This post is contributed by Team Samhita.

Findings of the Samhita fundraising survey speaks of the kind of support trusts and foundations provide to NGOs and the feedback mechanism they prefer to follow.

Nearly 45.8% of the NGOs who took the survey say they approached the trusts and foundations via personal contacts. 34.5% used online channels and 20.7% got in touch with them through partners.

The fact that a significant number of NGOs are using online channels to reach out to trusts and foundations indicates that there is a paradigm shift in fundraising outreach methods. NGOs are moving away from conventional methods and adapting newer and perhaps more cost effective means to expand their network of donors and organizations.

Most trusts support project and programme costs of the NGOs followed by infrastructure costs and capacity building.

Survey results contradict the general perception that most trusts and foundations do not wish to support organizational capacity building expenses. Although majority of support goes toward project/program expenses a significant amount is spent on infrastructure, capacity building and salaries.

The survey quotes 60.9% of the NGOs saying that trusts diligently monitor the progress of the funded activities.

54.2% of the NGOs say that trusts expect regular feedback through phone calls and emails, 29.2% through detailed reporting and 12.5% through personal visits.

Majority of respondents are satisfied with the support received from trusts and foundations. It was also found that support from trusts and foundations also come in the form of better credibility, higher visibility and improved sector linkages.

Watch this space for other interesting findings of the fundraising survey. Read the first report of this series ‘Individual donor base most critical for NGOs’

• Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-18 via ThinkChange India – - Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-11 via … http://tinyurl.com/3anv35n #
• India's Government Issues Voluntary CSR Guidelines http://bit.ly/aRFb4h #
• India Together Article on NREGA:wage payment thru post office reduced corruption,but started payment delay & monitoring http://goo.gl/d3w0 #
• [TC-I Call to Action] Be a force of positive change in the education system through Escuela Nueva via … http://tinyurl.com/25uajd3 #
• [TC-I Call to Action] Hunnarshala Foundation Program Coordinator via ThinkChange India –  Hunnarshala … http://tinyurl.com/2g45yz4 #
• Surround School, science & tech. e-learning portal launched. Contents are still WorkInProgress,but worth watching out for http://goo.gl/HXL6 #
• SKS IPO revives traditional debate on MFI and IPOs AshokaTweets http://bit.ly/cfxcm3 #
• AWIC: Literacy Through Library | The Better India http://goo.gl/VMKh #
• Individual donor base most critical for NGOs: Survey via ThinkChange India – This post is contributed by … http://tinyurl.com/36n6u68 #
• Invitation to attend 2010 Global Social Benefit Incubator business plan presentations via ThinkChange India http://tinyurl.com/36epw4u #

The Global Social Benefit Incubator is holding an event in August and sent along this invitation for TC-I readers:

Please join Santa Clara University’s Center for Science, Technology, and Society for business plan presentations by the 2010 Global Social Benefit Incubator entrepreneurs from around the world.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Locatelli Center at Santa Clara University

About GSBI:

The Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBITM) program at Santa Clara University enables proof of concept social ventures that serve the base of the pyramid to become sustainable at scale.  It combines classroom instruction in finance, marketing creation, organizational development, and business planning with case studies, best practices and, most importantly, carefully matched Silicon Valley mentors.  The invited entrepreneurs have demonstrated that their innovations can have a significant impact on alleviating poverty and empowering human development in the most adverse circumstances around the world.

In 2010, the STS Center launched a three-year initiative to focus on “Renewable Energy for the Underserved.”  This initiative will explore several segments of the clean energy field including off-grid power and light , second generation bio-fuels, energy saving devices , and related value chain organizations such as technology providers, financial services, and distribution.  This year, we have 12 social entrepreneurs that are representing the Renewable Energy Sector in the GSBI class of 2010.

Living and learning together, GSBI participants develop practical know-how and a true sense of community.  At the August 26th summary business plan presentations, you will see how the unique GSBI learning environment contribute to the innovative adaptation of technology and models of social change, in combination with validated business plans, to accelerate the potential for social entrepreneurship to benefit all of humanity.

