Impact is not limited to big philanthropy

Today the term “impact” is used rather loosely by both donor and recipient organisations. More often than not the term is used in proposals and reports just to let the term “impact” make an impact on the reader. 

Of course, as we all know, having social or developmental impact is the result of a deliberate set of activities with clear and definite goals around this definition. 

It’s critical to clearly differentiate between the broad term ‘impact’ and a more deliberate definition of social impact. 

Impact on its own implies an influence or effect on virtually anything, given its context. 

Social or Developmental impact however, is grounded in the effect it has on a pressing social challenge.

We are pleased to carry on our Blog, key insights from an article titled, “Impact is not limited to big philanthropy” written by CAP’s Board Member, Mrs. Rati F Forbes and which was originally published on India Development Review (IDR). 

One may read her original by clicking on the following link:

http://idronline.org/impact-not-limited-big-philanthropy

Rati’s article is a reflection of her leadership in the field of philanthropy. She validates the maxim that leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s not about her being a Director at the Forbes Marshall Group. It is about her full-time devotion to the 'Social Initiatives' of her group companies and giving the corporate foundation which she heads a clear and strategic direction. If leadership is about impact, influence and inspiration, Rati has demonstrates by example how impact involves getting results and how she influences and inspires peers by spreading her passion for philanthropy.

When Rati thinks back to the beginning of her giving journey, she states: “I think about how I really didn’t know where to start, or how to best embark on it. I read about and researched causes that interested me and those that seemed the most essential to give to; I spoke to founders of nonprofit organisations and accompanied them on site visits; and I tried to meet others working in this area by attending as many seminars and conferences as I could.”

Part of her research involved reading articles and books written about Indian and foreign philanthropists who had been recognized and feted for their giving. And, then she comes out with an admission which many of us would resonate with: “Truth to tell, instead of being inspired by these stories of large-scale individual giving, I was scared and overwhelmed. The more I read, the more it seemed as if only giving away crores of rupees of personal wealth could lead to significant impact. It also seemed as if the most vital causes to give to were enormous ones such as the eradication of a disease, or large-scale education efforts.”

Rati speaks about lack of supporting infrastructure for smaller givers but on a more positive note she is very clear and emphatic in stating that the development ecosystem needs a variety of givers and, very possibly, the combined effort of a thoughtful group of ‘smaller givers’—people giving INR 5 to 25 lakh per year — can have the same impact as one larger donor.

Based on her giving journey, Rati shares the following wisdom and insight with readers at IDR.

• Identify a cause that resonates with you. Smaller amounts, when given smartly, can make a larger impact. That’s why it’s best that first-time philanthropists partner with a nonprofit.
• Build a long-term association with a nonprofit. Once you choose a nonprofit, invest in building a partnership. It is important that you embark on this journey together, so take the time to have conversations and understand the real needs of the organisation you are getting associated with.
• Think about sustainability. Every contribution can’t have an element of sustainability, but many can.
• Collaborate. Impact can be stronger and can have greater reach when giving is done in a collaborative mode.

We once again that India Development Review (IDR) for permitting us to carry highlights of Rati’s article and we also remind readers to read the full text of her original article by clicking on the following link: 

http://idronline.org/impact-not-limited-big-philanthropy

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NGO version of Frank Sinatra’s “I did it my way …”

…. And, so, here is an NGO version of Frank Sinatra’s “I did it my way …” 

And now, the grant is over

And so I face my annual challenge

My friend, I'll say it clear

I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's not viewed as “impactful”

I've travelled each and every district

But more, much more than this

I couldn’t do it my donor’s way

Regrets, I've had many

But then again, joys a few to mention

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without tax exemption

I carefully planned each course

Each careful step along the foundation’s way

But more, much more than this

I couldn’t do it my donor’s way 

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew

When I bit off more on admin than on program

But through it all, when there was doubt

My Board ate me up and my funder spit me out

I faced it all and I stood small

And did it my funder’s way

I've tried strategy, scale and impact

Yet had my fill, my share of losing

And now, as tears subside

I find it hardly amusing

To think I did all that

And may I say - not in my way

Oh no, oh no, not me

I could never do it my way

For what is a man, what has he got

If not himself, then he has naught

To say the things he truly feels to the donor

And not the words of one who kneels

The record shows I took the blows

But, still could not do it my donor’s way

Yes, it was seldom my way .....

