Update to Indian NGO Bright Spots Report reveals important lessons learned for fundraising during the pandemic

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 Hermón, MPA
Director of Philanthropy, UC Berkeley 
Fulbright-Nehru US Senior Scholar to India 2020-2023 
Academic and Professional Excellence Award
email: morryhermon@berkeley.edu

P.S. If you’re in the Mumbai area, please join me on Monday, April 4th, 2022 at the Mumbai Cricket Association Recreation Club for a free half-day  workshop on Fundraising from Individuals in a post-Pandemic World: Lessons from the Field. Come meet the “Bright Spot” organization frontline fundraisers in-person at this masterclass featuring a panel discussion on diaspora fundraising, as well as guest presenters Suman Srivastava on Conveying Impact through Powerful Storytelling, and Noshir Dadrawala on Adhering to Compliance Norms.You won’t want to miss it! 

Samhita’s Report on Social Stock Exchanges from 7 Countries

Samhita recently conducted a study of SSE’s in 7 countries to evaluate its importance in India

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the creation of the ‘Social Stock Exchange’ which is widely perceived to be a game changer in the social impact segment.

According to Samhita’s report, SSE holds the potential of becoming an agent of change for civil society. It can theoretically unlock new capital, promote equity, introduce new instruments for donors to fund operations, streamline regulations and create an ecosystem of enabling frameworks for civil society.

But on the other hand the report also lays down the risks such as duplicating the operations of a conventional stock exchange, segmenting or further exacerbating inequalities within and between sectors, and failing to create a strong culture of giving. Stakeholders must create a representative that incorporates the concerns and wisdom of civil society and social organisations.

An SSE can be a means for the markets to serve the society; not for society to serve the markets.

Future of Pharmacies: Creating a Better Normal for Community Health

Pharmacies lie at the intersection of the healthcare ecosystem and the small enterprise community, both of which have come under unimaginable strain since March 2020.

Samhita, Cipla and NIIF have collaborated to tap into the enormous potential of pharmacists as a key driver of community healthcare in the country.
As a first step, Samhita and Cipla surveyed 1,141 pharmacies, spanning towns and cities across all tiers of India to understand the challenges and underlying needs of pharmacists, and the support they require to facilitate better community health. The study was shaped by the insights of Nachiket Mor, PhD.

Based on insights from the report, Samhita has partnered with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and DigiHealth to undertake a pilot project with 220 pharmacies in Mumbai and Pune regions.

As part of this pilot:

  1. A BP Monitor and weighing scale would be provided to pharmacists to carry out a screening of walk-in customers and spread awareness on hypertension, including symptoms, treatment and required lifestyle changes 
  2. Customers would be provided access to teleconsultation at the pharmacy (or through the digihealth app to be accessed via the customer’s smartphone) with doctors
  3. Digihealth, through its mobile app and pharmacy network, would nudge communities and individuals to avail testing and follow-up on their conditions

To know more about the report and project or to partner with us, please connect with us at marcom@dev.samhita.org