False Promise of Grant Funding or Award to NGOsThis is one of the most popular scams going around the internet. NGOs unexpectedly receive an email or a social media post or a WhatsApp/text message which says that a certain Foundation has selected your organization to offer grant funding and you just need to respond to this email. When gullible NGOs respond back and start a chain of email communication with the fraudster, they end up paying some money with the hope of getting this ‘large’ … [Read more...] about What are the types of Scams NGOs should be aware of?
Am I eligible to apply for the CIPHER Grant Programme?
Please go through the following eligibility criteria: Any individual with the skills, formal education and access to resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is welcome to submit an application to the CIPHER Grant Programme. The applicant must be the principal investigator (PI) of the proposed project. The PI should work with a mentor, his/her institutional colleagues and partners to develop the research plan. Eligibility criteria and mandatory supporting documents: … [Read more...] about Am I eligible to apply for the CIPHER Grant Programme?
Are applications open for Next Generation Grant Cycle 2021?
Yes! Applications are now open for the Next Generation Grant Cycle 2021, a charitable fund of the Community Foundation, or giving circle, for singles and couples interested in philanthropy. The deadline to submit applications is 29-Oct-21. Along with determining grants in the community, Next Gen hosts at least two social gatherings each year and provides volunteer opportunities to support the organizations funded during the grant cycle. Since the year 2000, the Next Generation Fund has made … [Read more...] about Are applications open for Next Generation Grant Cycle 2021?
How is ASEAN Foundation contributing to climate action?
The ASEAN Foundation in collaboration with SAP, GIZ, and Common Purpose has announced its newest programme - the ASEAN Young Climate Leaders Programme (ASEAN YCLP). The programme creates an opportunity for young people to share and exchange ideas on sustainability, environment, and climate action-related issues in the ASEAN region and collaborate with others to resolve the issues. Climate change has been known as an alarming transnational issue that requires global cooperation of all … [Read more...] about How is ASEAN Foundation contributing to climate action?
What does the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) fund?
The Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) funds science that rapidly leads to tangible and enduring benefits to conservation and sustainable development. To achieve this, SNAPP funds teams of 12-15 people from diverse organizations to gather for 3-4 collaborative sessions over the course of 12-24 months. Building from a clearly articulated opportunity for cross-sectoral collaboration and innovation to influence policy and / or practice, these working groups conceive new ideas, … [Read more...] about What does the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) fund?
How NGOs can identify Genuine Grant Opportunities and Donor Organizations and avoid Scams?
An online scam is a fraudulent activity carried out over the Internet by providing incorrect information for the purpose of stealing money or assets from victims. Online scams are one of the biggest threats to businesses and governments around the world as they end up with severe financial losses and mental and emotional harassment of victims.According to the Consumer Sentinel Network, which is maintained by the Federal Trade Commission of the United States Government, there were 535,000 … [Read more...] about How NGOs can identify Genuine Grant Opportunities and Donor Organizations and avoid Scams?
Why is financial management important for NGOs
Financial Management is a vital activity in any organization. It is the process of planning, organizing, controlling and monitoring financial resources with a view to achieve organizational goals and objectives. It is an ideal practice for controlling the financial activities of an organization such as procurement of funds, utilization of funds, accounting, payments, risk assessment and every other thing related to money.In other terms, Financial Management is the application of general … [Read more...] about Why is financial management important for NGOs
How NGOs can develop a quick Proposal Concept Note to apply for Grants to address the COVID-19 impact?
The COVID-19 or Coronavirus crisis has made a tremendous cross-sectoral impact across most of the countries around the world. The entire social, economic and cultural structure is gradually transforming into an unexpected reality. Poor communities have become more vulnerable to the basic issues of livelihood, hunger, housing and shelter.International and local donor agencies, corporates and governments have announced several new multi-million grant programs across different countries to address … [Read more...] about How NGOs can develop a quick Proposal Concept Note to apply for Grants to address the COVID-19 impact?
How to get started with Twitter?
