What is Governance?

The World Bank defines governance as “the exercise of political authority and the use of institutional resources to manage society's problems and affairs”.

Governance means the functioning of BOARD of an organisation.

Good governance means the effective management of resources in a manner that is open, transparent, accountable, equitable and responsive to the needs of people.

Accountability of NGOs is the cornerstone of good governance and a pre-requisite for an effective democratic participatory process.

A system for ideal governance could include

1. Transparent and effective governing body where accountability at the helm is determined.
2. Efficient, competent and precise manpower.
3. Consistent efforts towards capacity building and evaluation of human resources.
4. Ensuring absolute independence of auditors.
5. Stratified participation from the grassroots.
6. Evaluation in terms of the objectives achieved rather than amount of funds utilised.

Board and Fundraising

• Effectiveness of an organisation lies in effectiveness of its board
• Effectiveness of a board lies in its effective leadership - Chairperson

An active fundraising Chairperson helps not only in raising resources but leads the organisation in communicating its work and enhancing its image

How to put FUNDRAISING on the Board’s agenda

• Include a person who has experience in fundraising/ communication or both in the Board
• Atleast one board member should be responsible for fundraising
• A board member should assigned only to ensure ‘fundraising by the board’.