Update to Indian NGO Bright Spots Report reveals important lessons learned for fundraising during the pandemic
Morry Rao
Morry Rao
Much has changed since we published this report on best practices in fundraising from individuals in 2020. The pandemic has upended traditional methods of engaging donors, making it difficult if not impossible to meet in person (which is one of the most effective ways of asking for money). The past two years have been very tough on India’s nonprofit sector to say the least.
What has it been like to fundraise during a global pandemic?
What’s been different, what has stayed the same, and what will endure once this is all over?
We checked back with our Fundraising ‘Bright Spot’ organizations to see how they have fared. Interestingly enough, this challenging period of lockdowns and shifts in philanthropy towards pandemic response has made these exemplary NGOs more creative and resilient in their fundraising efforts. There is still much to learn from their example!
We have updated our 2020 report with new information about how to go about diversifying your funding and building your base of donors in a post-pandemic (or COVID-19 endemic) world. We’ve even added a new Guiding Principle that you can use to leverage the latest technology to acquire new givers. Please take a look at the update, and feel free to share any information that you think would be helpful as well. There is much to learn from each other!
Wishing you great success in your fundraising journey!
Morry Rao
FAQ on CSR Rules, Amendment 2022
How do companies who have given a one-time grant to NGOs account for unspent CSR funds?
- If companies have provided “One time grant” to the NGOs, that grant has to be spent within one financial year by the NGO.
- If the project does not stretch over the financial year. These projects can be categorised under “other than ongoing projects” in the annual action plan.
- Under the annual action plan, the CSR Committee of the company is required to provide modalities for utilisation of funds.
- The CSR Committee shall recommend to the Board on budget allocation for any CSR project including modalities of utilisation of funds in every project.
- Funds allocated to such
Samhita
The REVIVE Alliance was set up with the mission of creating economic opportunities for vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the Alliance
A coalition to create a Better Normal for India
Women@Work is a coalition
Samhita’s Collection of Stories of Change
Imagine a day when women in our country will have absolute agency to take decisions in their personal life and to flourish professionally. Imagine a day when access to quality medical-facilities will not be a luxury reserved for the elite. Imagine a day when India
CSR Trends & Opportunities in India: 2021
Samhita has conducted a CSR research study in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which coordinates Official Development Assistance for the government of Japan. JICA assists economic and social growth in developing countries, along with promoting international cooperation.
This research report on ‘CSR trends and opportunities in India
5 post-COVID trends from Indian entrepreneurs
India’s MSME sector contributes to nearly one-third of its GDP. However, the sector is particularly vulnerable to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic because they typically have fewer resources than large businesses.
The World Economic Forum conducted a study with 107 Indian entrepreneurs to understand how they have navigated the pandemic and found five prominent trends in their businesses.
Among these trends is a significant rise in social entrepreneurship in India and an emergence of support structures for small businesses. Samhita-CGF’s REVIVE Alliance is one such facility that is utilising blended and grant-based financing models to support informal sector entrepreneurs during the pandemic.
Bringing humanity to the boardroom
In 2014, India became the
FAQs On The CSR Law Amendments 2021
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, on 22nd January 2021, updated the Companies Corporate Social Responsibility Rules. These CSR law amendments bring several significant changes to the national CSR policy including an increased focus on impact assessment, decriminalisation of non-compliance, greater inclusion of international organizations, and provisions altering the guidelines for management of excess funds and surplus expenditures.
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the CSR Amendment Rules 2021:
What activities qualify as CSR activities?
According to the latest amendment, the following expenditure will now be included in the list of CSR activities:
- Research & development of new vaccines, medication, and medical devices related to COVID-19 in the firm
Impact Assessments are top priority
On January 22, 2021, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs amended the earlier CSR Rules of 2014 and notified the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules 2021, to make impact assessment mandatory for companies undertaking CSR activities and CSR expenditure above a specified threshold. The move aims to create accurate parameters in assessing the impact of CSR activities by shifting the focus from expenditure alone to impact assessment, and improve the quality of CSR projects while enhancing accountability and transparency.
This FAQ is a result of collaboration between Samhita & Centre For Advancement of Philanthropy. It has been written with the guidance of Noshir Dadrawala
Following are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about impact assessment:
Q1. What is the need for impact assessment?
Impact assessments help funders, grant-makers and companies to understand and evaluate the impact of their social investments in programmes and projects on their target beneficiaries or society. The findings of an assessment also help funders and companies to make evidence-based decisions in implementation and identify hurdles, allowing for programme continuity, scale, sustainability, efficiency, etc.
Q2. Do all companies need to conduct impact assessments?
According to the January 2021 amendment, impact assessment is mandatory for companies with a CSR budget of INR 10 crore or more in any fiscal year and all projects with outlays of INR 1 crore or more. These impact assessments must be undertaken by an independent agency.
However, it is suggested as best practise that impact assessment be undertaken for all projects as standard procedure,. Especially long term projects.
Q3. According to the new amendment, when must companies undertake impact assessments?
At least one year after programme implementation is complete.
Q4. If a company has a multi-year project, should the impact assessment be carried out after completion of the project?
Yes. As per Rule No. 8, if companies have multi-year programmes (say 3 years), impact assessment needs to be conducted after completion of three years of the programme. Additionally, a follow up assessment needs to be conducted one year after the completion of the programme to better understand the programme