Researches and user studies show that Twitter users raise much more funds online than those NGOs who don’t use Twitter. Apart from fundraising, it can also result in increased awareness about a cause, more active volunteer engagement, brand-building, and so much more. So here are the steps to get started with Twitter and make the best use of this platform:Define who you are:The first thing to do after opening an account on Twitter is to customize your account. Your account will define who you … [Read more...] about How to get started with Twitter?
How can small NGOs manage their fundraising?
Here are some tips on how to manage fundraising.1. Building TrustIn all aspects of grant management, problems can be avoided with clear and regular communications with grants officers. Put everything in writing!2. Observe project start and end dates for spendingDon’t make payments or enter into commitments before the agreed contract start date. All invoices must be dated between the official start and end dates. It is OK to spend right up to the of the end of contract date as long as the invoice … [Read more...] about How can small NGOs manage their fundraising?
How to build long-term relationship with donors?
This article we will help you learn the basics of Donor Relation Management.What is Donor Relationship Management?Donor relationship management (DRM) is the process in which an organization strengthens the relationship with donors to enhance donor engagement and donor retention.DRM is a comprehensive approach that considers a lot of factors, taking note of which facilitates long term donor engagement leading to sustainable resources and funding opportunities.Methodology for effective DRMEngaging … [Read more...] about How to build long-term relationship with donors?
How can NGOs participate in Crowdfunding?
Here is a short and simple guide about the process and steps to plan one:Planning the campaign: Every successful activity has undergone meticulous planning first. So plan your campaign well in advance to make it successful. Plan the campaign timing, duration, and other details. Plan for human resource, which would mean both picking a team with suitable and enthusiastic people from your organization, and involving volunteers also. One can really say that in case of crowdfunding effort, ‘the more … [Read more...] about How can NGOs participate in Crowdfunding?
How to Create a Communications Plan for Your NGO?
What Is a Communications Plan?A communications plan is a document that guides the external communications efforts of an organization. It helps an NGO strategically focus its communication and outreach efforts around a certain set of goals – usually the mission and objectives of an organization. A communications plan is necessary to help an NGO effectively promote its work in the public and donors eyes.Communications plans help NGOs accomplish this in a number of ways. First, a plan assists an … [Read more...] about How to Create a Communications Plan for Your NGO?
My California-based organization works towards alleviating gender-based inequity. Is there any relevant grant opportunity for me?
Hey Friend, I think that I have found something apt for you! To put resources into the hands of people with bold visions who are working to end gender-based inequity and fundamentally change the systems that perpetuate it, the East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) is seeking applications for its Women’s Catalytic Fund. You may submit applications till 25-Oct-21. They prioritize investing in female identifying, nonbinary and gender non-conforming leaders from the BIPOC community. Funding … [Read more...] about My California-based organization works towards alleviating gender-based inequity. Is there any relevant grant opportunity for me?
Any update about Primate Conservation, Incorporated grants?
The Primate Conservation, Incorporated (PCI) has announced a call for grant proposals to fund field research that supports conservation programs for wild populations of primates. The last date to submit the proposals is 1-Feb-22. Priority will be given to projects that study, in their natural habitat, the least known and most endangered species. The involvement of citizens from the country in which the primates are found will be a plus. The intent is to provide support for original research … [Read more...] about Any update about Primate Conservation, Incorporated grants?
How NGOs can form a strategic plan?
Here is how to form a strategic plan for your NGO:Decide who will facilitate the discussions and who will participate. Ensure all key stakeholders participate in the process, as that is the best way possible to devise a strategic plan.The analysis must begin with an attempt towards understanding the internal environment, which means identifying strengths and weaknesses of the organization. What are the core strengths, core competencies of your NGO? Why are donors giving to your NGO? What makes … [Read more...] about How NGOs can form a strategic plan?
What is a Concept Note and why NGOs are required to develop it?
