Saturday, July 12, 2014

BUDGET-2014 CHANGES IMPACTING NGO SECTOR


Budget is generally a disappointment for the NGO community, with only a very few benefits.

CSR expenditure of companies not to be tax deductible. Thus a big disappointment for companies, who now may resort to camouflage it under other sections. Or it may benefit NGOs who have S.35AC registration.

Other provisions for NGOs (generally referred to as Charitable Trusts)

Clarification provided for ‘substantially financed’

Certain educational & medical institutions registered under S. 10(23) (under sub-clauses iiiab & iiiad) are exempt from tax if ‘substantially financed by the Govt.’ Currently substantial has not been defined in the Act and courts interpret this based on other provisions in the Act. Govt will now specify exact % of total receipts (including donations, etc., if any), which will entitle the concerned institution to claim exemption from its entire income.

Claim both for Depreciation as well as cost of asset not to be allowed

A Trust which has included acquisition cost of an asset in the application amount, canot again claim depreciation.

Claims under multiple sections not allowed

If a charitable Trust has been registered / approved under. 12AA / S. 10(23), it cannot claim benefit under any other clause of S. 10, except for agriculture income.

Additional powers given to Commissioner for cancellation of S. 12AA registration

Commissioner given additional power to cancel S.12AA registration under following circumstances:

1. If income/property of Trust, applied for the benefits of specified persons, like trustee

2.If funds are invested in prohibited modes.

3.It is found that charitable trust is generally not applying the income of Trust for public in general.

Relief in case of delayed S.12AA registration

In case of delayed registration under S. 12, any pending assessment on the date of registration would be considered for providing benefit under S. 12A, but not the assessments which are already complete.

Anonymous Donations

Tax calculation method on anonymous donations modified to streamline the same.

__________________________________
Socio Research & Reform Foundation (NGO)
512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in;
website: http://www.srr-foundation.org

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Opportunities for NGOs to set up Skill Development Training Center under NSDC, STAR Progrrame of India

Interested NGO are requested to submit Expression of Interest to CHESTA for setting of Training Centers at their programme areas for the development of youths. The STAR Scheme is an initiative to boost employability and productivity of youths by providing them Monetary Incentives to voluntary join an approved skill training course that is certified by Sector Skill Counsel. The Scheme is available at RCSM approved by Govt. of India/NSDC.

Interested NGOs are requested to contact in the following address to set up the Authorized Training Centers under Skill Development Schemes:

CHESTA
Radhakrushna Street
Gate Bazar, Aska Road
Berhampur, Ganjam
Pin-76001
Mobile No: 08895353908. 09438078696, 09337503045
Land Line: 0680-2223045


Thursday, February 27, 2014

EOI empanelment of Institutions to Conduct an Impact Assessment Study

Expression of Interest (EOI) for empanelment of Institutions to Conduct an Impact Assessment Study of the Awareness Generation Campaigns  Implemented/Being Implemented by National Disaster Management Authority  
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) intends to empanel reputed Government Organisations/Semi-Government Institutions/Non-Government Organisations to undertake Impact Assessment Study of the Awareness Generation Campaigns Implemented/being implemented by NDMA so as to assess its reach, impact, quality and effectiveness of the various campaigns/initiatives, identify the gaps if any and suggest/recommend measures for corrective action.

Eligibility Criteria
The invitation is open to reputed Government/Semi-Government Institutions (like IITs,/IIMS/IMC/TIS/TERI/Colleges under UGC/Government /Semi- Govt. Organisations(like NIDM/ATIs/NIUA)/NGOs with credible background engaged in the field of impact assessment of awareness campaigns. They should have a team of experienced professionals or Interns for undertaking such an activity.
The Institutes/Organisations must have experience of at least 2-5 years in undertaking such impact assessments. The Institutes should be capable of undertaking the study in any part of the country.
Scope of Work
The scope of work of the agency would be as follows:
i) Impact Assessment of NDMA’s Awareness Generation through sample data collection in the respective target areas of the NDMA’s campaigns/initiatives.
ii) Interact with the target population samples for assessment of a media campaign chosen for evaluation.
iii) Sample size should be representative enough of each medium.
iv) Organize logistics for evaluating campaigns of NDMA
v) Record, analyze responses through field visits to meet the sample target group in consultation with NDMA including review of inputs from the States and submit a consolidated report for each chosen campaign/initiative. The report would, inter alia, include the following:
a) Comprehension of the message disseminated through the campaign, by the people and retention of the messages in their memory of each medium.
b) Ability to cut through clutter
c) Recall: Story, Tagline and likeability
d) Interpretation – Message comprehension
e) Engagement/ Involvement – Recall of specific elements of the advertisement/audiovisual input
f) Impact- Is the message effective enough to influence attitude and activities
vi) Process evaluation and assessment of gaps (if any) between the achievements and expectations based on data collected through surveys conducted in general public for impact assessment
vii) To assess the relevance and impact/influence of the campaign in the context of various mediums of communication
viii) Suggest the need to reform / modify the conduct of the campaign/initiative if any in order to make it more effective.
Deadline: 04 March 2014
For more information please visit the link: http://ndma.gov.in/images/tenders/EOIFORPRAG.pdf

