Summary
Participatory Researtch and Development Program (PARADEP) launched a campaign called ´Green Revolution for Sustainable Development´ to raise funds for the construction of water tanks, pit latrines and the installation of solar panels in Bondo District. Among the beneficiaries were three schools. Solar panels would provide reliable power for the computer lab, the harvesting of rain water was to put an end to the shortage of clean drinking water. PARADEP formed a fundraising committee that came up with a number of ideas for successful local fundraising. Fundraising dinners and harambees were held, a musical extravaganza for young people brought in money through entrance fees, and the beneficiaries of the various projects were asked to chip in 25% of the project costs themselves. Kenyan Change the Game Academy partner KCDF promised to double the proceeds of the various fundraising activities.
Tips and lessons learned
1. The fundraising committee was formed of people of integrity. They were introduced to all the stakeholders. The commitment letters from KCDF were sent to all the beneficiaries. Information on the results of the fundraising campaign and the implementation of the project were shared with the beneficiaries. Transparency and accountability are of prime importance to enhance people´s willingness to contribute.
2. An all-inclusive process from the beginning is crucial for the success of the fundraising. It is therefore important to hold meetings with the stakeholders.
3. Continuous updates of the community on the progress helps build trust for future projects. PARADEP also informed everyone involved when the project incurred a delay.
4. The leadership of the team must be trustworthy and of high integrity, and must be a good example for the rest to donate. The committee contributed to show the rest of the community a good example.
5. Don´t forget to involve the youth. In PARADEP's case they at first lamented ´they want to eat our money´, so it was important to make them understand and own the project.
6. Next time PARADEP will include plans for an elaborate media support in our fundraising strategy.
Review by Wilde Ganzen Foundation
This is a good example of a fundraising campaign that used a variety of fundraising methods to reach a good result. A committee of trustworthy people was responsible for the whole process from beginning to end. They contributed themselves and encouraged others to do the same. A strong point is to ask an own contribution from the beneficiaries, be it ever so humble. Most parents of school children could not contribute a lot, but at least they made an effort. And KCDF doubled every shilling given. In the end PARADEP even raised a little more than they actually needed for the proposed projects. Another strong point is that PARADEP kept the community informed, both about the fundraising and about the implementation of the projects. They also sent letters to explain why there was a delay. No wonder PARADEP is planning to repeat the experience, focussing more on corporates and high net worth individuals.
Details
Objectives
1. To raise funds through local resource mobilisation by the end of the year 2013.
2. To organise successful funds mobilisation strategies among community, institutions and individuals by the end of the year 2013.
3. To enhance awareness on philanthropy among communities for the benefit of the general good by the end of the year 2013.
Targeted donors
High net worth individuals, business people, corporate bodies, county government, hotels and schools, CDF (a development fund working with government money)
Results
| Cost/benefit |
National currency (KES |
Euro |
| Total amount raised |
1,166,780 |
10,384 |
| (-) Total amount invested |
256,780 |
2,285 |
| Net amount raised |
910,000 |
8,099 |
Accounting details
Costs included transport of committee members, dinner cards, hiring of venues, hiring of musicians, sound system and meetings costs.
Description of preparatory work
1. Meetings with board members and selected fundraising committee.
2. Opening of bank account and Mpesa pay bill number for fundraising purposes.
3. Meetings with the fundraising committee on progress made, challenges and solutions, every 2 weeks.
4. Development of fundraising plan.
5. Meetings with school committees/boards proposed to be beneficiaries.
6. Meetings with government fund committee and local politicians.
Description of implementation
1. Two fundraising dinners were conducted, inviting high net worth individuals.
2. Meetings were held with community members for individual donations, in schools and churches.
3. Two public fundraising events (harambees) were held.
4. A music extravaganza/show for young people was organised; fees were charged at the gate.
5. All beneficiaries of the project were to organise their own fundraising activities at their own level to raise 25% of the project cost they were interested in.
Follow up: Donor appreciation and acknowledgement
PARADEP informed the community, about both the fundraising and the implementation of the project.
