Being a successful fundraiser is difficult for every NGO as it is. But it is the most difficult for brand-new NGOs since most donors only want to collaborate with organizations that already have a track record of successful collaborations. It resembles job applications: Employers want you to have experience, but to get the experience you need a job, which you don´t get if you don´t have experience – a vicious circle that does not seem to have an end to it. There are two ways to get around this for small and new NGOs, though, that make it easier to get funding and to break into the world of grants. In this article, we will give you an idea of what you have to do to be a successful fundraiser even if your NGO cannot show a long record of successful cooperations.
Sometimes it is difficult to understand and accept for new NGOs that donors prefer to work with organizations that have been established for a long time. New ideas and initiatives might be just as good as old ones and deserve a chance. At the same time, donors have to make responsible decisions about their money. In their view, it is much safer to work with NGOs that have already shown that their ability to deliver on their promises. This is why they prefer NGOs they have a working history with or that can present evidence for their past work.
One way to work around this is to enter partnerships with NGOs that have been established a while ago and have experiences with grants. This way, you can benefit from the track record these NGOs built but still implement your own ideas and projects. While this system is very good to convince donors of your trustworthiness, it is also a great way for your own organization to learn from more experienced ones.
Your partner can be an NGO that works in the same field or in the same geographical area as you do. Of course, a partner organization will also want to benefit from the partnership, so think of ways that both of you can get something out of it before proposing a cooperation. Also, follow a certain set of rules to make sure that your partnership is fruitful. Applying for joint grants is a great way to make yourself known and set your first steps in the fundraising world.
If you are just starting work with your brand-new NGO, starting with very small grants is a good idea. Small grants generally do not exceed 5000 to 20000 USD and are also called seed-funding. While many of the big donors expect their grantees to have a lot of experience and to be in the position to fulfill all requirements without problems, mall-grants-donors are typically much more understanding. They know that a new NGO will not have references or the perfect management system in place, so it is a very good way to start with a small project and build on this in the future. You thereby get access to funding – albeit a small amount in the beginning – and have the opportunity to learn and grow with your organization.
These two ways are great entries in the fundraising world. It allows for the collection of experiences on the one hand, and to show your reliability as a partner further down the road. If you keep trying and working hard, bigger donors will eventually be willing to support your work too.
Eva is based in Germany and has worked for nearly a decade with NGOs on the grassroots level in Nepal in the field of capacity development and promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. Before that, she worked in South America and Europe with different organizations. She holds a Ph.D. in geography and her field of research was sustainability and inclusion in development projects.
Hello my name is Archana Pun. I am planning to start an NGO that is volunteer based. But I don’t know where to start. Can you help me with general idea. Thank you Eva.
Hello Archana,
congratulations for starting an NGO and all the best for the future. Maybe you can find some more pointers in this article about how to start an NGO: http://helpfindschool.com/prop/proposals/other-applications/how-to-start-an-ngo/
Hello Archana. My name is Eric. I have a new brand NGO here in Tanzania Africa. Please let us communicate on how we can work together.
Thank you.
Whatsapp+255 766 013159
Email:- activevoicetz1@gmail.com
Dear Sir/Madam.
This is a greeting letter to you from Tiruzer Ethiopia for Africa (TEA). TEA is a local Non-governmental Organization (NGO) established in 2009 and registered as an Ethiopian charity organization in accordance with the Charities and Societies Proclamation No. 621/2009 with registration number 2717 to work towards improving the socioeconomic situation of children, youth, women, disabled and marginalized communities through creating access of education, One health (Human, Animal and environmental Health, clean water, youth, and women empowerment, livelihood and food-security etc. These developmental activities focused to bring a change down at the grassroots’ community level through integrated development approach. Thus, TEA would like to share the over all goal and objectives, thematic areas, target groups and other information by in our profile document. We think that this information will enable you, your organization and your closed charities fundraiser persons to have a clue about TEA.
Finally, TEA as a development agent would like to thank for the time you spent to visit the profile.
Sir/Madam, Our organization have lack of finance to implement different community development programs in Emerging regions of Ethiopia and Africa. To solve this problem We are highly interested to work with you , your organization and other fundraiser guys by arranging any working modality in fundraising, opening new coordination office in your country & consultancy services. Please don’t hesitate to ask further clarification and information.
Thank you for your positive response.
“By working together strengthen our friendship and partnership to bring a better life for the disadvantageous communities”
Yonas Mamo
Founder and Executive Director
Dear Yonas Mamo:
Unfortunately, we are not a funding organization. If you have any specific questions about proposals please feel free to write to us and we may be able to answer in a new article.
We wish success for all the projects of Tiruzer Ethiopia for Africa (TEA).
Am a brand new NGO thats looking for funds for
Dear Judit: We are not a funding organization and do not provide grants. We are a social enterprise that provides a platform to connect you with expert advice on proposal writing to get your amazing projects funded.
Please check out the many resources available on our site.
Thank you!
Hi Eva
Am a brand new NGO tht is looking for funds pliz help you can follow us on Facebook Judith Bwire foundation
Hello Judith,
congratulations to starting an NGO. Every two months we run a likathon on our facebook page, make sure to take part in that next time to network with other NGOs.
Thank you Prof. Eva for the useful insights especially with tips for newly starting organisations, mine is a counselling firm based in Uganda and here counselling funding is minimal yet people need the services how CAN I GET ACCESS to international partners where counselling is highly recognized.
Hello,
thank you very much for reaching out. We are not a grant giving organization though. If you are looking for further calls for applications, please check https://www2.fundsforngos.org/
Thank you Eva, for the information it is so helpful to some of us who are new to humanitarian world of fundraising and proposal writing. it is not easy when you are starting the CBOs or Ngos and with this guide article. you have done your best. much appreciated
Hi Dear,
We are Save Humanity Trust From pakistan
Hi Respected Sir/Madam
We are Save Humanity Trust.
Our Non-profit organisation supports Homeless and needy people.
We Run and Educational Institute with No charges to support children from age 7 years to 24 years.
We provide them Home, Education & Food
Now we are supporting 155 persons including students and Staff.
All this possible because of you people who support Humanity Love Humanity Trust Humanity and Respect Humanity
At this platform this is our First Experience.
We hope you All people will help support and will trust us with great hearts and with Noble Nature.
Regards
Save Humanity Trust
hi everyone, i just started a nonprofit organisation and i need help in fundraising the funds as you know its hard when you are just starting. with me even small grants will help.
with your help and support will not be at the same level but move to the next level.
Rev kelvin
Hello There
do you assist NGOs in Ghana?
Dear Andy:
Unfortunately, proposalsforNGOs is an online site and does not organize international training. However, we will be publishing all of our expert advice daily on this site. So, subscribe to our newsletter and check back regularly for more free resources!
How can we get support and raise funds for 4years old NGO called Healthy Christians Initiative Ghana ? we focus adolescents education and their health . And also aged with support them in terms of clothing and healthcare .
Actually I have a small welfare organization at my village base and we are trying to help poor people of our village but we don’t have enough money to help more people we are 8 members in this organization so pls guide us and help us thanks masood khan
Dear Masood:
Unfortunately, We are not a funding organization and do not provide grants. We are a social enterprise that provides a platform to connect you with expert advice on proposal writing to get your amazing projects funded.
Please check out the many resources available on our site to help you on creating a fundraising strategy.
Thank you!
Our ngo is badly in need of money as to continue with our project work on tribal villagers and other backward classes health checkup, women empowerment, children’s educational grooming, and development of cultivation. All documents are ready for the matter along with project report also