Small NGOs Group - Background, history and archive
In 2003, Bond was approached by the House of Commons International Development Select Committee to help organise an informal session with smaller NGOs. The purpose of the informal session was to give smaller NGOs an opportunity to raise issues concerning their engagement with DFID and the Committee. A group of some fifty representatives of small and medium sized agencies met in July 2003 to discuss this opportunity.
In September 2003, representatives of small NGOs, both Bond members and non-Bond members, wrote a paper and had an informal meeting with the International Development Committee which then sent a letter to DFID outlining their concerns.
On 2 April 2004, Small NGOs representatives met at Bond to discuss DFID's response to the submission and to consider how to take this work forwards. It was generally agreed that a permanent Small NGOs group would be formed, with a rotating 'steering committee' to carry out specific work on behalf of the wider group.
News and activities 2008
Bond researches the needs of its small NGO members
Over the summer of 2008, Bond conducted research into the needs of its small NGO members, which account for 50% of the membership. The purpose of this research was to relaunch the Small NGOs Group, which had become inactive, and to increase the effectiveness and value of the services offered to this group.
Challenges facing small NGOs
Small NGOs face particular challenges and the research found that members were both unaware of what services Bond offered and how they could influence the range of services provided. One commented: ‘I have recently started my own NGO and am looking for help and guidance in all areas from accounting to fundraising and website design.’ Other topics suggested included accounting, HR, business planning, staff management and governance issues.
Time pressures are acute for small organisations, with the difficulty of managing day-to-day operations as well as making time for learning and networking. Many suggested a preference for events to be smaller, informal and in ‘non-core hours’.
‘I find it difficult to make myself available for a working group – a shorter more easily accessible format would be more appropriate’
It was agreed that there needs to be a space for small members to interact separately, with some expressing the concern that though working groups were informative and useful they tended to concentrate on the needs of large NGOs. Despite this some felt that greater collaboration and exchange with larger NGOs would also be useful and could lead to beneficial partnerships.
The research has highlighted the need for targeted services including:
-
A programme of networking evenings to focus on one key topic and to
feature a short presentation from a leading specialist or relevant
organisation, enabling members to meet each other and Bond staff and
share learning and practice
- A dedicated area of the website designed to meet the needs of small
NGOs, including resources and links to organisations that provide
services and advice for new and small charities, frequently asked
questions, and a forum for members to share ideas and experiences
Next steps
Many members put themselves forward to take part in a Small NGO Advisory Panel and dates are being agreed for its first meeting. This panel will help ensure that Bond services are member-led and meet genuine needs. It will help steer a programme of activity and this will be announced over the coming weeks.
