However, one critical element that goes missing in all proposals and even from the table of the donors is the sustainability plan for organizations. If there is no sustainability of organizations after the end of project support, then there can really be no sustainability of the project activities. Yet, donors believe that it is not their concern and NGOs also fail to realize it at the beginning of the project. The result – we know all. Not only the project activities collapse, but also NGOs find themselves in a threatening environment where they face increasing number of challenges in running the organization.
In this context, we strongly believe that donors need to allocate increased funds for ensuring sustainability of NGOs. These additional funds can be used for building the fundraising capacities of NGOs and also assist them in undertaking income-generation activities for the long-term sustainability of the organization as well as the project activities.
This discussion is to advocate for integrating NGO sustainability for fundraising as a cross-cutting theme to be addressed in all project proposals and grants made by donors in developing countries. The discussion has been generated from the interactions between FundsforNGOs.org and Mr. John Lowrie, the former Cambodia Country Representative for Ockenden International. In fact, Mr. John Lowrie has presented an insightful article on the present challenges of NGO sustainability. The article is given in the document below. You can also read it and download it from the FundsforNGOs.org link.
The Name of the Game is “Sustainability” but Does the Last Player Count? by John Lowrie
With this discussion, we would like to advocate for increased donor resources for ensuring sustainability of NGOs. We invite you to submit your comments and opinions on this issue. Remember that every feedback is valuable for our efforts to increase awareness about this issue in the donor community.
Send us your comments and opinions at info@fundsforngos.org.
Thanking you in advance for all your support.
