Shaping futures one education at a time

The Shaping Futures Foundation matches corporate donations to tertiary institutions to assist worthy students.

Kayne, CPUT: I just wanted to thank you wholeheartedly for extending a helping hand when I needed it the most. I am studying Information Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Since its founding in August 2017, the Shaping Futures Foundation has raised in excess of R11.5-million and provided financial assistance to more than 150 students in tertiary education.

It also currently administers a school feeding scheme providing daily meals to 2 800 underprivileged learners. The Shaping Futures Foundation has assisted students in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape.

With a background in finance, John de Groot spotted a mismatch in March 2017 between talented students either not graduating or not progressing in their studies because of a lack of funds on the one hand, and companies with money to spend in terms of BBBEE legislation but without the time or resources to find the deserving students who needed funds.

The Shaping Futures Foundation was created to match these parties and its success over the years has proved the truth of John’s observation.

Although his involvement in the foundation is now as a non-executive director, John still derives enormous joy from the knowledge that the foundation is making a meaningful impact in the lives of students in need. Letters of appreciation are regularly received from students outlining the significant impact the Shaping Futures Foundation has had on their lives.

Zainub, UCT: I am truly honoured to be one of the recipients of the Shaping Future Foundation bursary. Thanks to your support I will be the first in my family to possibly acquire a tertiary education. Thank you for investing in my dream of achieving a degree in computer science and computer engineering.

Says John, “There have been occasions where we have managed to completely settle students tertiary education debt, allowing them to start their post-graduate lives without the hinderance of student debt.”

Win win

Chloe Arkcoll Chairperson

Donations to the Shaping Futures Foundation qualify as skills development expenditure and an 18 (A) tax certificate can be issued. The latest BEE codes encourage expenditure of between 3% and 6% of a company’s payroll for companies with turnovers between R10-million and R50-million per annum. The Shaping Futures Foundation ensures this spend is allocated efficiently and to the correct demographic profile. Established relationships with tertiary institutions make for synergies and could lead to hiring opportunities, which in turn attract more points for companies.

The Shaping Futures Foundation Board

Members are all Chartered Accountants: John de Groot; Chloe Arkcoll; Mzi Nkonyeni. ■

Address: 5 Cornwall Place, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7800 Mobile: +27 82 776 5907 | Email: chloe@shapingfutures.org.za | Website: www.shapingfutures.org.za