The CoE program takes a more intensive and hands-on approach to capacity-building. CoE aims to work with a cohort of 10 small to mid-sized NGOs to create strong and robust fundraising structures within the organizations. With saturated avenues of fundraising, CoE aims to disrupt the existing market of fundraising by exploring and innovating low-cost fundraising methods that can be implemented by even smaller NGOs. The three-year intensive program aims to make these organizations potential power centres in low–cost fundraising and create a ripple effect in their adjoining geographical area. This initiative selects a cohort of NGOs and offers them specialized support and mentorship for a period of three years.

The program’s objective goes beyond simply enhancing its fundraising capacity; it encompasses the entire organizational ecosystem within which the resource mobilization process operates. It also focuses on investing in the people, processes, and systems of these organizations, viewing them as separate entities from the programs they run. By strengthening their organizational infrastructure, the program aims to transform these NGOs into effective actors of social change. As these NGOs achieve success and impact in their respective regions, they will create a ripple effect, inspiring other organizations to enhance their fundraising capabilities as well.

Currently, this extensive capacity-building program has the vision of establishing 10 organizations as Resource Organizations in the future. The program started in the mid of 2021 and will end in 2024. After the successful completion of the program, these organizations will serve as valuable support centers at the local and regional levels, fostering the potential for exponential growth among other NGOs.

The selection of these ten organizations was carefully done, based on several criteria. Firstly, they are chosen for their presence in geographically or thematically challenged areas. Additionally, interactions with the heads of these organizations are conducted to gauge their interest and aspirations. Preference is given to smaller organizations to ensure a diverse representation.

The program began with a comprehensive baseline assessment, evaluating the NGO’s structure, processes, and operations to identify gaps and specific needs. Based on this assessment, a tailor-made growth plan was created, spanning three years and divided into quarterly milestones. To track progress and effectiveness, quarterly meetings, physical visits, and a cohort event are conducted.

The idea of the cohort event is to bring all the organizations together once a year annually. This event is a day-long program, which facilitates reflection on the CoE partners’ progress over the past year. This event fosters cross-learning opportunities among partners, enabling them to share insights and experiences.

Ultimately, the three-year intensive program aims to empower these organizations as potential power centres in low-cost fundraising. Through their growth and impact, they will create a ripple effect, catalysing positive change in their neighbouring small organisation geographical areas.

Towards the end of the program, INDIAdonates will develop a toolkit on ‘low-cost fundraising,’ recognizing that fundraising is often perceived as a resource-heavy function. This toolkit will offer practical insights and learning on how NGOs can effectively raise funds within limited resources. By promoting cost-effective fundraising strategies, the platform empowers NGOs to maximize their fundraising potential and achieve more with fewer resources.

INDIAdonates’ capacity-building model adopts a comprehensive and holistic approach to empower grassroots NGOs in their fundraising journey. Through equipping them with diverse fundraising skills, offering valuable knowledge through the online resource directory, and providing specialized support through the Centre of Excellence program, INDIAdonates nurtures the growth and impact of NGOs as they work towards creating positive social change in India.