In a room adorned with vibrant post-it notes on a white chart paper, representatives from seven grassroots non-profits gather with hopeful expressions. This marks the fifth day of their training, and their eyes shimmer with excitement as they present their fundraising event ideas. Among them, a dedicated duo from an Odisha-based organization working on children’s education shares their heartwarming plan – a fair filled with engaging activities and a special “wish tree” where their young beneficiaries can express their needs, and donors can fulfill these cherished wishes.
It’s incredible how this idea, born from love and compassion, can now serve as a powerful platform for their organization to raise funds. They had experimented with it before, but it was in this very training session, hosted by Smile Foundation, that they realize its potential as a heartwarming fundraising event. This kind of transformational realization is not uncommon among grassroots organizations. They often face challenges due to limited resources, lack of expertise, and constraints on time, making it challenging to focus on Local Fundraising (LFR).
Local Fundraising (LFR) Training of Empowering Grassroots (EG)
The LFR training, an empowering journey for grassroots organizations, organized by our Empowering Grassroots(EG) programme lasts for six days, followed by six months of coaching and mentoring. Participants conceptualize fundraising events tailor-made for their communities. This training equips them with the latest global fundraising methods and supports them in expanding their reach, visibility, and fundraising capabilities.
Pandemic and LFR Training
During the pandemic years, the significance of these trainings grew even more apparent. Grassroots organizations became the essential lifeline connecting communities with the government, especially in remote areas. As donors rallied to support Covid management efforts, accessing funding became easier. However, as a large portion of funds were redirected toward Covid relief, other crucial programs faced financial strains.
Non-profits had to adapt, stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing digital tools and innovative approaches to engage donors and sustain their vital work. Smile Foundation responded by shifting the training online, ensuring continuity. Zoom meetings brought together passionate participants with expert trainers, encouraging interactive learning through various activities. The pandemic became an opportunity for growth and expansion.
Take, for example, the inspiring story of Action for Women and Rural Development (AWARD) in Satara, Maharashtra. Participants of the online training held in 2021, AWARD organized a tribal and organic food festival, where local farmers showcased their fresh produce for sale. The event turned out to be a grand success, generating funds for AWARD and its beneficiaries. But its impact went beyond finances. It united different organizations and communities in the region, fostering solidarity and mutual support.
AWARD used the funds to train community members, empowering artisans to create beautiful bamboo baskets for sale. Now, these skillful artisans have their creations reaching out to the world. The model of fundraising became replicable, inspiring other groups to conduct their events. One of these groups even raised enough to register a piece of land – a life-changing achievement.
Building a Cohort
Throughout the training, a sense of camaraderie builds among the participants. They share experiences, and gaps in their processes, and seek advice from each other and the trainers. Bonds form, creating a support network they can rely on whenever they need it.
As the July 2023 training session came to an end, participants received their certificates with beaming pride. But for them, it’s just the beginning of a transformative journey towards self-reliance, where willing and able donors join hands to create a brighter future for all.
In the words of Manjusha from AWARD, “Don’t stop with just one LFR event, keep going and motivate others.” Her empowering journey serves as inspiration for the rest. There’s a renewed sense of confidence, as Arun from YCDA, Odisha, states, “After hearing her experience, I feel confident we can do it too. We now understand our planning better.”
In this heartwarming atmosphere, Pankaj from Vikalp Foundation, Bihar, shares his newfound wisdom, “We used to assume certain donors wouldn’t be interested in our work. But now, we keep our minds open and explore ways to engage them that are mutually beneficial.”
Transformation shall continue
These dedicated individuals have embarked on a life-changing path, transforming lives through the power of love and unity. This empowering journey will continue, leaving an indelible mark on their communities and beyond, supported by the heartwarming embrace of willing donors.
