Fundraising in Emerging Markets: Challenges and Opportunities

But some countries do have tax regimes that are favourable to nonprofits. In Brazil, for example, any corporate donation to an organisation officially recognised as working for education and culture (a specific category of nonprofit) is 100 percent tax deductible. ume.org.br”>Expedition Firefly, which creates community libraries in the Amazon, has used this law very effectively to garner corporate support on a significant scale, including flights and other transport, books, publicity materials, and advertising spots. Along with the success stories, I have, of course, met a great many people from nonprofits in developing countries with little idea where to begin in fundraising — but eager to learn. Often their organisations essentially are project implementers living hand to mouth and engaging in activities as funds become available. Some lack any clear sense of independent identity and mission, and most do not have any kind of forward-looking financial plan. Used to communicating only with grant-making institutions, their literature is full of the most turgid development jargon. Some will fall by the wayside as donor funds are withdrawn to be focused on other needs. The need for education and training — based on real examples of what is working in these countries — is huge. FS