It is important to understand that fundraising for NGOs, especially when you are in the very first stages of setting up a new organisation, is difficult. If you apply for grants given by multilateral agencies such as the UN or major Private Foundations, the chance to succeed is slim.
In fact, large funding schemes tend to prefer sponsoring organisations with a proven history of success in managing grants. This should not demoralise you though. Remember that to run an NGO is a learning process and you need to engage with it with an open mind and the willingness to improve your skills. If you are in the very first stages, it could be helpful to seek for partnerships with senior organisations.
For instance, you could detect NGOs working in your region pursuing goals similar to yours and contact them to propose your ideas and ask whether they could submit applications with you. To work with people with more experience will also enable you to access a wider network of organisations and, potentially, setting up many other collaborative projects. Keep in mind that donors favour collaborations and joint applications – especially for large grants.
If your proposal is rejected do not give up. Rather, contact the organisation you applied to and ask for feedback. This will help you understanding what went wrong in order not to repeat same mistakes in the future.
Try to attend all the meetings organised by donors in your region. These events are highly educational and you will also get the chance to ask for clarifications in regards to specific funding schemes.
Last but not least, be flexible! Try all the opportunities out there to raise the necessary amount of money for your organisation. As showed in this guide, there is more to calls for proposals. Try to explore alternative ways to fundraise in a creative way.
