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,… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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,… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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 email As 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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
How Social Media is helpful to Enhance NGO Visibility?
Over the last few years, social media has emerged as an important medium of communication globally for reaching out to a vast audience. Currently there is a plethora of social media sites and applications that are being used by diverse organisations. The main purpose of using social media is to connect to a large audience… [Read More]
How to create successful partnerships with NGOs
So here are a few tips for creating successful partnerships with NGOs: Find the ‘cause’ your company is going to support and then choose: In your boardroom discussions, your company’s strategies are decided, and CSR strategies are no different. Once you are clear about what cause aligns with your business values, do your research and… [Read More]
How to Identify, Manage and Motivate Fundraisers for Your Organization?
Fundraising is one of the most important tasks for an NGO. Donors’ funding will ensure that your planned activities take place and that your organisation can pursue its main long-term goals. As such, to select the right candidates for a fundraising team is of utter importance. The main aim of this short guide is to… [Read More]
What areas of work will attract Large Funding for NGOs?
Here is what the sector experts and trends as observed over the last few years reflect. Sectors attracting more funding: With global changes taking place around the social, political and environmental issues, and giving preferences of individuals and donor agencies, the sectors that attracted more funding over the years are bound to shift. The last… [Read More]
What are some online and offline fundraising tips for NGOs?
Here is a video that offers some tips that have worked for some organizations and will surely help you to maximize your funding efforts. To help you in various methods of fundraising we have divided the guide into two sections; the first section deals with tips to help with conventional fundraising methods while section two… [Read More]
What is Donor Relation Management?
Donor relationship management (DRM) is the process in which an organization strengthens the relationship with donors to enhance donor engagement and donor retention. Most often NGOs hire fundraising officers or consultants to take care of resource mobilization, but neglect the area of donor retention or relation building. You don’t have to hire any expert to… [Read More]
What is Succession Planning?
Non-profits have so much to worry about these days, like finding funds, acquiring and retaining donors, core work, projects and activities. Being occupied with so many things at once does not let the non-profit organizations ‘think’ like an organization sometimes. People working at non-profits end up feeling that they have much more to look for… [Read More]
Why are the concepts of transparency and accountability important for NGOs?
Transparency and accountability are core values deeply embedded in an NGO. Since NGOs exist for carrying out voluntary work, it is expected that their actions demonstrate honesty, responsibility and answerability. According to Transparency International, “Transparency is about shedding light on rules, plans, processes and actions. It is knowing why, how, what, and how much. Transparency… [Read More]
Can you give me a list of management policies used by NGOs?
Here is a checklist of policies and other management systems necessary for NGOs to run effective organizations and mobilize resources for development work. Organizational Chart for your NGO Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement in NGOs Leadership Succession Plan for your NGO Human Resource Management System for NGOs Job Descriptions for NGO Staff Personnel… [Read More]
How to Get Core Funding?
What is core funding? Core funding is usually defined as financial support that covers basic “core” organizational and administrative costs of an NGO, including salaries of non-project staff, rent, equipment, utilities, and communications. Why is core funding important? Core funding is important for the long term financial sustainability of an NGO and its effective functioning…. [Read More]
How to research ideas before writing the Concept Note?
Before developing your program idea into a concept note, it is worthwhile to invest time and energy into conducting proper research. Research plays a vital role in enriching your concept note and brings depth to your writing too. Typically, you might need to put in some research on the following aspects: Context setting and needs… [Read More]
How Marketing and Communication Strategies can help NGOs achieve Fundraising Success?
Marketing mix is used as a tool by the managers to design marketing plans and to achieve desired results. It comprises of 4 Ps: Product, Place, Price, and Promotion. Drawing a parallel with NGOs: The Product for an NGO is the cause or idea it supports or a core programme or project. Price is the… [Read More]
How to establish Effective Governance in Your NGO?
The principles of good governance hold true in the dynamic environment the NGOs face today as the issues of accountability, transparency, responsibility, disclosure practices and organizational relationships among the board and stakeholders have come to the forefront in the case of NGOs. It is thus advisable for NGOs to follow good governance practices, to strengthen… [Read More]
What steps do NGOs need to follow to remain sustainable?
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 current use of the word implies something that continues for a long time. Steps to sustainability Before… [Read More]
What type of Project Titles Could impress a Donor?
Significance of a great project title: It gives a glimpse of the project described in the proposal It informs the donor about the project aim, location, focus and beneficiary (or need) A great title captures the donors’ attention with its uniqueness It makes your proposal memorable and keeps it on the top of donors’/ selectors’… [Read More]
What are the types of Scams NGOs should be aware of?
False Promise of Grant Funding or Award to NGOs This 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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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 yourself Do not send an email to a donor without any introduction. Donors see… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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…. [Read More]
How can small NGOs manage their fundraising?
Here are some tips on how to manage fundraising. 1. Building Trust In 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 spending Don’t make payments or enter into commitments before the agreed contract start… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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:… [Read More]
What is Core Funding and How to Get it?
Core funding is usually defined as financial support that covers basic “core” organizational and administrative costs of an NGO, including salaries of non-project staff, rent, equipment, utilities, and communications. Core funding is sometimes called indirect funding, cost recovery, administrative cost, overhead, or unrestricted funding. Core funding should be understood as covering expenses that are required… [Read More]
How does membership for supporters in your charity organisation is Beneficial?
In a charity organisation, membership can be of various forms. It also depends on the structure of the organisation. In some cases, membership is referred to as trustee and in others as supporters. Having membership for supporters is beneficial in various ways. These ways are discussed in this video, hope you will like it!
I am a young innovator from Canada who has ideas that could tackle environmental issues, to which program shall I look forward to?
Hi, you can apply for the Youth Impact Challenge 2021, a competition for young innovators who have ideas that tackle environmental or social issues. The Youth Impact Challenge is your opportunity to develop your ideas for #whattheworldneeds. What are the Benefits of this program? Youth Impact Challenge 2021 will: Give out $80,000+ in prizes for ideas that tackle environmental OR social… [Read More]
Which consolidation fund grant program is available for MENA-based cultural and artistic organisations?
The Fanak Fund is currently accepting applications for the Zodeh – Consolidation Fund Grant Program. This programme aims at consolidating cultural and artistic organisations and/or artists collectives operating in the Arab-speaking and Middle Eastern region including Turkey and Persian speaking countries, and developing local projects (venues, networks, platforms). Funding Information Applications can be made in the name of… [Read More]
Is there any award that recognizes Innovation in Nature Conservation?
Hi yes, there is. The nomination for the 2nd iteration of the 2021 Pathfinder Award for Innovation in Nature Conservation is open. The Pathfinder Award is designed to recognize outstanding solutions for protected and conserved areas developed and implemented by individuals, organizations, or groups. The 2021 Pathfinder Award seeks initiatives focused on sites with innovative,… [Read More]
How to set up a Recurring Giving Program?
A recurring giving program is a donation program wherein your donors can set up an automatic debit of a chosen amount on a fixed frequency- biweekly, monthly, quarterly or annual. A recurring giving program can help you generate a steady revenue stream, less dependence on a few big donors, and build an engaged and connected… [Read More]
What are some qualities of a good concept note?
A good concept note must explain the entire project idea, objectives, strategies and plan of action in a clear and concise manner. Here are the key characteristics of a good concept note, and things one should keep in mind: Concise and Coherent: A concept note covers all the key sections of a proposal, but in… [Read More]
