Event-full

A lot of PFs use events such as benefit concerts, advance movie screenings, raffles (do i hear bingo?) to raise funds. They are fine to some extent but I'd like to pose some issues that I hope will help you weigh things when thinking of doing another event.

1. Would the profit be worthwhile? I ask this because, in an event, a lot of things will be spent. Its not just money but your time, skills and most especially your sanity. If you will not be earning at least 300% over your expenses (this includes your time and salary) or making serious networking, then seriously consider against it. Physical exhaustion is one thing, but mental? It may not be worth it.

2. Would you be doing an excellent job? It does not have to be perfect, because nothing will come out perfect. There will always be something that will come up that everything may not come to your expectation. If the event will show your non-profit's weaknesses in terms of organizing an event then don't do it. Your credibility and reputation is much more important.

3. Can you afford it? Some events require that you shell out an initial investment. Do you have what it takes? Some will give an eager "Yes!" but fail at the home stretch. Your integrity goes down the drain if this happens.

There are lot more questions that one can think but the above items are very critical to your decision making. So, be wise!

God bless you!

PCNC, CSA, LCF CSR

And what are these? 8-)

In this acronym-crazy world we live in, these are very important to the Pinoy Fundraiser (BTW, these are also announcments of upcoming events.)

1. PCNC: Philippine Counceil for NGO Certification (www.pcnc.com.ph). They are tasked to provide Donee Institution Status. This is important to you as a non-profit for the following reason stated in their website:

A certification of DONEE INSTITUTION STATUS leads to better things....

• Encourage local donations to NGOs, made more important by the present trend of dwindling resources for social development projects
• Recognizes NGOs of "good standing" that funding donors may consider in their choice of organization to support
• Provides opportunities for self-assessment and improvement
• Provides valuable assistance for organizational strengthening
• Promotes professionalism, transparency and accountability of the NGO community

On Friday, May 29, 2008, PCNC will be holding its annual assembly. They will also have booths from member organizations that will exhibit their wares. Visit their website for further details.

2. CSA: Christian Stewardship Association (http://www.ats.ph/csa/). This is what their website says about itself:

Christian Stewardship Association is a network of Christian fundraisers,business people and local pastors whose mission is to advance theGospel of Jesus Christ and God’s Kingdom work through biblicalstewardship education. CSA provides training and resource materials tohelp Christian nonprofit organizations mobilize resources to fund theirministries.

They also have a new class for A Certificate Course on Professional Christian Fundraising. the classes will be held at the Asian Theological Seminary in partnership with World Vision Philippinesand the Christian Stewardship Association. This will start on July 4, 2009 Saturdays 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Course Schedule
July 4 Biblical Stewardship and Fundraising
July 11 Strategic Planning for Resource Development
July 18 Communications and Public Relations
July 25 Partner Development
August 1 Fundraising Methods and Techniques
August 8 Writing Grant Proposals
August 15 Accountability, Integrity and Ethics in Fundraising
August 22 Capacity-Building for Resource and Leadership Development (Utilizing and Mobilizing Assets)


3. LCF or League of Corporate Foundations (www.lcf.org.ph). Agai, from their website:

The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) is a membership association of over 70 operating and grant-making corporate foundations and corporations, seeking to provide business solutions to social problems in the Philippines through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Collectively, LCF represents many decades of private sector involvement strengthened with public sector partnerships and multi-sectoral approaches in various development sectors including arts and culture, education, environment, health, enterprise development and CSR research.

On July 9 and 10, LCF will be holding its 8th CSR Expo dubbed, "Business Unusual: SOS, Skills, Opportunites and Sustainability at the SMX convention Cente. PFs should be there or be square.

Keep coming! God bless!