NCAS Announces Capacity Building Programme on People-Centred Advocacy 27-29 March, 2014 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha

The National Center for Advocacy Studies (NCAS) is organizing a Capacity Building Programme on People-Centred Advocacy from 27-29 March, 2014 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. NCAS is a social change resource centre that aims at promoting and strengthening rights-based people-centred advocacy. It endeavors to create enabling conditions for people’s empowerment at the grass-roots level as well as to facilitate efforts for human rights, social justice and transparent and accountable governance. It primarily provides support to various grass-root initiatives and people’s movements by way of capacity building, campaign and media support, and research & documentation. NCAS, over the last two decades, has conducted around 250 capacity building workshops for organsiations in India and in some other South Asian countries. 

The advocacy environment in the country has undergone tremendous changes in recent years. A fresh and updated understanding on concept and practice of People-Centred Advocacy is a felt need in these changed circumstances. NCAS is organising a three-day workshop for Odisha-based organisations. On the third day of the programme i.e. on 29th   March, a discussion will be held on developmental schemes and institutions of governance for adivasis in Odisha. Details of the workshop are as follows:

Objectives of the Programme

-          To facilitate learning process on People-Centred Advocacy and the concept and practice of Advocacy in India
-          To understand the relationship between power, politics and policy in order to empower people and advocate a pro-people policy environment
-          To understand the role of the institutions of governance and of the media in advancing the rights of the marginalised
-          To gain skills, strategies and methods for planning advocacy campaign

This workshop is intended for the activists of people’s organizations, and civil society groups and therefore participation in the workshop is by prior registration only. We request all interested to send in their registration applications by March 5, 2014. 

How to apply
-          Send a note about your experiences on Advocacy (English or Odia)

-          Send a registration fee of Rs, 1000 in the name of National Centre For Advocacy Studies,  ( for funding and donor agencies the amount is Rs. 3000)

-          No Registration Fee is required for the activists working with people’s organization.  

Please note:

Last of receiving applications is March 5, 2014
Only shortlisted candidates will be informed and invited for the workshop.
Travel expenses will be borne by the participants themselves.

For Further Details Contact

Sandeep Kumar Pattnaik
Programme Officer, National Center for Advocacy Studies
Plot No. C1-004, Kedar Gauri Apartment
Garrage Chaak,
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Mobile No - 8763210608 
 
National Centre for Advocacy Studies (NCAS)
Serenity Complex, Ramnagar Colony
Pashan, Pune, 411 021, Maharashtra, India
Tel/Fax:(+91 20) 2295 1857, 2295 2003 and 2295 2004
For general inquires: ncas@vsnl.com
Website: www.ncasindia.org


Reminder about NPO Governance Programme Registration-4th Batch

Dear Friends,
Greetings from FMSF!
This is a gentle reminder pertaining to the online programme on NPO Governance. Online registration for 4th batch is currently open. “The 4th batch is scheduled to commence by end of March 2014” therefore hurry! 
Governance plays a crucial role in the effective functioning of an NPO. Further, Governance standards of organizations are indispensible in maintaining transparency and accountability of the organization.  Over the years, emphasis on good governance practices within organizations has gained momentum. In the NPO sector, we need to continuously work on promoting good governance.
 For more than two decades, FMSF has been engaging in the area of governance. FMSF have also been one of the pioneers in setting up of accountability standards for the NPO Sector. However, a need for a sustained training program was also felt. The online program on NPO Governance is a humble effort in this direction. The course is framed with the following objectives in mind: 
·         To provide a basic understanding of the Governance mechanism in NPOs
·         To provide an overview of the Governance Structures & Processes
·         To develop an understanding on the Roles and Responsibilities of the Board Members
·         To provide basic understanding of the Governance Controls required for an NPO
·         To identify common myths and misconceptions in the Governance of NPOs
The course is completely web-based and the course curriculum has been divided into 4 modules. For each module, course materials can be accessed online for students coaching. Further the program is open to people across the globe. 
 Who should apply? 
·         Personnel working in mid-level, senior management level positions in NGOs, resource sharing agencies or any other development organization
·         CEOs, CFOs or Executive Director of NGOs
·         Individual serving in Board of NGOs, resource sharing agencies
·         Consultants involved in the review and evaluations of NGOs
 For further details on the course, kindly refer to the attached program brochure or visit our websitewww.fmsflearningsystems.org
For registering with us for the course, please visit our website www.fmsflearningsystems.org
We look forward to your positive responses.
Best wishes,
Sanjay Patra
Executive Director

