Category: Local Action Events

Established in 1981 in East Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India, Bethany Society is a non-profit with its mission revolving around creating opportunities for persons with disabilities and the rural poor. Recognizing that impactful work requires sustained financial support, Bethany Society enthusiastically embraced the Local Fundraising training organized by Smile Foundation.

The culmination of these efforts was evident during Bethany Society’s Festival of Inclusion, where the organization reaped the benefits of its newfound fundraising acumen. The festival not only served as a platform for celebrating achievements but also as a testament to the transformative power of strategic fundraising in sustaining impactful initiatives.

SICHREM, the South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring, is striving to make human rights a household concept, by empowering underprivileged groups of dalits, tribals, women, children, and minorities.

When they needed funds to start 50 Children Rights Education Clubs for children in government schools in different parts of Bangalore, they applied the knowledge and capacities acquired during a Change the Game Academy local fundraising training conducted by Smile Foundation and developed a fundraising plan.

The resultant fundraising plan devised by SICHREM showcased a holistic approach, encompassing individual and corporate fundraising endeavors. Additionally, the organization strategically positioned itself by participating in a widely recognized annual run, leveraging the event’s visibility to garner support and contributions.

Smile Foundation, under its Empowering Grassroots initiative, equipped Action for Women and Rural Development (AWARD) with essential practices and skills for local fundraising. AWARD is dedicated to transformative work in Satara, Sangli, and Raigad districts of Maharashtra, focusing on sustainable agriculture, Adivasi community livelihoods, water conservation, sanitation, kitchen gardens, women empowerment, and environmental education in schools.

The training and mentoring received under the ’empowering grassroots’ programme of Smile Foundation guided AWARD to organize a food fair in Satara district, allowing visitors to support their cause while enjoying the local produce. Along with supporting AWARD in increasing their donor base, the event also facilitated meaningful communication and strengthened ties with the local community.