Fundraising's 'Passage to India'

India is home to 18% of the world's 6.7 billion people and its economy has boomed with fast gross domestic product growth and strong domestic consumption. As its people develop the capacity to respond to new fundraising methodologies. Usha Menon, Executive Chairman, Management Centre Asia, investigates how international non-government organisations are fundraising in India.

The article that appeared in December-January issue of Fundraising & Philanthropy Australasia Magazine is on the link below

http://www.managementcentreasia.com/data/files/Asia/ushas_india_fr_article_dec_2011.pdf

Non-profits urge SAFRG to take central role in fundraising advocacy

At the just concluded 22nd South Asian Fund Raising Summit, the leading non-profits of South Asia urged SAFRG to take a central role in advocating for policy reforms related to fundraising.

The non-profit sector is raising funds under lots of disadvantages. The taxation laws in respect of accepting foreign currency donations are not very friendly. Besides, the laws that give greater incentives to donors and hence increase giving are a non-entity. Many other countries in the world have very supportive policies. Why does our government shy?

Recent TRAI- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India regulations on telecalling make it impossible for NGOs to raise money. Prior to Sept 2011 ruling, non-profits were exempt from embargo on calling. Now the commercial telecallers and NGO have been clubbed as one. This is very unfortunate. By one estimate NGOs raised close to INR 1000 million per year from telecalling. This is a big jolt to the sustainability of the sector. There is no one to listen to NGOs on this. Any effort to meet officials at TRAI fizzles out at the lower bureaucratic levels only.

Direct mailers used to be a successful source of raising money from general public. But right now the quality of postal services available in the region is very poor. Often, 40% of the mailers that NGOs send do not reach the addressees.

What NGO sector lacks is a representative body that advocates for the fundraising rights of the NGOs. The NGOs at the summit urged that SAFRG should play that role in bringing the sector together.

SAFRG has promised to soon call a meeting for all affected NGOs to chart the future course of action. More details on this space soon.

Asia's most awaited Fund Raising Summit is here!

The most awaited 22nd South Asian International Fund Raising Summit is finally happening on Dec 3-4, 2011 at India Islamic Cultural Center, New Delhi, India.

Like its previous editions it would be a great learning opportunity for the ones wanting know about fundraising. For advanced fundraisers there are special sessions on meeting challenges in fundraising.

More details on http://www.safrg.org

Scholarships in Fundraising for Grass Root NGOs

Very few scholarships are now available

for the very unique 

     Certificate Course in Fundraising and Communication  

conducted by

SAFRG Institute of Fundraising  

& Care and Concern Foundation.

Do not miss this opportunity. Call Ph: +91 11 25185110; Mob: (0)9540057641 (Vandana). Or send an email tocourse@safrg.org urgently. Scholarships available to deserving candidates registering within next 7 days only.

Highlights:

• You do actual fundraising for leading NGOs in India. Therefore you leave the course with practical fundraising experience.
• Course conducted by leading fundraisers who have raised funds for CRY, HelpAge, UNICEF, SOS Children's Villages, Charities Aid Foundation, Plan, Sight Savers and many other NGOs.
• Leading CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) practitioners would tell you what they look for in an NGO.
• You get the SAFRG certificate that is valued well within the NGO sector.
• For people wanting to start a career in fundraising there could be job opportunities
• Economical Paying Guest facility for outstation candidates

Course details:

• Duration- 20 days, Sept. 5-27, 2011, Mon-Sat, 9 am to 5 pm
• Course Fee: INR 27,000 (scholarships available for deserving candidates)
• Address of the Campus: J-1, Udyog Nagar, Peeragarhi, New Delhi – 110041, INDIA (near Peeraghari Metro Station, easily accessible by Merto from all parts of Delhi) 

"SAFRG is a think-tank on NGO sustainability. In the last 20 years thousands of people have benefited from courses conducted by it".

Fundraising course that focusses on practical than classroom training

Something not to be missed. Appears promising. The course provides opportunities to acutally raise funds for national and internationa NGOs.

More details on http://www.safrg.org/default.asp and http://www.safrg.org/uploads/SAFRGCCFCFlyerfinal.pdf

Smiling Hospital Foundation Of India

Is happiness only about buying a new dress, going to an exotic location, splurging on material things? Take a pause …..there’s more to life …..happiness also comes from the smiling faces of these lovely , not so blessed , sick children . Thank God for the little mercies and the opportunity to put a smile on their sad faces . Thanks to Smiling Hospital Foundation of India for the magic show put up at Safdurjung Hospital , Delhi on 11^th June , 2011. ( Smiling Hospital Foundation of India) .

SAFRG is looking for a CEO

SAFRG- South Asian Fund Raising Group is looking for a CEO than can lead the fundraising think tank to future growth. Apply at the earliest by clicking on the link below.

http://devnetjobs.tripod.com/safrg-ceo-7june2011.html

COMPANIES WILL REQUIRE SHAREHOLDERS CONSENT FOR CSR ACTIVITIES

To check ad hocism and get more transparency in the system , companies may have to take approval from the shareholders for their philanthropic aspirations.The government has already initiated the process and the New Companies Bill may soon include this condition.

Follow the link below to know more on this

http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/PUBLICATIONS/HT/HD/2011/05/25/ArticleHtmls/Shareholder-approval-key-for-CSR-activities-25052011703002.shtml?Mode=1

Earth Hour in Manila, Philippines

Earth Hour is a global initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to show how individuals, communities, businesses and governments can address the threat of global warming by working as one. Earth Hour 2010 alone inspired over a billion people worldwide and an estimated 15 million Filipinos to switch off their lights for planet Earth. This year, with a re-invigorated logo and theme (60+), the new Earth Hour brand asks people what more they can do aside from switching off their lights on March 26, 2011, Saturday, 8:30PM – 9:30PM. It is a commitment to a lasting change. Currently, we’re asking people to help WWF go beyond the Earth Hour by donating.

The donation channels available for individuals are:

1. Earth Hour Donation Boxes. Earth Hour donation boxes are available in Greenbelt 5, Market! Market! and Glorietta 5. Each coin and bill dropped into the box will coax the building lights to be switched off. See attached pictures.
2. Text to Donate. You have your mobile phone with you? You can help!Text EHOUR to 5333 - to donate Php15 for Smart subscribers and Php20 for Globe subscribers and receive an MMS pictureText EHOUR ON to 5333 - to subscribe to the SMS information service and eco-friendly tips. Php 2.50/text. 3. Online Donation. We’re giving you the power to help while you are on your desk. Donate online by visiting www.wwf.org.ph/donate. Donations received shall help fund year-long information, communication and education drives on climate change that will start in April 2011.