Abstract: The sustainability of donor-funded projects remains a major concern, as many initiatives struggle to maintain operations and impact after donor withdrawal. This challenge is particularly evident in Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Kenya, which implements programs in health, education, and livelihoods largely dependent on external funding. This study examined the effect of resource mobilization strategies on the sustainability of donor-funded projects, focusing on donor diversification, local fundraising strategies, strategic partnerships, and income-generating activities. The study was grounded in Resource Dependence Theory, the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, and Social Capital Theory. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The target population comprised over 100 CRS Kenya staff and 805 beneficiaries, from which a sample of 277 respondents was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation and multiple regression analysis). Findings revealed that donor diversification, local fundraising strategies, strategic partnerships, and income-generating activities all have a positive and statistically significant effect on the sustainability of donor-funded projects at CRS Kenya. The study concludes that diversification of funding sources reduces overreliance on single donors, local fundraising enhances ownership and accountability, strategic partnerships improve access to resources and expertise, and income-generating activities strengthen long-term financial resilience. The study recommends strengthening partnerships with local businesses through sponsorships and in-kind support, enhancing digital engagement platforms to improve donor and partner communication, promoting transparent and continuous stakeholder engagement, and investing in skills development to support income-generating activities and community self-reliance.
Keywords: Donor diversification; Resource mobilization; Strategic partnerships; Income-generating activities; Sustainability of donor-funded projects.
Title: Enhancing the Sustainability of Donor-Funded Projects through Resource Mobilization Strategies: Evidence from Catholic Relief Services
Author: Geoffrey Kipleting Rono, Morrisson Mutuku
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 422-429
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 20-May-2026
