NGOs 
NGOs have been the earliest participants in #DaanUtsav, using the platform to raise money, donations in kind as well as to seek volunteers for their cause. Many NGOs create large scale events during #DaanUtsav to engage the public, raise awareness about their cause and their own work, and to obtain the resources they need.
Some examples of how NGOs have leveraged #DaanUtsav are in the video below.
For any queries or more ideas on how to organise an event for NGOs, get in touch!
Reach out here:
9969741869
9840965889
9407688278
9861030623
9822326044
8840451829
gti at guidestarindia.org
wordsworth.india at gmail.com
jasminebhatia95 at gmail.com
Why should NGOs celebrate #DaanUtsav?
NGOs usually celebrate #DaanUtsav as it gives them an opportunity to connect with their existing supporters and make new ones. Some of them use #DaanUtsav as an opportunity to raise funds online and offline. Various platforms like Letzchange.org, Donatekart.org, ImpactGuru.org, Ketto and Milaap run online fundraising events specifically during the #DaanUtsav and #GivingTuesdayIndia period.
Many NGOs use #DaanUtsav as an opportunity to build a “community” of supporters and showcase their work to them. For some NGOs, #DaanUtsav is a chance to enlist a large number of volunteers for their work, and for yet others, it is helpful to raise awareness about their cause among the public. The general buzz around #DaanUtsav creates a stronger desire among many people to give, and it helps NGOs to capitalize on that energy.
What kind of events work for NGOs?
Events like collection drives, putting up ‘Wish Trees’, organising a musical evening, participating in a Seva Mela, etc. work well to raise resources. Volunteering campaigns give NGOs a chance to engage a large number of corporates, schools, colleges and members of the general public. Setting up booths or stalls in institutions and in housing societies also helps spread the word and build new relationships.
Click here to see a compilation of ideas that will get you started.
How can NGOs pitch the concept of #DaanUtsav to their donors or volunteers?
By informing them that #DaanUtsav is celebrated pan-India from October 2 to October 8, by a large number of communities, fostering a great sense of belonging to a larger community.
How can NGOs reach out to potential givers or create awareness about their initiative?
NGOs can make a list of their potential givers, send out customized emails or WhatsApp messages to them, followed by setting up meetings and calls. NGOs can also share relevant videos and stories on social media.
How can NGOs ensure maximum participation in their #DaanUtsav events?
For maximum participation, following up with the people concerned is very important. At times, for specific events, a workshop with key volunteers also helps.
What are some of the objections/questions raised by potential donors and participants?
One of the objections raised is: Why celebrate giving only between October 2 and 8?
How can it be addressed?
One could say that doing an activity pan-India between October 2 and 8 helps create a thunderclap, a buzz about the event, which would otherwise be missing.
How much time does it take to plan an event? Online/offline?
That would totally depend upon the scale of the event. Typically, to work on an offline event, you will need at least a month. An online campaign should start at least 15 days prior to the main event. For big events that require multiple stakeholders as partners (for sponsorship, venue, permissions, etc.), it might need 2-3 months of advance work.
What resources do NGOs usually need to execute theie eventw?
All #DaanUtsav-related resources are available on the #DaanUtsav website, such as FAQs, videos, etc. One can also get in touch with volunteers with questions and requests for support.
For collection drives that the NGO may organise at a particular location, the volunteers are provided with a kit containing #DaanUtsav banners, profiles of the non-profit, FAQs, donation boxes, etc.
How can NGOs tell more people about their #DaanUtsav activity?
NGOs should definitely use social media platforms to reach out to more number of people. Alternatively, they can also conduct workshops or participate in #DaanUtsav NGO workshops organised by volunteers.
Does #DaanUtsav coinciding with festival season come as an advantage or a barrier to engaging givers?
#DaanUtsav coinciding with other festivals is an opportunity to leverage, as many people are mostly at home, or have the mind space to check out the events, or generally in a more festive and giving mood.
How do #DaanUtsav volunteers support in planning and/or executing an event?
#DaanUtsav volunteers support with ideas, connections, collaterals, meetings, and many other ways.
Any other tips/comments/suggestions?
