Report on Virtual Session: Fund Raising and Resource Mobilization under the Access Project

Date: [21 February, 2025]
Time: [10:30 AM to 12:30 PM]
Platform: [ Microsoft Teams]
Facilitator: Mr. Bharat Man Shrestha, Deputy Country Director at PIN Nepal
Participants: [Seventy Three] representatives from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

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Introduction

On [21 February, 2025], a virtual session on Fund Raising and Resource Mobilization was conducted as part of the institutional capacity strengthening initiative under the Access Project. The session aimed to share key findings from an assessment conducted by a selected organization and to provide insights into effective strategies for enhancing fundraising and resource mobilization efforts among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Objectives of the Session

1. To present the key findings from the assessment on fundraising and resource mobilization.
2. To discuss the relevance of these findings for CSOs in enhancing their capacity.
3. To provide practical strategies and tools for effective fundraising and resource mobilization.
4. To foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants.

Key Findings from the Assessment

Mr. Bharat Man Shrestha facilitated the session, presenting the key findings from the assessment conducted by the selected organization. The findings highlighted several critical areas:

1. Current Landscape of Fundraising:
   1. Many CSOs are heavily reliant on a limited number of funding sources, which poses a risk to sustainability.
   1. There is a growing trend towards digital fundraising, yet many organizations lack the necessary skills and tools.
2. Capacity Gaps:
   1. A significant number of CSOs reported a lack of trained personnel in fundraising and resource mobilization.
   1. Limited understanding of donor expectations and reporting requirements was noted as a barrier to successful fundraising.
3. Strategic Planning:
   1. Organizations that have a clear fundraising strategy tend to perform better in securing funds.
   1. The importance of aligning fundraising efforts with organizational goals and mission was emphasized.
4. Networking and Partnerships:
   1. Building relationships with other organizations and stakeholders is crucial for resource mobilization.
   1. Collaborative fundraising efforts can enhance visibility and credibility.

Discussion and Interactive Session

Following the presentation of findings, participants engaged in an interactive discussion. Key points raised included:

• Challenges in Fundraising: Participants shared their experiences regarding challenges faced in fundraising, including competition for limited resources and the impact of economic downturns on donor funding.
• Innovative Approaches: Ideas for innovative fundraising strategies were exchanged, such as leveraging social media campaigns, crowdfunding, and community-based fundraising events.
• Capacity Building Needs: Participants expressed a strong interest in further training and resources to build their fundraising capabilities, particularly in digital fundraising and grant writing.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The session concluded with a consensus on the importance of enhancing fundraising and resource mobilization strategies within the organizational development framework of CSOs. Mr. Shrestha encouraged participants to:

1. Develop a Fundraising Strategy: Organizations should create or refine their fundraising strategies based on the assessment findings.
2. Invest in Capacity Building: Prioritize training for staff on fundraising techniques and donor engagement.
3. Foster Collaboration: Seek partnerships with other CSOs and stakeholders to enhance resource mobilization efforts.

Feedback and Evaluation

Participants were invited to provide feedback on the session, which was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed appreciation for the practical insights shared and the opportunity to network with peers.

Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to Mr. Bharat Man Shrestha for his valuable insights and facilitation, as well as to all participants for their active engagement. This session marks a significant step towards strengthening the capacity of CSOs in fundraising and resource mobilization.

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Prepared by: [Naresh Gurung]
Position: [IT Member]
Organization: [Karnali Network For Integrated Development]
Date of Report: [21 February, 2025]