We know you will be inspired by the work of the 2010 Global Social Benefit Incubator class and the promise of their innovative business plans.

To RSVP:  visit http://www.scu.edu/sts/PublicEngagement/Events.cfm?event=15869 or email us at gsbi2010@scu.edu

For further information call the Center for Science, Technology, and Society, Santa Clara University, (408) 551-6027, or email sdale@ scu.edu.  If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please call the Center or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY-California Relay) at least 48 hours prior to the event.

• Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-11 via ThinkChange India – - Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-04 via … http://tinyurl.com/3ankooq #
• Analyse your fundraising strategy by taking a short survey via ThinkChange India – This professional … http://tinyurl.com/36uhmpr #
• [Think Sport] Soccer: The great social leveler via ThinkChange India – This post is written by Team … http://tinyurl.com/35s5zjk #
• A great social venture in rural tourism that pays fishermen and adds value to the tourist's money. http://goo.gl/1arM #
• Rural Toursim Network Enterprise to bring cash flow into villages via ThinkChange India – The Rural Tourism … http://tinyurl.com/24nqzwp #
• XLRI to organise meet on social entrepreneurship. – Free Online Library http://goo.gl/leOA #
• Bihar ties up with EDICOMP to set up computer labs in 600 high schools | iGovernment.in http://goo.gl/zbdY #
• India's largest Social Marketing Initiative via ThinkChange India – As of today, the the Unique … http://tinyurl.com/33×84c4 #
• More of world's poor live in India than in all sub-Saharan Africa, says study http://bit.ly/aqVtSC #
• SKS Microfinance eyes Rs 1300 cr through IPO http://bit.ly/cdJMtU #
• Fighting dishonour killing via ThinkChange India – This post is written by Sujoy Dhar of Team … http://tinyurl.com/28j5hey #
• How about post-paid philanthropy? via ThinkChange India – United Care Development Services (branded as … http://tinyurl.com/35akwfd #
• Poor rural women go entrepreneurial, earn more than Rs. 50,000 | YourStory.in http://goo.gl/JUHf #

This post is written by Sujoy Dhar of Team Samhita.

Honour killing is a great Indian paradox in the times when a new permissiveness sweeps the society.

As the sexual minority celebrates the landmark Delhi High Court verdict of July last year that decriminalized homosexuality, couples belonging to the sexual majority fall prey to an inhuman, criminal practice for marrying or having an affair with individuals in different caste or religion or same gotra (lineage).

While the governments in the states and at the centre hemmed and hawed in taking firm action against the perpetrators of the crime, a non-government organization is working quietly to compile case studies, research on the issue and fight legally the menace.

The brutal killings of recent months hogged the limelight, but few came to know that the Supreme Court direction to the government to explain what it is doing to stop the killings followed in response to a petition filed by Shakti Vahini, an NGO based in New Delhi. 

Shakti Vahini is working for the cause of women and child rights for quite some time now. It operates in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, Bihar, North East and Jharkhand.

Shakti Vahini works very closely with government bodies and UN agencies.

It has been actively working in the field of human trafficking and protection of rights of women and children besides their involvement in sensitization of the policemen.

Presently Shakti Vahini has been involved in a research on honour killings in Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh on behalf of The National Commission for Women.

According Mr Nishi Kant, Programme Director at Shakti Vahini, the so–called ‘honour’-based violence occurs in communities where the concepts of honour and shame are fundamentally bound up with the expected behaviours of families and individuals, particularly those of women.

“The most extreme form is ‘honour’ killing, but in other circumstances, the victim can be subjected to long-term low level physical abuse and bullying as a punishment for ‘bringing dishonour’ to the family.  Such crimes include torture, mutilation, rape, forced marriage, imprisonment within the home, and even murder,” says Mr Kant.

