China Esquire

It’s been a crazy month at work, and it’s not letting up, so I apologize for the attention (or lack thereof) that has been paid to this blog.  The other day, I received an email from the International Center for Non-profit Law because the new issue for the IJNL is published:

Articles

The Legal Framework for Not-for-Profit Organizations in Central and Eastern Europe
Douglas Rutzen, David Moore, and Michael Durham

The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Civic Organizations in Namibia
Benedict C. Iheme

International Grantmaking
Foundation Center in Cooperation with Council on Foundations

I just wanted to highlight the last article, because it has some direct implications on Chinese NGOs/GONGOs.

First, this report indicates that there will still be growth in grantmaking, even with the down economy.  I agree with this.  In fact, one project I am working on at TechSoup is the international database for equivalency determinations so that grants can be made to global NGOs.  This includes China.  Chinese NGOs need to start thinking about how they can get a piece of the action here, because the money isn’t going to stop flowing.  U.S. Foundations are required by law to grant a certain amount of their assets each year.  You need to start contacting foundations or other organizations like Give2Asia, and see what options and assistance may be available for you.  You have to be proactive or that money will continue its growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Remember, its often those who are the loudest who get the most help–even in the non-profit world.

Second, it’s time for Chinese NGOs/GONGOs to clean up their act and paperwork.  You can’t get a piece of the pie without organized paperwork…  at least, it’s going to be awfully hard to do so without it.  Foundations and other grantmakers have to resort to ER (expenditure responsibility) to give a lot of grants, particularly in China.  These things are a headache to manage.  But either way, having good paperwork will only help you.  Have copies of your incorporate documents, financial reports, and the like ready.  Prepare financials and reports on a periodic basis.  (like every year)  Without such reports, its hard to trust NGOs–especially when I think about how the China Red Cross got slammed about fiscal responsibility during the Sichuan Quake.  Not good.

I can say more, but this is a good start in thinking about getting grant money for China-based NGOs.

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