tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20906190582180891552024-03-06T05:16:43.761+05:30The Charitable Measurement InitiativeThe Charitable Measurement Initiative (CMI) seeks to help non-profit organizations make lasting developmental change through credible public reporting that cultivates a collective understanding of social problemsAlexander Lemkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512061221511514644noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-66465658235332681062008-02-20T17:58:00.000+05:302008-02-21T18:05:22.687+05:30Keystone's Study of Social Marketplaces<div>Our friends ate Keystone have just published a remarkable study of social market places that is available at: www. keystoneaccountability.org/node/159.</div><div><br /></div><div>It tracks and examines the growth of online philanthropic marketplaces and their potential to create an informational basis for results-oriented giving and encouraging greater accountability. The study finds that while there is great potential and the marketplaces are doing remarkable work, there is still a need for clear criteria to determine effectiveness and impact.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a long read but worth reading through during train rides.</div>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-25249368363820117692008-02-17T18:05:00.001+05:302008-02-21T18:11:19.770+05:30Franziska Zeiner's Blog on Indian NGOsOur friend and co-worker Franziska Zeiner is creating a photo-blog capturing many NGOs in India. There are great photos and excellent commentary. If you are interested in finding out about Indian organizations that could use some support, this is a great reference.<div><br /></div><div>http://clicksonngos.blogspot.com</div><div><br /></div>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-49581039991819645022008-02-12T17:01:00.000+05:302008-02-12T22:31:34.184+05:30Interview with Fay Twerskyhttp://www.alliancemagazine.org/online/html/aonov07a.html<br /><br />Here is a link to a Fay Twersky interview from November 2007. It discusses some key issues related to impact measurement. Ms. Twersky is Director of Impact Planning and Improvement at the Gates Foundation and has great insight on the topic.Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-40110129302008033002008-02-11T13:25:00.000+05:302008-02-12T22:26:28.231+05:30Allowing for Growing PainsSome preliminary feedback on our reports suggests that we may need to make two forms of reports, one for HNIs and one for corporate donors.<span style=""> </span>The HNI reports need to be shorter and more anecdotal.<span style=""> </span>The corporate reports need to be closer to financial disclosures.<span style=""> </span><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">We have generally leaned toward the corporate model, shying away from photos and anecdotes because we don’t want to encourage that type of behavior.<span style=""> </span>Also, it is difficult to verify such stories unless we actually listen and make a record of those stories.<span style=""> </span>It would be great if we could, but given our resource limitations, we are trying to figure how to “humanize” our reports without having to reply on the NGOs for their stories because we can not be 100% certain that they are correct.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">One of the dangers in measuring the effectiveness is that it might dissuade the innovativeness of the projects funders are prepared to support.<span style=""> </span>Measures if not tailored correctly will be overly harsh on new groups as they test out new interventions and approaches to solving problems.<span style=""> </span>If this is calculated without some leniency for such innovativeness these organizations will look worse and donors may shy away from them.<span style=""> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">Thus, measurement standards must strike the right balance between innovation and effectiveness.<span style=""> </span>This means that means that measurement frameworks, especially in the beginning of an organization’s life, must to be tailored to allow for innovation.<span style=""> </span>As a organization grows and matures, more stringent measurement criteria can be applied.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">The key point is that a “one-size-fits-all” approach will not work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-80414996843584820252008-02-08T18:13:00.000+05:302008-02-11T18:14:25.869+05:30Tailoring Reports for Different Donors<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">Some preliminary feedback on our reports suggests that we may need to make two forms of reports, one for HNIs and one for corporate donors.<span style=""> </span>The HNI reports need to be shorter and more anecdotal.<span style=""> </span>The corporate reports need to be closer to financial disclosures.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We have generally leaned toward the corporate model, shying away from photos and anecdotes because we don’t want to encourage that type of behavior.<span style=""> </span>Also, it is difficult to verify such stories unless we actually listen and make a record of those stories.<span style=""> </span>It would be great if we could, but given our resource limitations, we are trying to figure how to “humanize” our reports without having to reply on the NGOs for their stories because we can not be 100% certain that they are correct.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-70158285279727023052008-02-07T23:09:00.000+05:302008-02-07T23:26:33.896+05:30Good idea but maybe think about what people actually need?I was on Facebook today when a pop up add came up with a picture of a young Indian girl and said "24 Hour Famine". So I googled it and it turns out that World Vision is asking people to get sponsored "to go go without for 24 hours, so that someone else doesn’t have to." The idea is to raise funds and awareness for a new project they are doing for street children in Chennai.