We don't have funds.” This is the usual argument of many organizations concerning their inability to execute their projects.
Such argument was blown away in the minds of the representatives of the organizations that participated in the recently concluded First Fund Raising Congress in the SGV Hall of the AIM Conference Center in Makati City that was organized by Venture for Fund Raising under the leadership of Jaime Faustino.
Speakers in the congress include people from foundations and HR managers of private corporations. Nicanor Perlas, Center for Alternative Development Initiatives president discussed the emergence of the initiatives of the Civil Society Sector towards nation building. He also challenged the participants to stop referring to themselves as NGOs because such terms seem to be infamous to society. Rory Tolentino of the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium and Mayan Quebral of the Venture for Fund Raising on the other hand, discussed a research they have conducted in Asia that shows that people tend to give more because of compassion.
Meanwhile, Corporations presented their active role in Corporate Social Responsibility vis-à-vis exemplary Foundations showing their support in other organizations that meet their vision or their credo. These people include, Ruiz Salazar (Johnson&Johnson), Edwin Domingo (Coca-Cola Company), Atty. Manuel Ortega (PhilAm Foundation), Zonito Torevillas (McDonalds) and Tina-Monzon Palma(Bantay Bata 163). Diversified Funding sources was discussed by Tony Meloto (Gawad Kalinga), while Dr. Grace Aquiling-Dalisay (Pambansang Samahan ng Sikolohiyang Pilipino) reported about Filipino volunteerism.
On the next day, Ramon Pedrosa (Alay sa Kawal) dealt with the issue of choosing the right Board of Directors while Raul Alcantara (International Institute of Rural Reconstruction) reported on Earned Income. Kahlil Bagatsing of the Make a Wish Foundation and Jasen Ko of ActMedia Philippines stressed the use of Technology in Fund Raising and a research conducted that shows how much people give to religious organizations, respectively. Ko stated that the best amount to ask anyone during the month is Php150 while Php1,200 within a year is preferable.
The program was facilitated by the directors of Venture of Fund Raising namely Bam Aquino and Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo. They also presented the Kyra award that included three other citations.
The Fund Raising Congress, which was participated by 200 individuals and organization, is but a single step in achieving partnerships and project tie-ups with Foundations, the Private Sector and Organizations. In relation to the Congress, an egroup was established through the initiative of the Voice of the Youth Network to serve as a venue where organizations could find funds for their projects and where Corporations could express their Corporate Social Responsibility in helping particular organizations. The egroup is open to the public. Those who wish to join may visit
fund_raising_network@yahoogroups.com.