A concept note is the shortest expression of your project idea on a paper. It is a brief written note, giving an introduction to your project and your organization. If your NGO is seeking to raise funds for a project, then the first thing you would do is develop a short note of this project, explaining what it is and why it is required.Most donor agencies interested in providing funding support to NGOs prefer to receive an outline from them about the prospective project. As proposals are lengthy … [Read more...] about What is a Concept Note and why NGOs are required to develop it?
Hi I am Kewin from Canada, I am keen to know if Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2021 open to Startups and SMEs?
Hey Kewin, the Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2021 is open to Startups and SMEs across the world. The Challenge is open to all local and foreign registered startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs), Institute of Higher Learning and Research Institutes. All applicants/entrants/participants ("Participants") must be above the age of 18 years old as at the date of entry and must submit their project proposals. Employees, representatives and family members of the Joint … [Read more...] about Hi I am Kewin from Canada, I am keen to know if Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2021 open to Startups and SMEs?
Could you please shed some light on Go Smart Award?
Go Smart Award stimulates active urban innovation knowledge sharing among cities and to create the opportunity for all city stakeholders to showcase their solutions, services or technologies. Nominations are open for the Go Smart Award (GSA) till 8-Nov-21. Initiation To commend the excellent performance in the promotion of Inter-City PoC projects among governments and other city stakeholders, the GO SMART encourages Inter-City PoC exchanges between cities by a yearly award contest. The … [Read more...] about Could you please shed some light on Go Smart Award?
I want to apply for ICAT Agriculture Policy Programme, are applications open?
Yes! The applicationas for the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) Agriculture Policy Programme are open. You may apply till 24-Oct-21. The United Nations Global Marketplace has announced the applications for Expansion and Improvement of the ICAT Agriculture Policy Programme to help countries better assess the impacts of their climate policies and actions, and fulfill their transparency commitments. ICAT focuses on countries that can highlight the benefits of increased … [Read more...] about I want to apply for ICAT Agriculture Policy Programme, are applications open?
What career options are there in International NGOs?
Recent trends show that an increasing number of people are getting interested to work in the development sector. International NGOs offer the best opportunities for such people. NGO domain is a very vast and varied one, and one needs to find out which cause he/she relates with, which domain in particular would one want to work in, before exploring this arena to work.Undoubtedly, the international NGOs offer a huge scope for learning and gaining experience in the sector. Also, if someone wants to … [Read more...] about What career options are there in International NGOs?
What is an NGO?
The term "Non-Governmental Organization" (NGO) first came in to use in the year 1945. The term was coined during one of the conferences of The United Nations, as a measure to distinguish organizations from inter-governmental and member organizations.Though the term NGO received recognition only after 1945, studies suggest that several organizations were actively engaged against slavery, racism and women suffrage during the late eighteenth century.NGO is a broad term encompassing organizations, … [Read more...] about What is an NGO?
My Non-profit supports women and girls living in extreme poverty in developing countries. Is there any grant program that could help my NGO?
Indeed! Here is good news for you. The Together Women Rise is inviting applicants for its grant program. For your information: Together Women Rise is an educational giving circle: Their members meet monthly, learn about their featured and sustained grantees, and donate to Together Women Rise, allowing them collectively to support grassroots international organizations empowering women and girls living in extreme poverty. They fund projects that foster good health, education, and economic … [Read more...] about My Non-profit supports women and girls living in extreme poverty in developing countries. Is there any grant program that could help my NGO?
I am a Dutch entrepreneur, looking for a funding opportunity that could me in ending child labour from the production chain!
Hi, I thing there is one such programme that might be helpful for you. You can apply for Netherlands Enterprise Agency's Fund against Child Labour (FBK) programme, as it supports entrepreneurs that actively want to end child labour in their production chain. The deadline for submitting the application is 28-Oct-21. Funding Information FBK is a five-year subsidy programme (2018 – 2022) with several opportunities to apply. In 2021, the budget is 5.5 million euros, divided into 2 … [Read more...] about I am a Dutch entrepreneur, looking for a funding opportunity that could me in ending child labour from the production chain!
