Non-profit organizations (NGOs) in India grapple with securing consistent funding, hindering their ability to address critical social issues. SVP India, a community of philanthropists, is tackling this challenge through their innovative Fast Pitch program. This case study delves into Fast Pitch's approach, impact, and potential for replication, showcasing its power to empower NGOs, engage donors, and drive positive social change across India.
Overview:
SVP India is a community of compassionate and accomplished individuals working towards an equitable India through structured engagement with NGOs. We have a diverse peer network of more than 500 individuals (partners) across 8 major cities in India, whose time, expertise, and connections are leveraged to create a multiplier effect for our enlisted NGOs. SVP India has a well-thought-out approach to philanthropy where we carefully assess and onboard credible NGOs, ensuring that our support goes where it's needed the most. Collaborating actively with these non-profits, our partners gain a deeper understanding of the social sector. We have worked closely with over 100 NGOs and our partners have already contributed over 25,000 hours of their time towards building the scale and capacity of these organizations.
Nearly 90% of our partners have been associated with us for over 5 years, a testament to their deep sense of fulfilment in their philanthropic journey, contributing in sectors like Healthcare, Disability, Women’s Empowerment, Employment, Waste Management, Education & Youth, and Sustainable Environment. We invest in a collaborative solution, so those with a common cause can align their efforts and go further together. In essence, SVP India is where engagement transforms lives. We are committed to fostering social change through strategic giving, empowering non-profits, and building a strong community of philanthropists who learn, grow, and create a ripple effect to bring about a positive shift.
Challenges Addressed:
India has over 2 million registered NGOs addressing a wide range of critical areas, including healthcare, education, human rights and socio-economic development. While these NGOs operate independently but often collaborate with government agencies to achieve shared goals. Their funding comes from diverse sources such as individual and corporate philanthropy, grants from foundations and international aid agencies, and income generated through social enterprise initiatives.
NGOs face significant hurdles in securing consistent and adequate funding. Their reliance on donations from individuals, corporations, and government grants exposes them to fluctuations and shortfalls, potentially hindering their ability to fulfil their programmatic commitments and even threaten their long-term viability. Financial sustainability is equally critical. NGOs must not only secure resources but also manage them effectively and strategically to ensure the long-term continuation of their work.
Solutions Implemented:
SVP India works by means of 'Engaged Philanthropy' where our partners (individual donors) give their time (10,000 hours / annum) and expertise to work towards a shared vision and growth for the NGOs.
Given their unique position, they have the ability to make ecosystem impacts by giving back to underserved communities through leveraged Collective Giving, and by supporting NGOs across the country through our marquee annual virtual event Fast Pitch.
- Fast Pitch is a carefully designed program that helps NGO leaders to best present the story of their work, and then showcases these NGOs to a diverse audience of potential funders
- We build a lifelong skill of Pitch Communication for the NGOs, each of whom have been vetted by SVP (compliance and governance)
- 12 NGOs are selected through a 3-step process
The Fast Pitch Program unique offerings as compared to any other fundraising events include:
- Dedicated 1:1 coaching and practice sessions for 2 months pre-event
- Exposure to Partners / Coaches who are senior leaders from the corporate world
- Allied trainings given in leveraging Social Media and Online Retail Fundraising
- Virtual event which brings in audience members from across the board
Impact Achieved:
Successfully hosted two events
- Provided 200+ hours of coaching to 24 NGOs
- Reached over 2,700 audience members
- Raised INR 7.62 crores for participating NGOs through online and offline donations
- Maintained a robust 3:1 coach-to-coachee ratio
Fast Pitch has also contributed to the overall ecosystem of social impact and philanthropy by:
Raising Awareness about social causes: Fast Pitch raises awareness about social issues and the importance of philanthropy and social entrepreneurship. By showcasing the work of NGOs working at the grassroot level, Fast Pitch highlights the potential for positive change and inspires others to get involved.
Building Networks and Partnerships: Fast Pitch brings together stakeholders from various fields - professionals / entrepreneurs, CSRs and varied donors, non-profits and social sector enablers / intermediaries. By facilitating connections and collaborations among these actors, Fast Pitch helps build a network of support for participating NGOs.
Raising funds for social good: Organizations secure funding through winning or participating grants, online retail fundraisers and CSRs/HNIs donating post event.
Continued Support to the participating NGOs for Capacity building: SVP continues to share learning opportunities (SVP enabled or from other orgs) for capacity building/org developments. Few Partner-Coaches have continued to coach the NGO founder post the event and enabled ecosystem connects/opportunities for the NGOs growth.
- One of the coaches of Centre for Aquatic Livelihood Jaljeevika connected them to an organisation to receive GI tag for local fish varieties.
- A coach for The Umoya Foundation helped the NGO set up Tech platform and processes.
- Piyush Chawla (Coach – TEACH) – arranged for Founder Aman Sharma to give the TedX talk in Lucknow.
- 11 NGOs have also been onboarded as Investees in various SVP chapters.
Some of our success stories include:
- Kaarigar Clinic (Fast Pitch 2022) – Featured on Shark Tank India
- TEACH (Fast Pitch 2023) – Founder Aman Sharma gave TedX talks and opened a new centre in Delhi
- Uninhibited (Fast Pitch 2023) – Developed Menstrual Information Research Assistant (MIRA), an AI chatbot along with the Menstrual Health Hub in collaboration with GritWorks
Scalability & Replication:
Currently, Fast Pitch is applicable for all NGOs based on the following criteria:
- Must be a Non-profit organisation with Sec-8, Society or Trust status and renewed 12A and 80G certificates
- Must be based in or working in the following cities: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune or Surat
- Must be at least 3 years old with an Annual Expenditure in FY 22-23 between Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 3 crores
- Can be working in any sector or area that benefits the economically weaker population
- Must be prepared to have the Founder or a senior team member participate in the Fast Pitch process. The same individual must take part throughout the program
The mentorship provided by SVP partners is central to the success of Fast Pitch in empowering NGO leaders. To take this impactful program to new regions, we look forward to expand our partner network in other cities. This will allow us to equip even more social change leaders with the skills and resources they need to make a real difference in their communities.
The Ripple Effect: A Look Ahead
Also referred to as the ‘Shark Tank for NGOs’, Fast Pitch is a carefully designed program for NGO leaders to hone their storytelling skills and showcase their work to a diverse audience of potential donors, or the ‘Sharks’. The sharks here are everyday citizens spread across our country, who want to be part of innovative programs that make positive changes in the lives of the less fortunate.
SVP India's Fast Pitch 2024 grand finale takes center stage virtually on April 25th. We invite all stakeholders – philanthropists, corporations, and individuals passionate about social impact – to join us in supporting these exceptional NGOs.
Witness the power of storytelling and be a part of the solution. Register now: https://svpindia.org/fast-pitch-2024/
All pitches from the 2022 and 2023 Fast Pitch finalists are available here.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this case study is courtesy of SVP India