<br /><br />While I applaud their efforts -- which are laudable -- it is proper nutrition rather than starvation that is an issue in India. I point this story out only as an example of what we have seen with foreign organizations in India. They often intervene with the best of intentions but with preconceived notions of what should be done. And those preconceptions often are incorrect and therefore lead the organization astray.<br /><br />This is why it is not only important to consult with experts but also with stakeholders and beneficiaries. They will give you a better picture of the problem and correct misconceptions.Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-31234021570104293282008-02-06T23:17:00.001+05:302008-02-07T23:25:54.895+05:30NY Times Article on Education Highlights Major IssuesHere is a NY Times article on education in India. It points out some of the issues we have seen in India: (1) mistrust of public education; (2) consumer driven culture; (3) increase in the cost of living; (4) lack of attention to the rural problems; and (5) middle class resentment of helping the poor.<br /><br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/06/world/asia/06school.html?_r=1&oref=Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-42326565642618096222008-02-05T11:39:00.000+05:302008-02-05T17:10:22.911+05:30Donors' Level of Engagment Is Crucial to the Success of Unrestricted Funding<p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">“If it happens without intermediation, our experience shows that it rarely succeeds because donors don't have that kind of time to engage in detailed discussions[.]”<o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">That is a quote from one of the groups we trust the most.<span style=""> </span>We asked them whether from the beginning we would be able to go for unrestricted funding and what he thought of the concept.<span style=""> </span>Their belief was that it would only be possible if the donors were willing to take up a lot of the monitoring role and be actively involved because otherwise it would be very hard for the donor to judge success at some future point in time.<span style=""> </span>Their point was that they believed that the donor would not be satisfied with a report one year later detailing the use of his or her money if there wasn’t some predetermined way to measure the use through a project or target.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">This comes from a respected group so we are taking it very seriously.<span style=""> </span>However, our belief is that we can get donors to understand that they are funding social change and are part of this process of change.<span style=""> </span>This process requires flexibility and non-project based funding to target a range of conditions.<span style=""> </span>And through our discussions and reports, we hope to encourage such a system/relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We do believe we can get donors to be satisfied with such reports one year later, but the concern expressed in the quote is valid.<span style=""> </span>For this to work, donors are going to have to have the time to engage.<span style=""> </span>What we need to do is make that time as little of a burden as possible.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-54923381542205388062008-02-04T12:02:00.000+05:302008-02-05T17:12:24.693+05:30Additional Concerns about Unrestricted Funding<span style="font-size:100%;">Here are two other concerns that were passed on to us:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" ><span style=""><br /><br />(1)<span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" > </span></span></span><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" >Because most donors do not proactively ask for the full set of the NGOs accounts, they are unlikely to be able to identify duplicate allocations.<span style=""> </span>We need to make sure that donors understand this problem and ask for the information.<span style=""> </span>But because they probably do not have enough time to look over many records, either we will have to do it to provide assurance or train them how to do so.<span style=""> </span>Ideally, we would like them to do it because it fosters a closer and more involved relationship, but practically, I don’t think it will happen until further into the relationship.</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[endif]--></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" ><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span></span><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"> NGOs sometimes fail to utilize their funds at all if they are not tied to a specific project.<span style=""> </span>For example, when NGOs raise money through fundraising efforts that yield unrestricted funds (like from marathon sponsorship), they often hold on to that money in a corpus account or try to spread it over the course of the year.<span style=""> </span>While it may be necessary in certain cases, we do want to encourage funds to be used and not sat upon.<span style=""> </span>There is always a chance of misuse or underuse when funds sit for a while. </span><br /></span>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-32660241989506301862008-02-02T08:00:00.000+05:302008-02-05T17:06:12.987+05:30Concerns about Unrestricted Funding<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" >Another concern that we have heard several times is that unrestricted funds often lead to misuse, especially duplicate allocations (where more than one donor is given reports of the same project).<span style=""> </span>We have heard stories of where this has happened with some of the most reputed large NGOs.<o:p> </o:p></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" >In its most innocent form, it is done so that funds earmarked for one project are used temporarily for another and later when additional funds come in, they original project will be completed.<span style=""> </span>This happens most often when an NGO has definite income coming to it, but because of some problem with a project, is forced to scramble a little. <span style=""> </span>The more serious form is outright fraud.