Can I apply for the Grand Challenges Canada’s Global Mental Health program?
To know whether you can apply for the Global Mental Health program, please read the following Eligibility Criteria: Applicants affiliated with institutions legally incorporated in eligible low- and middleincome countries and/or in Canada are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants include social enterprises and legally recognized organizations (e.g. non-profit, for-profit, limited liability companies, research/academic institutions) that: is formed and legally incorporated in an … [Read more...] about Can I apply for the Grand Challenges Canada’s Global Mental Health program?
How will you ensure financial sustainability?
Develop a financial plan outlining the various options available for expanding your resource stream. You may have to undertake proper research to understand about the various options that can be used to maintain a steady flow of funds. Also this will help you to understand your potential donors and their priority areas. Some of the options that can be used by you are:Sale of product: Some of the products that your organization produces can be sold in the market. This may not be a huge amount but … [Read more...] about How will you ensure financial sustainability?
What are some ideas for developing organizational sustainability for my NGO?
The one ingredient that is essential for your organization to create long lasting impact is Sustainability. The term sustainability has gained significant popularity in policy-oriented research, business development and social sector over the last few decades. Sustainability, a word frequently used across several disciplines, has become part of our everyday lexis. Origin of the word Sustain dates back several centuries, from two latin words sus which means- up and tenere meaning to hold. The … [Read more...] about What are some ideas for developing organizational sustainability for my NGO?
May I know if there is an opportunity for beginner artists to promote their art globally?
Hey friend, you will be glad to know that Toi Art Gallery has launched the 2021 Artist Contest to promote his/her art worldwide. Toi Art Gallery is an online art gallery that sells fine art prints and features artists from all over the world. Established in 2015 in California, Toi Art Gallery has been steadily growing, carefully curating artworks by artists from different parts of the globe and creating a community of art lovers. They are proud to represent and facilitate that … [Read more...] about May I know if there is an opportunity for beginner artists to promote their art globally?
Are nominations open for the United Nations Public Service Awards?
Hi! Yes, nominations are open for the United Nations Public Service Awards till 3 December 2021. You may know that it is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. It rewards the creative achievements and contributions of public service institutions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide. Through an annual competition, the UN Public Service Awards promotes the role, professionalism and visibility of public … [Read more...] about Are nominations open for the United Nations Public Service Awards?
What are the main features of an NGO?
NGOs are diverse entities and their features are mostly shaped by the socio-economic, cultural, political and legal situation of a country. However, generally speaking, we can list out the following features that are common among NGOs in most of the countries around the world.Non-Profit in functioning: An NGO is not meant for making profit for personal gain. In case a NGO conducts some revenue generating activity, the profit earned should not be distributed amongst the board members, instead it … [Read more...] about What are the main features of an NGO?
What are the methods NGOs can adopt to become transparent and accountable?
Below is a list of methods through which NGOs can become accountable and transparent.Registration: Make sure your NGO has a legal status and is registered under a relevant legal framework. Registering your NGO will not help you in enhancing your accountability but would also enable you to interact with government agencies and diverse donors. Your chances of getting financial support and assistance will also increase.Accreditations and certifications: This refers to an external agency certifying … [Read more...] about What are the methods NGOs can adopt to become transparent and accountable?
What are the core values one should follow when establishing an NGO?
There are a set of core values that every NGO should adopt when thinking of setting up an NGO. NGOs are voluntary organizations dedicated for a cause and it is essential that they follow a belief system that reflects their approach.Following are some of the core values, NGOs should adopt when establishing an NGO:Service beyond self: The very purpose of NGOs is to serve others. Integrating this value in the overall working of the NGO not only makes them socially acceptable, but it also makes them … [Read more...] about What are the core values one should follow when establishing an NGO?
How to develop the Vision and Mission for my NGO?
