Numerous organizations have many incredible ideas which have huge potential to help underprivileged people especially those residing in developing countries. Thus, NGOs are not excluded from the reality that to achieve goals and initiatives, funds are necessary.
1. Apply for Grant Money
For most NGOs, applying for grants for NGOs in developing countries is one of the initiatives they have. These grants are usually provided by government agencies, private entities, non-profit institutions, and philanthropic foundations. When applying for grants, one must always make sure that they are eligible for the particular grant. There are many grants available and each grant have different focus areas and their own set of deadlines. Deadlines for these grants must be taken seriously, as well as all the instructions given in the application process. One slight error can ruin your chances of receiving a grant. Always remember that a grant is practically like free money and hence you have a ton of competition. Grant funding agencies will have more reasons to decline you so be very careful.
2. Find a Strategic Location
At times, to be known by the public which can bring about more donations, your location will matter. Strategically place yourself in an area which will attract and interest people to inquire and eventually donate. This way, it will also be easier to eventually reach out to potential participants for various fundraising events.
3. Use a Crowdfunding Platform
Crowdfunding has gained popularity over the years as it has enabled both organizations and individuals to get donations. Crowdfunding platforms allows communities to donate money in the amounts they are able to give. The best way to succeed in this type of platform is to use social media to reach a wide range of individuals and possibly even organizations. Strategic and creative ideas would be to have a video statement alongside captions which are clear on the initiatives and potential beneficiaries. Although in crowdfunding, your target will be to reach as many people as possible, don’t forget about the possibility of grant funding agencies to come across this as well.
Another idea would be to offer small products or incentives to those who donate a certain amount. This may encourage some people to donate more but still gives all individuals the option on how much they’re going to give.
4. Sell Products Made by Beneficiaries
Grants for developing countries take a lot of time and effort to receive but that doesn’t mean there are no other ways to raise sufficient funds for NGOs. Another idea would be selling products crafted by past or present beneficiaries. Projects such as weaving, cross stitch, bracelet-making and the likes can be a small business for the people in areas aided by your NGO in the past. You can come up with an arrangement wherein these beneficiaries could be employed by your NGO to craft certain products to be sold to people who wish to donate. The money earned through selling the products can be used for further development in the area or if your NGO has already targeted another area.
Through this, you are able to gain funds, give your beneficiaries livelihood, and also share your platforms to the public who are consuming the products.
In some way, garnering enough funds could be just as challenging as planning and implementing projects. Thus, such ideas shouldn’t be going to waste simply because of the difficulty experienced in acquiring grants. Above, we have listed a number of ways to acquire funds for the projects which deserve to be given attention to given the number of underprivileged communities present today.
