Resource Alliance Launches New Program to Develop Capacity, Sustainability of Nonprofits
(Press release, Oct. 16, 2013) — The Resource Alliance has opened a new programme called Emerge, which is aimed at developing the capacity of civil society around the world. Launched at the Resource Alliance's flagship event, the International Fundraising Congress, Emerge will provide NGOs and other nonprofits with the fundraising, financial and leadership skills they need to become sustainable in their own right, removing the need to rely on aid.
The 12-month programme will maximise the expertise of the Resource Alliance and its associates via a five-step process, which will enable participants to identify areas for growth and learn the skills they need to be sustainable.
Marjolein van Den Hoven, head of business development and innovation, said: “The five-step plan will incorporate a needs assessment; in-depth analysis into where the organisation wants to go and what it wants to achieve; a strategic plan; training; and mentoring. It will be very advantageous to small charities which will be benefit from expertise that they would otherwise not be able to access.”
The Oak Foundation is the first organisation to support the programme. Four of the charities it funds will be put through the programme with the express aim of developing their skill sets so they are able to gain the expertise needed to become sustainable and financially independent. The charities are yet to be confirmed but will be small, grassroots organisations.
Neelam Makhijani, chief executive of the Resource Alliance, said: “By directly addressing resource mobilisation in this way, the Emerge programme will enable organisations to both identify a more diverse resource base and strengthen their leadership so that it is equipped to undertake transformational, rather than just incremental, change. This will foster the emergence of a stronger and more resilient civil society that can take control of its own destiny without having to rely on aid.”