The Vision statement describes the goal that an organization aspires to accomplish in the long run. In other words, the vision statement is the summary of changes/impact you would bring into the lives of the community you work for. The vision statement should be expressive and well drafted so that it appeals to people and at the same time also gives direction to the NGO. While drafting the vision statement keep the following points in mind:Use simple language that can be understood by people of … [Read more...] about How to develop the Vision and Mission for my NGO?
How to start an NGO?
Starting an NGO is a time-consuming process and requires a great deal of research, discussions, paperwork and expert advice. So before investing your time and energy into it, make sure that this is what you want to do. Devote time in meeting people who are engaged in NGO work and seek their help to understand all aspects of NGO management from them.Starting an NGO requires dedication and devotion towards the cause, so unless you are prepared to give in your best, do not start an NGO.Answer the … [Read more...] about How to start an NGO?
Which Foreign Embassies should approach to apply for grants?
Foreign embassies under various development cooperation programs organize small grants funding for NGOs in many countries. They can be a significant source of funding to address various socio-economic issues. Besides, their funding programs are usually small in scale but most flexible to implement. In this guide, we take a quick look at top foreign embassies and their grant programs and how your organization can learn more information on identifying and apply to such funding opportunities.US … [Read more...] about Which Foreign Embassies should approach to apply for grants?
How to write the Articles of Incorporation for my NGO?
Articles of Incorporation provide legal description to your NGO by establishing the existence of the organization as per government rules. The articles of incorporation define the purpose of your organization, along with describing the operational processes and membership details. The number of articles required will largely depend on the country laws. While drafting the article of incorporation, check with the government authorities about the various forms that you require to fill. Depending on … [Read more...] about How to write the Articles of Incorporation for my NGO?
Why is it necessary to have a Board of Members in an NGO? What are their functions?
A NGO board comprises of individuals who are appointed to provide oversight to the organization. As you proceed towards establishing the NGO, you will require advice from people who are experts in their respective field of work. To start with you can establish an initial board of comprising of 4- 5 individuals who are passionate about your cause and are willing to support your organization.The role of the initial board members will be to:Establish the organizations value, mission and vision … [Read more...] about Why is it necessary to have a Board of Members in an NGO? What are their functions?
How can I form an NGO Board?
Board members play a crucial role in the functioning of an NGO, and therefore, one should be careful while appointing them. It is a good practice to develop a systematic process for their appointment and selection.The board recruitment plan should clearly indicate the following:Number of board membersCriteria for selection of Board membersKey QualitiesTenure of a board memberTerms of Reference for the job.You can develop the recruitment plan to suit your organization's objectives. For instance, … [Read more...] about How can I form an NGO Board?
How to set up 501(c) 3 non-profit in United States and what are its advantages?
Lot of passionate individuals, or groups of people wish to contribute their lives for a good cause, and many of them either join a charitable organization, or start their own. But, establishing and running an organization is not an easy task. One must first be confident and convinced, must have enough support in terms of technical, programmatic, and legal support to start a nonprofit. If you are a nonprofit organization, and you wish to acquire a 501c3 status in United States, let us … [Read more...] about How to set up 501(c) 3 non-profit in United States and what are its advantages?
How can I use Project Activities to prepare my project’s budget?
As project activities influence the budgeting of your project, it is important to gain greater clarity about them. If you know the specifications of your project activities, then budgets can be developed more easily and more frequently. We will understand this from the following example.Let us say that you, as an NGO in Nepal, are proposing a project about building the capacity of civil society leaders in the country. One of the activities you will mention under this project is:‘Organize … [Read more...] about How can I use Project Activities to prepare my project’s budget?
How do I Write a Master Proposal?
You can draft the proposal using this template and then customize it to suit donor guidelines. For helping you develop your proposal, suitable examples have been used to describe the content of each section. Title Page: The title page typically contains the project title, along with contact details of the organization and the donor. Remember that the title of the project should be catchy and should capture the essence of the project proposal. The project title should provide a general idea of … [Read more...] about How do I Write a Master Proposal?
How can I start developing a project budget?