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" >We do not approve of either of these forms.<span style=""> </span>What we want is open discussion and some element of unrestricted funding that allows for discussion as to what needs to done to solve social problems with flexibility to cope with problems that pop up.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Like we mentioned in our last post, we are seeing a strong tension between unrestricted funds and honest usage and reporting.<span style=""> </span>Based on what we are hearing, at least initially, there will have to be some form of restriction.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-51374452090004870792008-02-01T16:59:00.000+05:302008-02-05T17:00:53.126+05:30Intermediaries’ Complaints about NGOs<span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">Having had discussions with intermediary people and organizations (that is, groups like CMI) who have overseen many donor-NGO projects in India first-hand in the last 1o years, it is clear that their overall impression is that many Indian NGOs do not respect the freedom that comes with unrestricted money. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>The most common complaint is that many NGOs are not proactive in engaging donors and do not communicate to donors the challenges that the organization will or could face.<span style=""> </span>They also complain that there is little to no meaningful stakeholder dialogue on an ongoing basis. <span style=""> </span>As a result of these failures, the intermediaries say that they have often seen that even when NGOs receive money they do not take reporting seriously unless future disbursements are linked to reports.<span style=""> </span>Without some sort of punishment, they fear that NGOS just won’t report honestly and complete and will not develop an honest relationship with their donors.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">Based on this fear we are rethinking what it exactly means to get unrestricted funds.<span style=""> </span>If we take these fears seriously, then purely unrestricted funds are unlikely to work or encourage the type of interactions and dynamics that we would like to see.<span style=""><br /></span><o:p></o:p><br />Our current thinking is that there will have to be strict timelines and reporting obligations, all of which are clearly outlined in a MOU signed by the NGO and donor and use an intermediary (like Give) to facilitate some of the exchanges.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The key will be doing so while giving the flexibility to use funds as may be needed.<span style=""> </span>Clear project guidelines with clear timelines are easier to monitor but they handcuff the NGO and we believe are not the best for meaningful, sustainable development.<span style=""> </span>While we would ideally encourage active donor-NGO engagement so that the donor takes up some of the monitoring and the NGO is responsible for frequent reporting, it is impractical because the donor is unlikely to have the time.<span style=""> </span>Therefore, it is likely that initially the funding will have to be loosely restricted and as trust builds, the funding will become more unrestricted.</span><span style="background: yellow none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"><span style=""></span></span></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-61065719504672813692008-01-31T07:10:00.000+05:302008-01-31T00:11:39.585+05:30Fundraising Information<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">The Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration website has some interesting information on various fundraising campaigns and other interesting fundraising information.<o:p></o:p></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">http://www.sofii.org/</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-6790785861570256212008-01-30T23:58:00.000+05:302008-01-31T00:04:48.563+05:30Excellent Article on the Third Sector in India<span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" >I would like to recommend an excellent article on the third sector in <st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region> that discusses and helps to explain some to the unique challenges that such organizations face in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> and how they are different from other countries, especially those in the West.<o:p></o:p></span> <span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" ><br /><br />The Problematic of Third Sector and Civil Society in India: Some Reflections</span></i>, Sreedhara T.N. and Rajarama Tolpady, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Journal of Karnataka Studies</span>, Vol. 2, No. 3 & Vol. 3, No. 1, May2005-April 2006, pp. 19-59.</span>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-69194685837719047242008-01-29T09:06:00.000+05:302008-01-31T00:07:17.542+05:30Indian Tax Law Issues<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;">One thing that I am noticing that will be a bit tricky is the tax exemption that donors will get for their donations.<span style=""> </span>Under Indian law, the exemption is generally under either Section 80(G) or Section35AC.<span style=""> </span>Donations under 80(G) are entitled to a 50% exemption (plus possible an additional amount that can amount to approximately 10% or so).<span style=""> </span>Donations under 35AC are entitled to a 100% exemption.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">From speaking with those working in other countries, we are seeing that this is a problem in developing countries, where full exemptions do not exist.<span style=""> </span>That aside, it is something we will have to consider when seeking funds in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The good news is that corpus funds often fall into Section 35AC, so it might actually help us to get unrestricted funds.