In keeping with its tradition since the last 18 years, the South Asian Fund Raising Group (SAFRG) held its 18th Annual Fundraising Workshop at the Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre at Agra from August 22-25, 2007. Over the years this event has acquired a reputation for building the capacity of Fundraisers and civil society organizations and is recognized as the foremost event on fundraising in the sub Continent.

The theme of this year’s workshop was “Building Relationships for Sustainability.”

The workshop this year received an impressive number of applications taking the number of delegates who attended the workshop to a whopping 215, the largest number ever for a fundraising workshop in South Asia.

	The workshop this year received an impressive number of applications taking the number of delegates who attended the workshop to a whopping 215, the largest number ever for a fundraising workshop in South Asia.
	Delegates at the workshop

 
While the majority of the delegates were from India, a large number was from Pakistan (47). There was also representation from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Afghanistan and even UK and Australia. 40% of the participants were women.

SAFRG offered 98 (full and half) bursaries which enabled participants from small and medium sized organizations with limited resources to attend the workshop. Many candidates who were attending a workshop of this level for the first time greatly benefited. Most felt confident of creating and implementing a fundraising plan upon their return

SAFRG scouted around and was successful in bringing together a range of experts from across the globe to share their expertise and vast experience in fundraising. Some of the best names in the fundraising scenario such as Martin Kaufman, Tony Myers, Tony Elischer, and Michael Westerman – were invited to make presentations at the workshop. The evaluations of all the speakers were excellent

NGO networks such as Indian NGOs, VANI, Civil Society, Development Alternatives, Grassroots, COVA, ACYO, One World etc. were approached to reach potential delegates. SAFRG received immense support from its friends and partners.

3 Excellent Master Classes were held
       Major Gift Fundraising -The situation is ripe, the western model ready
         for Asia, and just waiting to be Applied - Martin Kaufman.
       Maximising Support from Individuals - Tony Elischer.
       The power of Corporate Connections: A Value exchange for a Better          World - Tony Myers

maintain and expand various fundraising techniques in their respective organizations. In all there were 45 sessions (each of 2 hour duration). Each delegate could attend 9 sessions in all.

	Apart from the Master Classes there were three very interesting plenary sessions. These set the tone of the workshop and gave real insights to possibilities ahead. These were very inspirational and greatly appreciated by all delegates
	A speaker at one of the plenary sessions

Plenary Sessions:
       Opening Plenary: Creativity and Innovations in Fundraising-Inspiring          Fundraisers - Tony Elischer, UK
       Plenary 2: The Best way to Predict the Future is to Invent It –
         Mr. Sanjiv Gupta, India
       Closing Plenary: The Power of Yes - Tony Myers, Canada.

After every session feedback was taken from the participants. Additionally, the delegates filled an overall evaluation form. The summary of the overall evaluation has been above average.

Other highlights

      Social events such as the Welcome Dinner and a Gala Dinner were         organized which served as an opportunity for the delegates to relax,         unwind and interact with fellow delegates.
      A Book Stall was put up which displayed and sold books on
        Fundraising at very concessional rates.
      The Association of Fundraising Professionals – South Asia (AFPSA)
        which has been initiated by SAFFRG was promoted at the workshop
        and many new members signed in.
      The workshop also saw the coming together of the South Asian         Fundraising Alliance (SAFA)with members from Pakistan (PAIMAN),
        Sri Lanka (CARM), Nepal(Social Welfare Council) and Bangladesh
        (PRIP Trust)

SAFRG received unstinted support from organizations such as the FORD FOUNDATION, COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION, SEHGAL FOUNDATION, FORTIS HEALTHCARE, and MEENAKSHI MISSION HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE for the event.

SAFRG is eternally grateful for this support.