A project proposal has several components such as project goals, objectives, results, strategies and activities. With so many sections, how and from where you can start the process of developing a project budget.An ideal way of starting to develop a project budget is to look at your project activities. Although the project development process requires you to go back and forth from goals, objectives to strategies and activities and back again, but once your activities are ready, then you have … [Read more...] about How can I start developing a project budget?
How to manage an NGO in the time of COVID-19
In these unprecedented times when COVID-19 continues to spread and to impact almost every individual and organization across the world directly or indirectly, non-profit organizations or non-government organizations (NGOs) are also deeply affected now and in the times to come. As it is not yet clear what the current pandemic situation holds in future, it is important to balance the scale between panic and carelessness. Preparedness is key.Before we discuss how you may ensure the above, here are … [Read more...] about How to manage an NGO in the time of COVID-19
What goes into the content of a Concept Note?
If you are submitting a concept note to an organization as per the call for proposals or if it is a solicited concept note, they will have their templates to be used. If not, you can use the outline and sample template given in this book. But in either case, the outline and template given in this book will help you in putting the concept together, as most of the sections are certainly to be included in a concept note. While the outline can vary depending on the type of opportunity, type of … [Read more...] about What goes into the content of a Concept Note?
How to easily Write the Various Elements of Your Project Proposal?
Proposals are lengthy documents with various components, comprising of the background information, current situation analysis and the future projections. NGOs are expected to write every part of the proposal carefully with in-depth research, knowledge and detailed planning. In this free guide, we cover information about the various elements of a standard proposal to help NGOs apply for their grant funding.1. Cover PageA cover page is sometimes also referred to as the title page and as the name … [Read more...] about How to easily Write the Various Elements of Your Project Proposal?
What are the some of the common signs of a scam to trap NGOs?
Online fake offers of grants and similar scams are widespread across the NGO sector around the world. With so much information reaching them from all sides, it is often difficult for NGOs to identify the genuine grant offers from the fake ones.Below, we are providing important tips that NGOs can use to identify whether a piece of certain grant information is genuine or not.All Grant Programs have an Application Process. Did you apply for it before getting the Grant?If you receive an unexpected … [Read more...] about What are the some of the common signs of a scam to trap NGOs?
What can NGOs do if they come across a scam?
Below are the steps you need to take if you think you have come across a scam.Never Ever respond back to a Scam emailAs fraudsters send millions of email messages, they want to make sure if the email addresses they are sending to are real and active. If you respond back even with a “No”, it is evidence enough for them to target you again, another day with a different type of scheme. So, NEVER respond to a scam email. Just delete it.Report to the Agency whose identity has been misusedIf a … [Read more...] about What can NGOs do if they come across a scam?
How does USAID support NGOs?
USAID has field offices in many developing countries for providing technical and financial aid for above stated purposes. So, it follows a decentralized approach for tackling the development issues globally. Partnering with NGOs:USAID partners with NGOs to achieve its strategic goals and objectives for providing assistance across the world. It partners with international and local NGOs, networks and groups, and civil society organizations in various ways, for the belief that the complex … [Read more...] about How does USAID support NGOs?
How to develop Bye-laws for my NGO?
By-law is a rule established by an organization to regulate its activities and manage internal affairs. Well defined and clear set of by-laws provide a clear structure to the NGOs and facilitates in smooth functioning. Along with providing consistency in working, by-laws also help in developing networks with local organizations and government entities. It is important for your organization to have a set of by-laws as they will guide you in operating and managing all your activities. Just like … [Read more...] about How to develop Bye-laws for my NGO?
How to Impress a Donor?
When you contact or meet a donor for the first time, what are easiest ways to ruin your shot at getting funded? First impressions count, and avoiding these mistakes will help you put your best foot forward.Mistake #1: Not introducing yourselfDo not send an email to a donor without any introduction. Donors see many emails that only contain a funding request similar to this one:“Can you fund our work with children in Uganda?”Without so much as an introduction or explanation.Explaining who you are … [Read more...] about How to Impress a Donor?