</span><span style=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-88002442824679939332008-01-28T17:34:00.000+05:302008-01-28T17:35:10.540+05:30Performance Metrics for the Development SectorNo quest in the development sector remains as elusive as the search for meaningful performance metrics. And with increasing demand for corporate social responsibility – commonly referred to as “CSR” – business are increasingly seeking performance metrics to validate their social investments. But in this endeavor, for-profit organizations are failing.<br /><br />The main reason for this failure is the misconception that development sector performance is similar to corporate sector performance. The fallacy is that by tracking efficiency and output, a fair measurement of performance immerges. But, as businesses minds know, performance cannot be measured without a definite understanding of what is to be achieved, or the objective. <br /><br />All businesses share one objective: increase profit. Businesses adapt different strategies to increase margin and/or volume, but ultimately all performance will be measured against this objective.<br /><br />The core objective of development work, on the other hand, is to change the environment, so that such work becomes no longer necessary. Essentially, performance is a measurement of how well you are affecting the system in which you operate to make your effort redundant. For example, an organization seeking to improve the status of women in rural India will be successful once rural women’s status has been corrected. In development work, you are not trying to increase demand for your work, but rather decrease the need.<br /><br />And now we can see why businesses’ CSR departments have difficulty producing performance metrics. The objective of development work is essentially the inverse of the for-profit objective. When development sector performance data is demanded, the business sector defaults to measuring output and efficiency. But output and efficiency help measure development sector performance only if they are measured against the ultimate objective. Increase output and efficiency is not necessarily an indication of success.<br /><br />For the development work, therefore, we encourage organizations to first define, in terms particular to that organization, what success would look like. That vision of success becomes the core objective. By further defining what is necessary for that objective to be realized, organizations develop a better understanding of what good performance entails, and what data will indicate success. Only by defining and applying objectives can we meaningfully measure development work performance.Alexander Lemkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512061221511514644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-64950729880905920022008-01-27T10:22:00.000+05:302008-01-31T00:14:20.433+05:30Ways to Connect NRI Volunteers to NGOs<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" >One issue we have see with NGO management almost everywhere in the world is that it is very difficult to manage volunteers.<span style=""> </span>While many are very talented and have great experience it is often not it the non-profit world.<span style=""> </span>Even if it is there are concerns over motivation, keeping the happy, what one can assign to volunteers and be sure that they will get quality work back in time, etc.<span style=""> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" >For Indian issues this is especially important because they are staffed very leanly and if they are given volunteers that can and will be motivated to work and handle responsibility, then it can be a great boon.<span style=""> </span>Give, for example, has found an excellent way of not only bringing in foreign volunteers and interns but has taken advantage of many other Indian volunteers, especially women with great work experience that are either at home or taking leave from work.<span style=""> </span>(I would recommend contacting Give regarding their experiences if you are interested in how to implement a similar program).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;color:black;" >And now that we are back in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> and have had a chance to meet with some Non-resident India (“NRI”) community groups, it is clear that there is an opportunity to connect those interested in helping Indian NGOs to Indian NGOs. Many of these groups have people who have great experience working with volunteer groups to do a range of things – put together cultural shows, language schools, community meetings, and efforts to lobby local government.<span style=""> </span>They would be able to help in volunteer coordination and bring those much needed skills to an NGO and would probably be able to do so in relatively short stints of volunteering where they could “teach” people at the NGO what they could do to help get the best out of their volunteers.</span></span>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-19461818462766444922008-01-26T01:43:00.000+05:302008-01-27T16:45:44.779+05:30Final Say Regarding the Content of the Report<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As we get ready to meet with donors one new wrinkle we are finding is ownership over the reports we will present. Of course, we want the NGOs to be happy with what the document says, but we have to be critical. The reports must be seen as “ours” and as done with a critical eye. While we shy away from outright recommendations, it is clear from donor discussions that they look favorably on our recommendations because they trust the quality of our diligence and base that largely on our previous experience and work relationships. Therefore, we have to convince the NGOs that even if we say things they disagree with they have to accept it because it will encourage more open and honest communication, as well as encourage long-term donations. In future meetings, we will have to emphasize this point.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-57821064226759246882008-01-24T16:42:00.000+05:302008-01-27T16:43:22.423+05:30Perverse Incentives: Why the Correct Criteria Matter<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Another criteria related issue we are discussing with our partners is how certain categories that people like to report often have a great risk of becoming harmful if they become the standard measurement tool. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For example, we are debating – and trying to convince a group that has sought our help and insight – that reporting on things like “students educated” and “children fed” should not become the thing they view as their main measures or what they should try to get donors to examine most closely.<span style=""> </span>In our view both of these categories result in “teaching to the test” behavior.<span style=""> </span>The more one focuses on “students educated” or “children fed” the more one tries to raise these scores because that is how the group measures success and how the donor does, as well.<span style=""> </span>The problem is that NGOs should not operate like businesses and maximize certain scores.<span style=""> </span>After all, the NGOs’ really aims are to reduce these scores, and unlike businesses, encourage their own extinction.<span style=""> </span>The fact that more students are being fed or educated does not really mean an NGO is being more effective or successful.<span style=""> </span>Of course, it does not indicate they are not, but what we are trying to convince this group – and others like it – is that reporting needs to focus on other types to measures, as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This where we think outcome measurement is especially important. It encourages a more holistic approach to reporting and learning and sees many criteria in concert so that when one evaluates any one criterion, one sees it in terms of the ultimate outcome that is being sought.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-23700845967560694702008-01-23T16:38:00.000+05:302008-01-27T16:42:00.214+05:30Additional Thoughts on Beneficiary Surveys<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">We are working with several other groups to discuss the possibility of creating shared platforms for the exchange of information on NGOs throughout the world.<span style=""> </span>One issue that has come is what measurement criteria should be used.<span style=""> </span>There is a tendency to quantify everything.<span style=""> </span>This is understandable because it allows for easier comparison, gives the donor a sense of understanding regarding the information he or she is viewing, and is quicker and easier to examine.<span style=""> </span>We have discussed before how we are opposed to exclusive use of these criteria.<span style=""> </span>For one, it often doesn’t provide anything useful.<span style=""> </span>What does a score of 8 on responsiveness mean.<span style=""> </span>What does 4 stars mean?<span style=""> </span>Yes, these are useful and where possible quantitative data should be used but it must be in combination with more subjective measures or a hybrid to be full effective.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">One thing we have mentioned is how we would like to incorporate beneficiary surveys into our reports to show how well NGO listen to their beneficiaries. We would like to use a common questionnaire to examine the groups and then use them to compare each other and their own progress. We will try to use number scores, but they will be hollow without some anecdotal support or at least some explanation of the score. Additionally, allowing for explanation means that the NGO is forced to reflect on the results and account for them – something we think is very important. </span></span><br /></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-32275190155546848132008-01-22T09:17:00.000+05:302008-01-27T16:38:01.419+05:30In Praise of Agenda<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">I have been asked by several people to provide a good source of background information as to children’s issues in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> and social problem s generally.<span style=""> </span>I can provide a list but if you were going to refer to just one, it would be Agenda.<span style=""> </span>They do great work, are reliable, and confer with leaders in the NGO world to make sure that they are highlighting issues and ways to solve them.<span style=""> </span>Their magazines have great bibliographies and cites for further reading, as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-family:Georgia;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.infochangeindia.org</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-61935791809362662352008-01-21T17:21:00.000+05:302008-01-24T16:41:07.388+05:30NGOs Complain About Donor PracticesAfter meeting with NGOs throughout India, we have heard numerous complaints from NGOs about donor practices. These complaints often relate to practices that impair an NGO’s ability to effect social change. Many of these problems in the donor/NGO relationship, we believe, will be alleviated by the reporting practices CMI endorses.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Over-Steering</span><br /><br />One practice often complained of is what we like to call "over-steering" or "back-seat driving" of an NGO. This occurs when donors use their money to demand NGO take on certain new activities or different operations. NGOs explained that donors contacting them are often willing to commit significant funds, but only if the NGO takes on a project or cause that the NGO did not previously engage in. We have one example that borders on the absurd: an education-focused NGO was offered large funds provided that it do HIV/AIDS work as well. When large enough funds are offered, many NGOs will except on the condition of doing new types of work.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Projectization </span><br /><br />Donors often demand that a NGO tie donations to one of the specific projects, or one of the many activities that the NGO does. NGOs are thereby forced to distribute funds unevenly throughout the NGO’s operation. This does not give NGOs the resources they need to effect complex social change. In extreme cases, NGOs are forced to borrow from one project to keep the NGO afloat. NGOs tell us that only the rare, well-informed donor understands that developmental organizations cannot continue efficiently if they are separated financially into tiny parts, some well financed, while others go bankrupt.