“These crimes are intended to ‘protect the family honour’ by preventing and punishing women’s violations of community norms for behaviour, particularly sexual behaviour,” he says

“Women who have been abducted, arrested, or raped are often blamed for shaming their families and may also be targeted for ‘honour killing’.  Reasons for these murders can be as trivial as talking to a man, or as innocent as suffering rape. These crimes are often collective and premeditated,” he says.

In the recent times the cases have been on the rise and in current scenario when the State has remained a mute spectator, a fear psychosis grips the young couples who are married and some of them intending to get married against families’ wishes.

“When we moved court we were representing a class of person whose rights have been violated or may be violated. The intense fear among the victims to take on the feudalistic forces has prevented them from coming out in open litigation. It was therefore a kind of our duty to file the petition since we were working in the field of women empowerment and rights,” said Mr Nishi Kant.

In the last one year Shakti Vahini has been studying the cases on honour killings. In its research it has met victimized family, the accused and the Khap Panchayats (caste councils).

Shakti Vahini in partnership with Human Rights Law Network – Chandigarh Unit had organized a national level consultation on the issue in March 2010 where social scientists, activists and victims had shared their views.

It brought together lawyers and activists from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir, the states where the incidence of honour killings are at their highest.

“We had also as part of our research organized panel discussions on honour killings in Rohtak in Haryana on 28th March 2010 in which many of the Khap leaders- whose panchayats decree the deaths- had participated,” he says.

With the law enforcement agencies impaired by lack of political will to punish such feudal forces, who are also vote banks for mainstream political parties, perhaps India needs more Shakti Vahini’s to take the bull of honour killing by its retrograde horns. 

Visit Shakti Vahini’s website for details.

This post is written by Sujoy Dhar of Team Samhita.

Prasanna, now 19, works as a Sports Leader in Dream Football programme, an initiative run by Bangalore-based NGO Dream A Dream.

Prasanna joined the sports programme seven years ago. Coming from a violent, conflict-ridden background, the sports programme helped him channelize his violence positively into sport to become the team’s best player.

Today, he confidently takes on life’s challenges just the way he does on the sporting field.

“I love computers and books. I also want to study further,” says Prasanna.

Soccer, referred to as the beautiful game, is not just a game. It is one of the biggest social levellers- evident as much from the story of Prasanna as the hosting of the mega FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

Once referred to as the ‘Dark Continent’ of the world and the home of Apartheid, South Africa finally kept its tryst with the World Cup, which in itself is a palette of multiracial and multicultural sportspersons chasing the glory.

In the social development orb soccer is a powerful tool of change.

Take for example, streetfootballworld, a social profit organization that links relevant actors in the field of development through Football.  Established in 2002, the Germany-based organization encourages global partnerships for positive social change.

The streetfootballworld network comprises more than 80 local initiatives worldwide.  Streetfootballworld uses soccer as a tool for social change, by addressing issues such as children’s rights and education, social integration, environmental protection, health and peace-building through the sport.

A cornerstone of streetfootballworld’s work is the streetfootballworld Network, which was created to connect and strengthen football-based community initiatives from around the globe.

In partnership with locally active organizations from the streetfootballworld Network, it takes cue from successful experiences in the field of Development through Football.

The streetfootballworld Network continues to grow.  Dream A Dream from India joins the streetfootballworld network as the 82nd member.

Dream A Dream was recommended for membership by streetfootballworld network member Magic Bus, another not-for-profit organisation in India, that works with marginalized children and uses sport and outdoors as a medium for their development.

With over ten years of experience working with disadvantaged children and young people and its Dream Football programme, Dream A Dream says it will strengthen the streetfootballworld network in Asia.

Having started with a dozen young dreamers, today over 2,200 children take part in activities delivered by an active and enthusiastic base of more than 1,200 volunteers at Dream A Dream.

The idea of using team sports like football is to create a fun filled learning environment for children and what they learn on field can be directly transferred to life off the pitch. For Dream A Dream, football is more than a game. It’s a medium to deliver life skills to children from vulnerable backgrounds.

“We have seen tremendous positive results. Children graduating from the programs are today perusing personal ambitions. They acknowledge that Dream Programs have given them wings to fly,” says Vishal Talreja, co-founder and director of Dream A Dream.