Noshir H. Dadrawala

(With apologies to my all time favourite vocalist Frank Sinatra .... I am sure he too would empathise)

The Sustainability Plan – What's Your Plan?

There is no universally agreed definition on what sustainability means. There are many different views on what it is and how it can be achieved. It is often said a sustainable NGO is a non-governmental organisation that has the ability to survive over a long period of time and at the same time has the ability to effectively fulfill its mission. We asked a few NGOs their thoughts on sustainability.

GETTING STARTED

The first thing to do is a self survey. As yourselves some crucial questions.

What is the main purpose of our organization? What is our mission? What is our vision? - A consistent communication and path is primary.

What are the community’s needs and how are they evolving? How well does our mission align with those needs? - To continue making impact and remain sustainable be aware of the community's dynamic needs and are you evolving as an organisation to meet their needs.

What are we trying to accomplish by maintaining our programs or services? - Ensure you are making the most effective use of available resources by asking how else your goals might be accomplished. This may help you in taking an outcome-oriented approach to providing services; having concrete results to show to prospective donors.

Do we fill a gap in services?  - NGOs don't sell products to clients but instead their programmes to funders.

How many and what kinds of people, with what skills, do we need to run our programs and services?  - Make a fair assessment of the need for staff, volunteers and making sure they are not stretched.

Collaborate - It’s almost impossible to meet all of your beneficiaries needs. Working with project partners who offer complementary services enables you to enhance your outreach efforts through the referral process.

BUILD YOUR CASE FOR SUPPORT

Building a case for support is like advertising. You must communicate your cause in a way that attracts the donor's interest. Your “case” is the communication that you use to “sell” your organisation to them. To make sure your case is effective you need to have a thorough understanding of your  organization’s purpose and contributions to the community. No matter how effective your organisation is in fulfilling its mission, you will fail to find adequate donor support unless you develop and communicate an effective message.

An effective Case for Support should include -

• effective identification and articulation of the problem
• your organisation's purpose and solution to that problem
• your vision for that solution & how you plan to achieve it,
• support and resources you will need

Remember to present it in a way that the donor is moved to support it. Tell them how important their support is to you and those you serve and that by supporting the organization, they are making a difference to the community. Don't make the problem so large that they feel that their assistance won't really help. Most importantly remember to mention how you plan to track and evaluate your progress and communicate back to them how their money is effectively spent.

ENSURING SUSTAINABILITY

Many NGOs have the expectation that current sources of revenue will remain consistent. One of the best ways to sustain your organisation is to expand your potential revenue sources through developing a vast number of resources. Support your sustainability plan by going beyond the financial support received.

Financial resources are any NGO's target, but in-kind contributions can help to offset expenses or improve organisational effectiveness.

Target  donors for other services that fit into the overheads and which require specialised expertise which NGOs often can’t afford such as marketing assistance, venues to hold events, printing of stationary etc. 

Build an effective volunteer team to support staff and cut down on your recruitment costs.

Cultivate relationships with donors, volunteers all stakeholders such that they bond with the organisation and the cause enough to spread the word and bring in more resources and goodwill through their networks

Develop earned income strategies to ensure a reliable source of income such as fees for services, renting out space. 

To understand what we offer through our Capacity Building programmes do contact us at connect@capindia.in

5 Bollywood Songs That Secretly Inspired The United Nations

The theme for our latest CAP newsmagazine is Sustainability. While the articles spoke of how NGOs should fund-raise, cut costs, manage staff - this article is a great break from the mundane issues and the daily stress that NGOs focus on.Thank you Abhishek Thakore.

CAP member Abhishek Thakore - (co-founder of The Blue Ribbon Movement) and a regular contributor to the magazine makes us think about something we probably haven't.Long before Sustainability was the rage, Bollywood was already singing about it!

Don’t believe it?

Featuring Sustainability Sangeet, i.e., songs that (may) have inspired the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

 

Clearly, Bollywood has been playing its role in inspiring people to live sustainability long before any international body thought about it!