#DaanUtsav helps accelerate giving in general, with a wider range of people coming forward to celebrate it every single year.
Here is a YouTube playlist which you can use to get more ideas and examples for organising your #DaanUtsav activity.
Click on
icon to browse the playlist.
VIRTUAL IDEAS FOR NGO BENEFICIARIES
Say Thanks
Employees/Beneficiaries send gratitude cards or recorded messages to frontline workers.
The Show Must Go On-line
NGOs arrange for their beneficiaries to put up an online ticketed show with various kinds of performances. Donors and other stakeholders are invited to attend the show. The NGO could also rope in an influencer or celebrity to e-host the show and perform.
VIRTUAL IDEAS FOR NGOs RAISING RESOURCES
You e-wish!
NGOs set up digital wish trees on their website to raise resources and funds.
Karaoke Fun
Partner with a corporate to organise a ticketed karaoke fundraiser night or game marathon week for the employees.
Donate to date
Rope in an influencer and organise a fundraiser where people bid for a virtual coffee date with them.
Skillful bid
NGOs get their supporters to offer their skills virtually for a cause (e.g., a writer will write 1 piece or a consultant will do 1 days’ pro bono consulting, etc.). People bid for their skills and the proceeds go to the NGO.
Crazy challenges
Crazy challenges like a mirchi eating challenge for acid burn victims’ benefit (or throat cancer victims’ benefit), hold-your-breath challenge to understand environment & pollution, etc.
Crowdfunding Campaigns
Set up online crowdfunding campaigns or participate in challenges organised by crowdfunding portals that offer matching and incentives.
Symbolic Online Campaigns
Online fundraisers using powerful visual symbols related to the NGO’s own cause, e.g., a hazy image becomes clearer as more cataract surgeries are funded, water fills up in a well as more people donate, etc.
The 24 Hour Disability Challenge
People are invited to experience a disability for 24 hours (blindfolded or ears plugged or can’t speak or legs tied, etc., and donate to charity if they fail. They are invited to share their experiences online.
Citizen Webathons
Set up a “digital telethon room” on your website. Supporters will make calls to friends during the week and raise donations. A scoreboard tracks who has raised how much. The winner gets a trophy from the NGO or a date with an influencer.
Game-a-thons
Organise virtual gaming contests for donors where they donate to compete and play
Charity Lives
Get an artist to put up performances such as concerts, plays, and stand-up comedy for charity with the entry fee going to the NGO/social cause.
IDEAS FOR NGO BENEFICIARIES
Fistful of joy
Encourage members to donate a fistful of grain/ sugar which is collected and given to an NGO.
1 Rupee Campaign
Children collect Re1 from each family in the community and use the money to fund an act of social good.
IDEAS FOR NGOs SEEKING RESOURCES
Charity Shows
Get an artist to put up performances such as concerts, plays, and stand-up comedy for charity with the entry fee going to the NGO/social cause.
The 24 Hour Challenge
NGOs invite supporters and public to spend 24 hours with their beneficiaries- in the villages, slums, govt schools- to sensitize them and create long term supporters out of them.
Play With Us
NGOs organise street plays or performances that showcase the work they do and the problems they tackle to engage the public and raise money.
Citizen Webathons
Set up a “telethon room” in your office and broadcast it live on Youtube. Supporters sit and make calls to friends and raise donations. A scoreboard tracks who has raised how much.
Skills for a cause
NGOs get their supporters to offer their skills for a cause (e.g., a writer will write 1 piece or a consultant will do 1 days’ pro bono consulting, etc.). People bid for their skills and the proceeds go to the NGO.
Crazy Challenges
Crazy challenges like a mirchi eating challenge for acid burn victims’ benefit (or throat cancer victims’ benefit), hold-your-breath challenge to understand environment & pollution, etc.
Blind Tournament
People pay and play against skilled blind players- chess, painting contest, etc.
Rain Bows
Across schools, colleges, corporates, students/employees get to wear “rainbow” costumes, take a selfie and donate towards LGBTQ support.
De bility triathlon
In a school, college, corporate or club, a contest where the participants take part with a handicap (eyes blindfolded, legs tied, etc.).