FMSF

Monday, February 10, 2014

India Youth Fund - Call for Application Announcement

INDIA YOUTH FUND
An initiative of UN-Habitat & Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

Applications Open: 15th February, 2014

With an aim to transform ideas into reality through its finance, training, and mentoring model, the India Youth Fund, a joint program by UN-Habitat and Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation, invites applications from youth-led organizations across the country working towards sustainable urban development.

Focus Areas
         Urban Land, Legislation and Governance
         Urban Planning and Design
         Urban Economy
         Urban Basic Services
         Access to Health Information and Facilities
         Housing and Slum Upgrading
         Risk Reduction and Rehabilitation
         Research and Capacity Development

To stay updated, visit: https://www.facebook.com/IndiaYouthFund



Sunday, September 8, 2013

Sir Dorabji Tata Trust-Small Grants facility

Name of ODA agency/Ministry

Sir Dorabji Tata Trust

Name of grant programme

Small Grants facility

Background
The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust was founded in 1932 by Sir Dorabji Tata for the purpose of encouraging  learning and research in the country, for providing relief during crises and calamities, and for carrying out charitable activities. The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust has a group of allied trusts that are regarded as a single charitable institution.

The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust has the Small Grants facility in the health sector for the purpose of research and knowledge for promoting low-cost health delivery and health financing and studies on non-communicable diseases. It also focuses on integration of the physically and mentally challenged in mainstream society. It also tackles issues of gender-based violence.

Types of Grant

Co-financing grants

Grant Size

Determined on a case-by-case basis

Own Contribution

The grant covers 80 – 90% of the project cost.

Funding Priorities

Ø  Community health with a focus on child and maternal health and child nutrition.
Ø  Treatment and care of the physically and mentally challenged and their integration into society.
Ø  Integration of the Indian systems of medicine.
Ø  Improved health-infrastructure in rural areas.
Ø  Strengthening of community-based maternity centers.
Ø  Training of village health workers.
Ø  In areas of disability, the focus is on early intervention, community-based approaches to providing care and rehabilitation, skill development and employability of the disabled.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants are registered Non-Governmental Organisations in India who can work in a strategic partnership with the fund. The initiative must be in line with the strategic framework:

Ø  It should be of benefit to the target population long term.
Ø  There should be capacity building measures to ensure sustainability.
Ø  There should be a focus on rehabilitation and integration of the physically and mentally challenged
Ø  in mainstream society.

Guidelines

There is no prescribed format but the general guidelines can be downloaded from the website at
Project Duration

Three to five years

Deadline

There are no set deadlines.

Application Forms

There is no specific application format. However, applications should include:

Ø  A description of the proposed project with clearly articulated objectives, plans/programs or activities,
and mechanisms for impact assessment.
Ø  A profile of the project holder (qualifications, achievements, experience) and a brief background of
Ø  the core team.
Ø  Registration certificate of the organisation and Incometax Exemption Certificates.
Ø  The financial audited statements of the last three years and Annual Reports.

Application and Procedures

After receiving a project proposal, the Trust will asses it and makes any necessary recommendations to the project holder before approving the project. Follow the link for any updated

Language

English

Tips
Some information regarding disbursement of grants and partnerships with NGOs can be downloaded from the website at http://www.dorabjitatatrust.org/NGO_Grants/strategy_papers03.aspx

Contact

Official name

Sir Dorabji Tata Trust

Phone

+ 91 22 6665 8282

Email


Website


Address

Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
Bombay House
24, Homi Mody Street

Mumbai 400 001, India