The Institute for Youth Development KULT held an NGO MeetUp on Purposeful Cooperation – NGOs and the Business Sector as one of the Localworks activities. The MeetUp was attended by representatives of some of the biggest companies operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Non-governmental organizations play a crucial role in society, offering support and solutions to various issues. Their work is extremely important for achieving social justice and improving our quality of life. However, as non-governmental organizations often lack the funding, resources, and opportunities to achieve their goals, mission, and vision, collaboration with the business sector is becoming increasingly important.
The recommendations below stem from discussions with:
- CEO of BH Telecom, Sedin Kahriman,
- Executive Director of Bit Alliance, Damir Maglajlić,
- Marketing Manager at dm – drogerie markt, Ajla Hadžić.
Since cooperation between NGOs and the private sector is so important, we offer eight tips on how to make your organizations and projects more recognizable and attract the attention and support of established companies:
- Plan your projects a year ahead!
Established companies plan their budgets a year in advance, so you should do the same. Submit project proposals for the upcoming year as soon as you can, giving companies more time to evaluate and consider funding them.
- A sustainable project is a good project!
While your projects are undoubtedly valuable, large companies tend to prefer funding projects that are sustainable in the long term. Consider how justified, realistic, and sustainable your idea is, and clearly explain these aspects in your project proposal.
- Involve the broader community in your projects!
Make sure your projects are inclusive. Engage the broader community and focus on serving the common good.
- Make sure that the company benefits from the project, too!
Remember that companies invest their own funds in your development and growth, so they will have certain expectations from you. Companies are likely to prefer supporting projects that offer them some benefit or give them some ownership over the results you achieve.
- Good promotion is paramount!
If something is not visible enough, it might as well not have happened. Remember that partners and donors appreciate being recognized and valued for their impact on the community. In your project proposals, include high-quality media promotion for the company you’re seeking funding from.
- Achieve regional coverage with your project!
Since companies operate and have influence in various regions of the country, they prefer to support projects with regional representation. Make sure your project is not limited to just one city or town. If possible, broaden your goals to include multiple cities or regions. This approach will also boost the visibility of your donors.
- Keep track of market needs.
Since your donors come from the business sector and like current and sustainable things, ensure your projects reflect these qualities. Consider the needs of the market. Ensure your project is realistic, in demand, and valued by the wider community.
- Network with other organizations.
Show companies that NGOs share their values. Focus on networking and building partnerships, and involve other NGOs in your projects. This will demonstrate that the non-governmental sector is connected, supportive, and comprehensive and that your project idea is important and welcomed by others.
We hope you will find these tips helpful in improving cooperation and fostering high-quality partnerships with the private sector.
Leave a comment