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Your are here: fundsforngos.org » Featured Articles » 7 steps for NGOs to build a network

7 steps for NGOs to build a network

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What is a network and what is networking? As a noun, network means ‘a group or system of interconnected people or things’, and as a verb, to network means ‘to interact with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts’. (Source: online dictionary).

Networking is crucial for one’s personal and professional growth in the work sphere. Organizations employ people specifically to expand their network in the ecosystem they work in. For non-profits, networking becomes even more important, because of closely linked roles of various stakeholders in the ecosystem, inter-dependence on one another, and dependence on the governments and donors to some extent.

Here are 7 steps for NGOs for building a network:

  1. Take initiative:

Networking might be a little out of your comfort zone, but you may hire someone with experience in networking, or ask your board members to get involved as they will have a strong network already. Lack of initiative and inactivity will not help, so you will need to take initiative for networking.

  1. Participation in events:

There are lot of events going on all year round related to non-profit sector, civil society and CSR. Participation in these events can be very fruitful for networking, building connections, and potential partnerships in future.

  1. Create a database of contacts:

Collect lot of visiting cards and contact details. This contact information will grow if you keep attending events and conferences, meet-ups, etc. With this information, create a database of contacts. Save this database as one of your e-mail list too.

  1. Exchange information:

Keep your network posted about the work you are doing. This can be by means of mailers, newsletters, reports, pictures, graphics, videos, testimonies, anything! Having no information to share implies inactivity. So, document your work in some form and broadcast! Keep a lot of visiting cards with you, and brochures and other promotional material too, while attending an event.

  1. Show interest and remember the principle of reciprocity:

Be posted about what others are doing. Read about them, explore their websites and social media pages. Show interest in their work and events, and remember their interests.

  1. Online and offline networking:

Though the internet and social media are making networking easier and faster than ever, you must be aware of the pros and cons. There is a clear emotional difference in online and offline ways. For example, if you wish to invite an important person for an event, you would like to meet or call up rather than only sending a mail. So be aware of these emotional differences and decide what will appeal, as per the context.

  1. Lastly, remember that it is ‘humans’ you are dealing with:

Remember that in any sector, organization, or industry, lots of human factors come into the picture. So, networking does not only have a rational basis but emotional too. So be nice and greet people you meet. Introduce yourselves get to know about the others. Try to stay in touch. You might not like all the people you need to meet, but be aware of your emotional responses, and try to strike a balance.

About Dr Saumya Arora

Dr. Saumya Arora is a development professional with cross-disciplinary experience in project management, resource mobilization, donor relationship management, community mobilization and project execution at the field level. She is currently working towards building fundraising and resource mobilization capacity of community-based organizations, apart from developing functional linkages with donors across the world.

Comments

  1. john kiarie says

    March 9, 2016 at 7:45 pm

    am john from Kenya.we are serving over 3000 orphans vulnerable children and over 500 people living with HIV/AIDS in our organization which is an NGO.our donor fund from USAID through aphia plus kamili is ending this year 2016 September.what do we do for our continuity coz am worried as the board chairman.pls help

    • Deepika Singh says

      March 10, 2016 at 10:12 am

      Hi John,

      Fundsforngos is not a funding organization and we do not provide grants and scholarships. We are a social enterprise that provides fundraising guides, resources, and the latest funding opportunities to help you fundraise better and secure grant funding.

      You can visit a good range of funding opportunities on children, HIV and more links mentioned below. Hope you will find the relevant one.
      https://fundsforngos1.wpengine.com/category/children/
      https://fundsforngos1.wpengine.com/category/hiv-aids-2/

      Thank You!

  2. Hamilton Charusa says

    March 4, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    I am interested in studying with MASHAV programmes, what can I do to apply for the programme

    • Deepika Singh says

      March 9, 2016 at 11:37 am

      Hi hamilton,

      Fundsforngos is not a funding organization and we do not provide grants. We are a social enterprise that provides fundraising guides, resources, and the latest funding opportunities to help you fundraise better and secure grant funding.

      For information regarding the application procedure, eligibility criteria and more , please visit the link provided in the last line at the end of the post.

      Thank You!

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