protection services.

About the Care and Services to Families Programme

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has launched a funding opportunity under its Care and Services to Families sub-programme. The initiative aims to strengthen families, improve child protection, and expand access to community-based social welfare and developmental services through partnerships with qualified non-profit organisations.

The programme supports organisations that provide prevention, early intervention, family preservation, reunification, and psychosocial support services. It also funds specialised services for children, families, people living with HIV, homeless individuals, and communities experiencing social challenges.

By investing in experienced civil society organisations, the programme seeks to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable families while strengthening South Africa’s social protection system.

Programme Objectives

The programme is designed to:

• Strengthen family functioning and resilience.
• Protect children through prevention and early intervention services.
• Promote child development and family preservation.
• Support community-based social welfare and developmental services.
• Improve access to HIV care and psychosocial support.
• Provide structured supervision for social service professionals.
• Support homeless individuals and families through shelter services.
• Enhance collaboration between government and civil society organisations.

Funding Information

Funding is available to eligible organisations that deliver approved services under the Care and Services to Families programme.

The funding supports the implementation of community-based social welfare services in accordance with programme requirements and applicable legislation.

Areas Supported

Funding may support projects and services including:

• Prevention services for vulnerable families.
• Early intervention programmes.
• Family reunification services.
• Family preservation programmes.
• Parenting education and family development initiatives.
• HIV care and support services.
• Community-based psychosocial support.
• Registered Drop-in Centres.
• RISIHA Programme activities.
• Child development initiatives.
• Nutrition programmes.
• Educational assistance.
• Hygiene and laundry services.
• Shelter services for homeless individuals and families.
• Professional supervision for social workers and social service practitioners.

What is the RISIHA Programme?

The RISIHA Programme supports vulnerable children through community-based Drop-in Centres by providing:

• Nutritious meals.
• Psychosocial support.
• Educational assistance.
• Hygiene services.
• Laundry facilities.
• Activities that promote child development.
• Programmes that strengthen resilience and wellbeing.

The programme aims to improve children’s overall development while reducing the impact of poverty and social vulnerability.

HIV Care and Support Services

The programme also funds HIV-related services aligned with South Africa’s National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs.

Priority support includes:

• Community-based HIV care.
• Psychosocial counselling.
• Family support.
• Referral services.
• Community awareness.
• Support for vulnerable households.

Preference for HIV care and support funding will be given to organisations operating within the Cape Metropolitan Area.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs).
• Non-Profit Companies (NPCs).
• Trusts.

Applicants must also:

• Have sound financial management systems.
• Maintain appropriate governance structures.
• Demonstrate effective human resource practices.
• Have a verifiable physical address.
• Comply with previous funding agreements where applicable.
• Meet all financial reporting requirements.
• Deliver services through suitably qualified professionals.
• Employ registered social service professionals in good standing with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).
• Comply with the Children’s Act and other relevant legislation.

Registration and Compliance Requirements

Depending on the services provided, applicants may need:

• Valid Drop-in Centre registration.
• Required RISIHA registration or compliance documentation.
• Valid shelter registration where applicable.
• Compliance with all statutory service standards.
• Evidence of regulatory compliance.

Provincial organisations with affiliated branches must also demonstrate policies allowing them to assume responsibility for affiliated organisations when necessary.

Ineligible Applicants

Applications may not be considered if organisations:

• Fail to meet registration requirements.
• Lack appropriate governance or financial systems.
• Do not comply with previous funding conditions.
• Employ unqualified or unregistered social service professionals where registration is required.
• Fail to meet applicable legislative or regulatory standards.

Why This Programme Matters

Strong families form the foundation of healthy communities. This programme strengthens community organisations that provide essential services to vulnerable children, parents, and families.

By funding prevention, early intervention, psychosocial support, HIV care, shelters, and family development programmes, the initiative helps reduce long-term social challenges while improving child wellbeing and community resilience.

How to Apply

Eligible organisations should:

1. Review the programme guidelines carefully.
2. Confirm organisational eligibility.
3. Ensure all registrations and compliance certificates are current.
4. Prepare governance and financial documentation.
5. Demonstrate previous programme experience where applicable.
6. Develop a project aligned with programme objectives.
7. Submit the completed application with all required supporting documents before the deadline.

Application Assessment Process

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Organisational eligibility.
• Compliance with programme requirements.
• Governance and financial capacity.
• Previous funding performance where applicable.
• Quality of the proposed services.
• Compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to deliver sustainable community outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Missing required registration or compliance certificates.
• Providing outdated financial documents.
• Failing to demonstrate organisational governance.
• Using unregistered social service professionals.
• Not aligning the proposal with programme priorities.
• Omitting evidence of previous project experience.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the community need your project addresses.
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes for children and families.
• Include experienced and qualified personnel.
• Ensure all registrations remain valid throughout the funding period.
• Present a realistic implementation and monitoring plan.
• Provide complete supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this funding?

Registered Non-Profit Organisations, Non-Profit Companies, and Trusts that meet all programme and compliance requirements.

What services are supported?

The programme supports prevention, early intervention, family preservation, reunification, HIV care, Drop-in Centres, RISIHA services, shelters, parenting programmes, and professional supervision.

Are HIV care programmes eligible?

Yes. HIV care and support services aligned with the National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs are eligible, with priority given to organisations serving the Cape Metropolitan Area.

Do organisations need registered professionals?

Yes. Services must be delivered by suitably qualified and registered social service professionals who are in good standing with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.

Are Drop-in Centres eligible?

Yes. Registered Drop-in Centres that meet programme requirements and regulatory standards are eligible.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed on eligibility, compliance, governance, financial capacity, previous funding performance, and the quality of the proposed services.

Can previously funded organisations apply?

Yes. However, they must demonstrate compliance with all previous funding agreements and reporting obligations.

Conclusion

The Western Cape Care and Services to Families Programme provides an important opportunity for qualified non-profit organisations to expand essential services that strengthen families, protect vulnerable children, improve community wellbeing, and enhance access to professional social welfare support. Organisations with strong governance, experienced staff, and community-focused programmes are encouraged to submit competitive applications that align with the Department’s objectives.