Second Annual Conference in Teslic

Page 10

In my presentation I will focus on the main issues related to the fundraising techniques for Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO). Knowledge concerning fundraising techniques is one of the most important elements in the efficient and long-term work of any NGO. Basic principles of fundraising and the position of the Association of Election Officials in BiH (AEOBiH) will be briefly discussed using the following headings:

1. Position and functioning of NGOs;
2. Rules guiding fundraising;
3. Concrete fundraising methods; and
4. Fundraising for AEOBiH.

1. Position and Functioning of NGOs

In developed countries the NGO sector has managed to become a partner in both the state and the economic sector. The NGO sector performs generally useful public tasks and duties for which the state apparatus does not have a) necessary resources or infrastructure - e.g. NGOs protecting wild life; b) public mandate - many NGOs have a narrow activity profile including a limited number of citizens; c) interest - many NGOs consists of private citizen's protecting interests vis-ŕ-vis government regulation/interventions. An increasing number of companies have accepted their social responsibility (also recognizing the advertisement value inherent in a more socially responsible company profile) and they are significant supporters to NGOs projects all over the world.

The development of the NGO sector in BiH is in its early stage and the process is burdened with the following problems:

• Lack of NGO tradition;
• Difficult economic situation;
• Fragmented NGO sector with limited cooperation between organizations and organizations and state;
• Lack of legal framework guiding the NGO sector;
• Lack of skilled NGO staff; and
• High number of short-term projects and lack of long-term program goals and visions.

2. Rules Guiding Fundraising

There are three main principles of successful fundraising:

1. Only the person who is convinced himself/herself can convince others. The first step of successful fundraising is belief in the job that you are doing and the correct estimation/specification of funds needed.
2. We do not win the money, but rather the person, over to our side. All donors have a particular set of priorities according to their policy guidelines. It is important to get to know the donors and donors' priorities. All NGOs are entering "market competition" for fundraising and only the most flexible and alert ones are able to compete.
3. You must ask! In order to get funds from donors you have to approach them actively. The most effective method to do this is personal contact, whether it is in the form of a meeting or a fundraising dinner arrangement. It is very important to overcome fear and prejudice to be successful at this way of fundraising.

3. Fundraising methods

• Develop a project which is of interest to the donor community and applying the donors' standards (budget, project description, evaluation);
• Events (auctions, concerts, dinners);
• Telephone and postal campaigns advertising organization and projects;
• Membership fee;
• Personal meetings with donors rather than contact through telephone and mail;
• Engage membership and others in voluntary work for organization and purpose; and
• Production of a publication.

There is one important rule, which says that the most effective method is the one which involves direct and personal contact with the donor.

4. AEOBiH fundraising

What would be the most effective method for AEOBiH fundraising? I think our fundraising efforts should be based on the following methods:

4. Drafting of a long-term fundraising plan. This plan should include measures and procedures of a long term fundraising strategy for AEOBiH for period of 3 to 5 years;
5. Developing a diversified and domestic-based funding platform. Projects will be sent to international organizations and state bodies of the BiH asking them to provide financial support. State bodies of the BiH should be informed about our projects and activities in order to achieve a smooth transition to domestic sources of funding.
6. Establishing a membership fee. The AEOBiH Presidency has introduced a membership fee. The annual membership fee for 2001 will be 10 KM for regular members and 5 KM for associate members.
7. Marketing and publishing activities. AEOBiH should be the author of publications on elections and electoral systems in BiH. Publications will be sold for the price equal to market value of similar publications.
8. Providing training and other expert consulting services for other users. AEOBiH should generate its own training capacity and provide services to other NGOs and state bodies.

I hope all of our members will take part in future fundraising projects and in the development of new ideas as how to pursue funds in BiH. Everybody should feel free to call the IFES/AEOBiH Secretariat at any time with your ideas.

Thank you very much for your attention