What one piece of advice would you give to an NGO just starting its fundraising journey?
Question submitted by: Philister Aketch Oyet, Blessing Hands of South Sudan, South Sudan
Fundraising is not about proposals alone; it is about institutional readiness. Many organisations fail not because their ideas are weak, but because they rush into applications without governance, compliance, monitoring systems, and financial discipline.
My advice is simple but non-negotiable: Treat fundraising as an organisational function, not an emergency activity. Be intentional, diversify and be consistent.
Invest early in:
- Clear mission focus (do not chase every funding opportunity).
- Have a clear structure, system and people.
- Basic implementation plan, organisational policies, framework, MEL and financial systems.
- Relationship-building with potential donors and individuals within funding agencies, long before a call is released.
- Learning to say no to funding that stretches your capacity beyond credibility.
Money follows institutions that are clear, disciplined, and patient. If you build well, funding becomes a by-product, not the goal.
Also read “Why Applying for Grants Too Early Is Risky.”
(This answer was provided by Alfred Akerele, a Nigerian resource mobilisation consultant and grant writer with high-impact experience)