”Soccer will strengthen them to take on life’s challenges confidently and become positive, contributing members of this society,” he says.

According to Taleja, the idea of using team sports like football is to create a fun filled learning environment for children and what they learn on field can be directly transferred to life off the pitch.

“For Dream A Dream, football is more than a game. It’s a medium to deliver life skills to children from vulnerable backgrounds,” he says.

The beautiful game worldwide gifts a beautiful life to many an underprivileged.

• Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-07-04 via ThinkChange India – - Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-06-27 via … http://tinyurl.com/32l6fb2 #
• A successful PPP in gyanecological care between Surya Clinic & NHRM http://goo.gl/kvte #
• EDI launches new PG diploma on Social Entrepreneurship – Times of India http://goo.gl/owfD #
• Punjab launches free technical education scheme | iGovernment.in http://goo.gl/ahxZ Too good to believe! #

• Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-06-27 via ThinkChange India – - Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-06-20 via … http://tinyurl.com/29puvhq #
• “Daily Dump” looking for an intern via ThinkChange India – EkShoch has posted an internship requirement … http://tinyurl.com/2bvdfv5 #
• AP to dispose RTI cases via video conferencing http://goo.gl/EiYA #
• Piramal Prize 2010 to enable innovative ideas in combating disease via ThinkChange India – The Piramal … http://tinyurl.com/28tabxg #
• Obopay: A way to convert cash to phone-money is here in India says Economic Times http://goo.gl/msJb #
• Green Rickshaws to be introduced in Delhi http://tinyurl.com/erickshaw #
• Bhopal Municipal, NGO work together to reuse plastic by supplying it to cement companies as alternate fuel http://tinyurl.com/29us8vx #
• [TC-I Changemaker]: Waste Ventures looks to empower India's trash collectors via ThinkChange India http://tinyurl.com/32ts572 #

• Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-06-20 via ThinkChange India – - Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-06-13 via … http://tinyurl.com/29r2v67 #
• India Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010, don't forget to vote http://shar.es/mEaTC #
• Intellecap's Releases 3rd Edition of “Inverting the Pyramid” via ThinkChange India – Intellecap has … http://tinyurl.com/3387jxc #
• [TC-I Call to Action] Opportunity for ASER fellowship via ThinkChange India – Specifications for ASER … http://tinyurl.com/36hptnd #
• [TC-I Call to Action] Source for Change Innovation Associate via ThinkChange India – “There's a way to … http://tinyurl.com/333k33h #
• Andhra gives nod for India's first BPO in jail http://bit.ly/dxXF1P #
• India likely to halve poverty rate by 2015: UN report http://bit.ly/9Volpq #
• [TC-I Changemaker]: Aporv empowers craftspeople via e-commerce via ThinkChange India – The ThinkChange … http://tinyurl.com/27wbrmf #
• [TC-I Call to Action]: Villgro looking for interns via ThinkChange India – Villgro, who hosts Unconvention … http://tinyurl.com/38cz9bn #
• Quick Post — Drishtee looking for IT-Software Programmer via ThinkChange India – Drishtee, a social … http://tinyurl.com/3y3yr2f #

• Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-06-13 via ThinkChange India – - Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-06-06 via … http://tinyurl.com/29z282r #
• [TC-I Changemaker] Sramana Mitra wants to help you transform India into an innovation hotbed via ThinkChange … http://tinyurl.com/3xk4ytb #
• [TC-I Review]: Vision India 2020 by Sramana Mitra via ThinkChange India – This review is the first in a new … http://tinyurl.com/2worboc #
• Microinsurance sifting to the top of people's priorities via ThinkChange India – According to … http://tinyurl.com/2dxm2rz #
• Chhattisgarh to launch mobile clinics http://goo.gl/ieWA #
• Post is a bit old but intro. you to a diff. MFI in Madhura Micro Finance http://goo.gl/vhbn #
• IGNOU offers six month course on water harvesting http://goo.gl/fGjv #