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… [Read More]
How shall I effectively conduct grant research for my cause?
Researching for grants needs to be conducted in a strategic manner. There is no shortcut approach to guide you through this, but there are some key aspects you need to consider to make it strategic. Here are the key considerations to look for to help you with this process- let us call them the 4… [Read More]
What are the questions that need to be answered while assessing an opportunity?
Questions that are to be answered when assessing the opportunity: Do you have enough time for preparing and submitting the proposal? This is an important question to be answered, and in case the answer is negative, you better look at another opportunity. Proposal writing needs time, and if there is a grant opportunity, that you… [Read More]
How NGOs can avoid falling for phishing emails?
Phishing emails are one of the most common ways to dupe NGOs with false promises of grant money offered by unknown individuals. Here are some tips on how NGOs can avoid falling into phishing email traps. Do not expose your email: Online scammers hunt for your emails everywhere. Unfortunately, these scammers even pay some individuals… [Read More]
How to develop the “Leadership Succession Plan” for an NGO?
A “Leadership Succession Plan” may sound irrelevant for many NGOs in developing countries because these organizations do not visualize their future beyond projects. But now as time moves ahead and first-generation leaders have to hand over responsibilities to the second generation for continuing the services of the organization, it is important to have a “Leadership Succession Plan.” Watch this video… [Read More]
What are the leadership qualities that a modern NGO professional should possess?
There are certain qualities that NGO professionals must possess in order to make a mark in their work, while also motivating their team to work for the betterment of the communities they serve. Here, we discuss some of these qualities: Effective communicators Effective leaders are always good communicators, so is true in the case of… [Read More]
How can NGOs ensure that they achieve programmatic sustainability?
Below are some steps for achieving programmatic sustainability Community involvement: involving the community is the key to have long term impacts from any projects. Make sure that your project involves the community at various stages, this will give them ownership of the project and there are high chances that they may continue with some project… [Read More]
How to Research and Identify New Donors for your NGO?
We are sure you understand the reasons why your NGO both needs and merits funding – to further its mission and values, to run and implement the programs and projects, to plan for future programs, to ensure you hire and retain your amazing staff, and to spread the word about your work. But as the core competency… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
How to organize special events to raise funds for your NGO?
Fundraising strategies that were effective a decade back cannot be put to use today, and therefore NGOs should update themselves to cope with changing fundraising techniques and methods. As an NGO practitioner you might be well accustomed to raising funds through proposal writing, door-to-door collections, corporate partnerships, direct calls, etc., but these days there is a… [Read More]
What is a Non-Governmental Organization?
Historical records suggest that the term Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) came in to use in 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… [Read More]
How has the Covid-19 impacted the strategies of NGOs and Donor Agencies?
NGOs and donor agencies went through the shock during the Covid-19 Pandemic and are now introspecting new ways to work for the communities. In fact, their responsibilities have now increased more than ever as they need to address the unexpected challenges arising out of the pandemic. Challenges such as the increased poverty rate, high level… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
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… [Read More]
How to Create a Communications Plan for Your NGO?
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… [Read More]
What are the ways to achieve Institutional and Organizational Sustainability?
Explore new opportunities: Keep a flexible approach while looking for new opportunities you may have to modify your priorities to adopt to changes. Develop new partnerships: To develop a sustainable organization you should develop new partnerships. These partnerships will make you stable and will also help you in taking your mission ahead. Boost existing relations:… [Read More]
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 members Criteria for selection of Board members… [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 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 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… [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]
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 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]
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 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]
How can your Volunteers help you in raising funds?
As a non-profit organization, you might have come across many passionate individuals, ardent supporters, and advocates for your cause, who have supported or continue to support your organization. These people devote their time, knowledge, and passion for your cause as ‘volunteers’. Volunteers have been instrumental in achieving many organizational goals, by helping an organization do good… [Read More]
How to Research and Identify New Donors for your NGO?
We are sure you understand the reasons why your NGO both needs and merits funding – to further its mission and values, to run and implement the programs and projects, to plan for future programs, to ensure you hire and retain your amazing staff, and to spread the word about your work. But as the core competency… [Read More]
How to write the Articles of Incorporation for an NGO?
Articles of Incorporation provide the legal description to your NGO by establishing the organisation’s existence as per government rules. The articles of incorporation define your organisation’s purpose and describe 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… [Read More]
What should be the leadership qualities for Modern NGO Professionals?
NGO and development sector professionals work in difficult and challenging circumstances. With limited resources and continuously changing complex and dynamic situations, an NGO professional has to be on toes all the time to adapt to the environment. Working in this sector demands dynamic personalities, leadership qualities and management aptitude and skills. Do you have it… [Read More]
How can NGOs use ‘Facebook’ to ensure an ‘effective presence’?
Facebook is an important platform for non government organizations (NGOs), especially those in the developing world. As the developing world comes online, they do so through their mobile devices, and for them, the Internet is Facebook. For NGOs in the developing world, an effective presence on Facebook is becoming vital. It is a way to… [Read More]
How to organize special events to raise funds for your NGO?
Fundraising strategies that were effective a decade back cannot be put to use today, and therefore NGOs should update themselves to cope with changing fundraising techniques and methods. As an NGO practitioner you might be well accustomed to raising funds through proposal writing, door-to-door collections, corporate partnerships, direct calls, etc., but these days there is a… [Read More]
How can your Volunteers help you in raising funds?
Here are some ways in which volunteers can help you in raising funds for your organization: 1. Bringing in passion and enthusiasm: Volunteers are passionate people who are contributing their time towards a cause. This makes them special. They like to associate with your organization because of their passion, now it is up to you… [Read More]
How to thank donors in a powerful and cost-effective way?
Follow these tips for thanking your organization’s financial supporters. Act fast: Thank your donor at the first available opportunity using the most personable means at your disposal. If you can either thank them in person or pick up the phone to show your appreciation. Get the basics right: Some donors, especially international funders, expect certain… [Read More]
What mistakes to avoid if I am to impress a donor?
When you contact or meet a donor, 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 many emails that only contain a funding request similar to this one: “Can you fund our work… [Read More]
Why Organizational Chart is relevant for your NGO?
Organizational charts give a pictorial representation of the functioning styles of your NGO. It provides a graphic view of the hierarchical system and the levels of responsibility in an organization. It is relevant to present an organizational chart because it gives a quick, bird’s-eye view of the management structure of an NGO. Organizational charts are mostly found… [Read More]
How to write engaging case studies to demonstrate the impact of your work?
Here are a few tips on how to write engaging case studies to demonstrate the impact of your work: Start right: Set the pace of the case study right from the beginning. Start off at a very interesting note; create a mental image for the reader about the situation. Or, start with an emotionally engaging… [Read More]