"Our experience of partnering with FST has been very positive. FST seems to have a penchant for quality over quantity and that very well suit small NGOs like us…. the Foundation seems to possess the expertise needed to identify and zero in on programs that significantly enhance growth of individuals and communities in the region, especially those that have been pushed to the fringes of society. It is this knowledge of the ‘real’ Northeast coupled with an equally rare daring to respond creatively to specific needs that makes FST stand apart."
The region’s non-profit and civil society sector is dynamic and diverse. The sector has been a moving force and playing a key role in the political, social and economic development of the region. It however does not enjoy the wide support of the general public and suffer from low credibility and minimal government and private sector support as compared to their counterparts in other parts of the country.
Past experience, consultations and interactions have indicated that while most organisations are initiated by passion and a strong desire to do something for a cause, and make a change, it is often difficult to sustain the commitment and keep up the momentum and enthusiasm over time without help and support.
Some organisations do manage to access and tap funding from a range of sources that could include international donor agencies, trusts and foundations and even government (Central and State level) schemes and programmes. Many others find that the zeal for their work gets diffused along the way due to inadequate resources and support. These could be may be material, monetary or manpower resource.
FST in keeping with its mission of enabling north east India felt that there is a strong need for understanding the professional fundraising and resource mobilization techniques and associated good practices of transparency and credibility, particularly among the smaller and younger organisations so that they can prepare a strategy that is appropriate and relevant to their situation.
FST has tied up with Resource Alliance, a renowned international organisation with a strong presence in India and a mission to build capacities for fundraising of the non profit sector worldwide.
FST’s collaboration with Resource Alliance and its India NGO Awards programme with the Nand and Jeet Khemka Foundation to organise a two-day workshop on fundraising and communication is aimed at building awareness and capacity on the various parameters - resource mobilisation, communication, governance and financial management.
