When funding is trust-based, long-term and flexible, it strengthens an organization and allows it to grow.

Shakti Shalini, based in Delhi, India, works on issues around gender and sexual violence and gender equality. In this conversation, Tamanna Basu (Core Lead) and Anjali Thakur (Operations Lead) share their insights on leading a community-based organization and the positive role that funders can play in supporting their critical work. 

10 key takeaways from the conversation:

     1. When we can build trust with funders, then we can focus on long-term change together rather than short-term goals.

     2. When funding is trust-based, long-term and flexible, it allows us to be less anxious about resources and to focus on building our core capacity, systems, programs and impact, as opposed to being stuck in survival mode. 

     3. One funder provided a grant to Shakti Shalini entirely for team well-being, recognizing that the issues will only get tackled if the people working for the issue are well taken care of. This kind of support allows leaders to build systems that nurture the well-being of their team.

     4. When funders invest in building the capacity of the team, this makes a huge difference for organizations. Training in areas such fundraising, compliance and communications can lead to more resource generation for an organization. 

     5. Flexible grants help us to fill any funding gaps that we might have, enabling us to get through challenging times.  

     6. Funders can provide support beyond financial. For example, they can use their networks to amplify the voice and work of organizations and provide more visibility for grassroots organizations like Shakti Shalini. 

     7. It takes time to build trust-based relationships and accountability is a critical part of that. Regular reporting and updates are very important, as is sound financial management and reporting – that accountability must come from organizations and trust must come from the funders. 

     8. When relationships are trust-based, then we don’t hesitate to share our challenges. It is important for us to be able to share the realities of the field – including the challenges we face – and then we can come together with our funders, as a team, to respond to them.

     9. When funders have time, regular check-ins help us to feel more heard. Organizations can’t summarize a whole year’s work in a one hour presentation to a funder, so real time sharing of information and challenges is helpful.

     10. We see linkages with how we lead the team and how we work with funders. It is important for us to lead with trust and understanding and then our team responds with appreciation and hard work. Likewise, if a grantee receives trust and understanding then they want to do their best in implementation. This is the power of trust and accountability. 

In collaboration whith: 

Tamanna Basu

Core Lead and Ex-Officio General Body member at Shakti Shalini, Fundraiser at Civis, a feminist activist, freelance writer, and occasionally an educator and researcher. (Get in touch: tamanna.basu@shaktishalini.org)

Anjali Thakur

Operations Lead and Ex-Officio Member at Shakti Shalini, Feminist Development Practitioner, and Life Skills Trainer. (Get in touch: anjali.thakur@shaktishalini.org)

Learn more about Shakti Shalini’s inspiring work by visiting their website.