Running an NGO, helping those in need and continuing to do this noble work is, no doubt, fulfiling. However, starting and running a successful NGO is far from easy. There are a number of challenges, right from legal paperwork to getting funds, that can slow down or even stop the process.
If one wants to start an NGO, it is important for them to know about these problems, and in this blog, we will look into the same and simplify them for you.
- Legal and registration challenges:
One of the initial challenges, and one that can seem daunting, is understanding and complying with the legal and regulatory environment. Registering the NGO, obtaining the 501 (c) tax-exempt status at a federal level and complying with state and local rules is a lot of work. One will have to pay a lot of attention to detail and have a very good understanding of legal requirements. One will have to go through bureaucratic procedures, understand legal codes and potentially even hire a legal counsel, which may be quite expensive, especially for organizations that are just starting out. Also, it is important for one to be in the know about constantly changing rules and compliance requirements.
- Getting and managing funds:
NGOs often worry about having enough funds. They need to look for many ways through which they can raise funds, like writing grant applications, building relationships with people who donate, planning fundraisers or charity events, and maybe even starting smaller businesses. A lot of non-profits ask for funds, and for one’s NGO to stand out, they will have to write really good proposals, have good connections with donors and show that their work is making a positive difference. In order for them to receive continuous and steady support, they need to show the donors that the funds they have gathered are being used for the intended purpose and that they are responsible for the money. How can they do this? They should maintain clear and accurate financial records, follow standard accounting rules, and have regular checks performed by independent auditors.
- Hiring and building a strong team:
To build a team that is not only skilled but also dedicated is quite a task. It is not an as easy task to find such people, as many organizations might be looking for the same kind of talent. One should also create good systems to manage volunteers so that their efforts are maximized. How can one do this? By giving them training, supervising their work, and praising them for their efforts. One should also strive to create a positive work environment that encourages teamwork and cooperation. This will help retain staff and help all of them to work well with one another.
- Sharing information and connecting with people:
Building trust is important. Moreover, when it comes to a newer NGO, not many people might know about it. How can they do this? There are a few ways. For starters, they can be transparent about their work, create a website that is easy to use and connect with their community. They should also show the donors how their contributions are being used, which will encourage people to donate again, and when they inform others about the same, they may support the NGO, too.
- Showing people you are making a positive difference:
People who care about a specific cause and donate towards the same want to know how the organization is making a difference. This will mean that one has to put in place ways to see how well programs are working and create strong systems in order to check those results. The good work that is being done could be shared through reports, presentations and data. Doing this will assure people that the organization is doing good work and needs their continued support.
- Dealing with bureaucracy:
NGOs could run into issues with government paperwork and rules. This can include dealing with tricky permit applications, filling out many reports, and abiding by the rules of different levels of government. One should create good relationships with government offices and keep up with any changes in the rules so that they can avoid any delays and problems.
- Focusing on what matters:
As an NGO grows, it may feel pushed to do more things or go in a different direction from its original purpose. It is important for an NGO to stay focused and ensure that everything that is being done aligns with its current goals. This will help them succeed in the long run. In order to do this, they should have regular meetings to plan for the future, make clear decisions and remember why the NGO was started to begin with.
- Gaining people’s trust and showing them that they can trust the NGO:
In order to build trust and show people that they are credible, an NGO should be transparent, accountable and ethical with all their operations. Doing good work is important, but one has to prove they are doing it. By keeping detailed records of every dollar that they are spending, tracking how well their programs are doing and sharing data through annual reports, they can share with people how their contributions are helping them reach their goals. They should show people that their work practices are ethical and fair, and they should avoid any sort of conflict.
How is trust earned? An organization can earn people’s trust through consistent good behavior and having a track record that proves they are reliable. When they share real stories of those who are benefitting from people’s donations, they can build people’s trust in the organization further. This can not only encourage people to donate or support them again but can also encourage potential donors to turn into actual donors.
- Staying up-to-date:
Things change all the time. There may be changes in the economy, and people’s needs may also change over time. NGOs have to keep up with all this to stay relevant. They need to keep an eye on what is happening around them. For example, have there been any new laws passed that could impact the people they are helping? Could they work with a certain organization in order to increase their impact? Are there fewer volunteers available this week? And so on. After gaining this knowledge, they need to use this information to create an action plan. This may mean creating new programs or making changes to the ones that the NGO currently has.
It is good to be prepared for the future and have some ‘what if’s’ in mind. What if they don’t receive enough funding this month, or what if the people they are helping need more medications due to a viral epidemic? Planning for these situations helps them stay ahead of the game. Also, NGOs should create an environment where employees and volunteers feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Also, they should be willing to experiment and try new things if someone pitches a new idea. A few topics one could explore are the creative ways in which the NGO can come up with funds. How can they find new donors?
If your NGO wants to stay relevant in the social work sector and continue making a difference, it has to be ready for anything. Emergencies and problems come unannounced.
Conclusion
Starting and running a successful NGO is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, research and more. But despite all the hardships, it is worth it in the end. When one is able to see firsthand the lives they are impacting and the difference they are making, it encourages them to keep going and continue their work. Running an NGO is a lot more than just filling out forms or checking boxes. It is about real people, their real issues and finding solutions to address them. If your cause is something you care deeply about and you are able to show people that you are actually making a difference, you will get support from them. There are resources out there and people who want to come forward to help. You could also connect with other organizations that work for causes similar to yours to find support.
If you are looking to support good causes or NGOs that are working towards making a difference, you can always head to the equalall website. The platform brings together a number of vetted NGOs and you can look through the site and pick a cause that you want to support. The platform gives NGOs a chance to show the community the work that they are doing and the impact it is having on those who need the help. Donors are able to make a contribution on the platform easily and support causes that are close to their hearts. By choosing to support NGOs who are doing good work and making a difference, you also are, in your own way, making a positive change in the world. By doing this, you are getting to be a part of something real and know that your donation is making an actual difference.