by christopher bernardo
Published on: Apr 5, 2004
Topic:
Type: Interviews

“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 the March 30-31 “First Fund Raising Congress” in the SGV Hall of the AIM Conference Center in Makati that was organized by Venture for Fund Raising under the leadership of Mr. Jaime Faustino.

Speakers in the Congress include people from Foundations and HR Managers of private Corporations. Mr. Nicanor Perlas (President, Center for Alternative Development Initiatives) 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. Ms. Rory Tolentino (Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium) and Ms. Mayan Quebral (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, Mr. Ruiz Salazar (Johnson&Johnson), Mr. Edwin Domingo (Coca-Cola Company), Atty. Manuel Ortega (PhilAm Foundation), Ms. Zonito Torevillas (McDonalds) and Mrs. Tina-Monzon Palma(Bantay Bata 163). Diversified Funding sources was discussed by Mr. Tony Meloto (Gawad Kalinga), while Dr. Grace Aquiling-Dalisay (Pambansang Samahan ng Sikolohiyang Pilipino) reported on Filipino volunteerism.

On the next day, Mr. Ramon Pedrosa (Alay sa Kawal) dealt with the issue of choosing the right Board of Directors while Mr. Raul Alcantara (International Institute of Rural Reconstruction) reported on Earned Income. Mr. Kahlil Bagatsing (Make a Wish Foundation) and Mr. Jasen Ko (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 who are Mr. Bam Aquino and Ms. Ria Tanjuatco-Trillo. They also presented the Kyra award that included three other citations.

Nominees for the Direct Link Award of Excellence are the ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation Inc., American Chamber Foundation, Children’s Hour, Culinary Education, Galing Pilipino Movement and the PhilAm Foundation. Nominees for the Forex Cargo Best Direct Campaign Award include the De La Salle University, Pampangga Corps, and the PARFUND. While the nominees for the DHL Best Special Event Award are the following: American Chamber Foundation, ChildHope Asia, Galing Piliino Movement, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philipines Business for Social Progress, SOS Children’s villages. Lastly, Cause-Related Marketing Campaign was nominated to ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation and Give2Asia.

The Fund Raising Congress, which was participated by two hundred (200) individuals and organizations, 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 e-group 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 e-group is open to the public. You may join the e-group at fund_raising_network@yahoogroups.com.

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