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">One-Off or Limited Duration Funding</span><br /><br />NGOs also complain that they need to constantly seek new donors because too many of their supports make only one-time or limited duration donations. NGOs believe that donors want to constantly find new causes to support. That is not in itself bad, but it is not conducive to effective development work, which requires a steady stream of funds from life-long donors, year in year out.Alexander Lemkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14512061221511514644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-27381131714749630682008-01-20T07:35:00.000+05:302008-01-27T16:36:44.107+05:30How Effective Are the Credibility Alliance/Give Guidelines?<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >One thing we have been asked to trace is the effectiveness of the Credibility Alliance and Give Guidelines for NGO listing.<span style=""> </span>We will be evaluating our experiences on this and you can expect a long entry or link to a report on our opinions as to what guidelines help groups perform better, which ones help donors gain confidence, which help to insure that only “good” NGOs are listed/recommended, and which are overly burdensome or not useful (possibly even harmful).</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-43034286113502174722008-01-18T11:21:00.000+05:302008-01-27T16:35:13.845+05:30NGOs' Opinions of the Methodology<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Keystone methodology requires lots of resources and effort from NGOs.<span style=""> </span>The problem in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> is that NGOs operate on a thin line.<span style=""> </span>They have small budgets, and limited staff and as we are seeing can hardly do what we are asking of them if we did not do lots of the work and hand holding.<span style=""> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></span> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And the closer I get to these NGOs the more I realize that they fall into two groups:<span style=""> </span>(1) NGOs that see this as a fundraising effort; and (2) NGOs that see this as a fundraising effort that will also help them to think strategically about where to go.<span style=""> </span>This is fair because frankly without the carrot of funding, they would be expending way too much energy and money to justify their use of resources.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >I’ve said this before, but am still worried that the NGOs are not seeing the value of the methodology. I still think it is highly valuable and the problem is with us not being able to explain it well enough. While the groups assure us that they do get the value, I am not sure if this is honest. It could be that they will appreciate it only after they do their feedback reports and see how they are becoming more efficient and that it also has the added benefit of funding. But what happens if the funding falls short?</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-67034217591542130932008-01-16T16:32:00.000+05:302008-01-27T16:33:29.643+05:30Will NGOs Benefit from the Information Created?<p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">CMI suffers from certain limitations in our abilities to do everything that we want.<span style=""> </span>We are two people, and though we get support from our wonderful partners, we are the ones that have to travel <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>, meet with groups, lead discussions, draft and edit reports, meet with donors, be our own PR firm, and handle much of the cost.<span style=""> </span>As a result, we just can’t get everything we want done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I mention this because if we had greater resources we might have a different view, but at the moment I am of the view that the methodology is better for academic purposes than NGOs (at least in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The results of the methodology – or at least one result – are validated impact reports.<span style=""> </span>This will show the NGOs and donors and others how the NGOs are achieving the aims they seek.<span style=""> </span>The problem is that lot of the NGOs are trying to do some form of this but don’t have the time to track it and devote resources throughout the year. <o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">My fear is that they will go through all of this and produce this information but won’t or can’t (because of resources) devote energy to appreciating the value of the data. And in the end, this data will all be useful for academic interests – papers on whether impact reporting is something NGOs are interested in and whether mapping outcomes helps NGOs focus.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090619058218089155.post-55916718908062251492008-01-14T19:12:00.000+05:302008-01-27T16:32:22.144+05:30Donor Input on the Style of the Reports<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia; color: rgb(51, 51, 153);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We spoke with a couple of donors and they seemed to support what the NGOs said. The maps are not helpful without a connection to current activities or something indicating percent of time devoted to each activity. Because putting percent of time could be disingenuous we are working on ways to put current activities into the maps. Our current way is by putting in arrows to each prerequisite the activities target. That should helps how what is being done, what is being planned for in the future, and what isn’t being done or even considered. This should help donors and NGOs.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Harsh Trivedihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11650484348413206933noreply@blogger.com0