I am given to understand that India has perhaps the highest number of registered NGOs. Now while on one side it is good to see that there is a high focus in India towards development in the social sector, it also would make an individual or an organization who would like to fund socially relevant ventures even more cautious. Many of these philanthropists and organizations are keen on taking best steps to ensure that they are funding a venture that will last. The decision making becomes even tougher when there are no parameters such as revenue, past history of success of the founders in the social sector etc. Seeing this need among many, there is a 7-category evaluation questionnaire which I have prepared, a part or whole of which would be useful not just for the funding agencies, but also as an introspective checklist for the founders of the venture as well.
[Note]: The word ‘community’ is used to refer to the target group for which the venture is created.
1. Relevance of the venture as a social project
What is the defined community which will find this venture beneficial?
Does the community really need this, or is it just a fancy dream of the proposer of the venture which is not connected to reality?
How large is the reach of the service offered by the venture to the community?
Are there job creation opportunities?
What are the opportunities of involvement by members of the target community?
2. Sustainability of the venture
What are the various eco-system partnerships possible for this venture?
What is the long term relevance of this venture? How long is ‘long’?
What are the possible expansions possible with this venture? What are the potential future mergers & acquisitions possible?
What are the various motivations and rewards for the various stakeholders of this venture? How does that help sustainability?
What are the cross-application, cross-geography possibilities?
3. Current competition
What is the current alternative that the community has, in the absence of the proposed venture? Why then do we need something new?
Are there any for-profit players in this sector addressing the needs projected by the venture?
Has any partnership been explored with the for-profit players?
4. Innovation of the idea
Is there any innovation in any of the aspects of the venture, like frugal innovation, optimization of resources etc.?
Is there any reuse of an idea or a pattern which has been successful either in the for-profit or non-profit world?
Is there a smart use of an existing technology model which can be optimized for this venture?
5. Passion of the founders
What is the background and motivation for the social passion of the founders?
What is the strength of the social passion in terms of getting it to last long enough till the rubber meets the road?
6. Marketing / Branding Strategy for the venture
How are the founders of the venture proposing to market this service as something beneficial for the community?
Are there existing channels or ecosystems they can partner with for marketing or branding?
7. Project Execution Plan
Is there an execution model in place, with the right set of starting processes?
What is the readiness of the plan for execution?
Are the right resources, both human and capital, available within the required funding?
Are the right dashboard metrics listed to track progress and success?
While the categories and questions are not fool-proof, they can still help the founders and the funding agencies to think through the various aspects and even work together on having a mature and sustainable plan in place. Once that is done, further actions related to goals and metrics definition, as well as detailed project execution plan can be laid out and tracked. With the plethora of NGOs and organizations, it is very important that one more venture does not get started as a duplicate effort, just to increase a mushrooming nature in this sector. These questions also have a ‘social’ bent to them, in planting a mind of collaboration with other ecosystem players, and eliminating projects which have vested interests of the founders in mind.
I take lessons in western classical vocals, and one of the things we are always told is that before we start to sing, our mouth and throat should be positioned for the best resonance at the highest pitch. If we then start singing, even the lower notes will sound good, and the whole song will be a good experience for the singer as well as the listener. I believe the same principle of preparedness apply in the area of starting a social venture too, where the readiness for the various stages of the project can be thought through right in the beginning. The whole approach of questions will make the thought process much clearer before getting started on the venture, yet not introduce high lead-delays in getting started. This will also reduce the probability of failure for reasons which could have been thought upfront.
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting……
Cool sites…
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
We must all be at-one and transcend this environment…
by escaping the limitations of the present material world through this insight of divine LOVE and LIGHT!…
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Looking around…
While I was surfing today I noticed a excellent article concerning…
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Trackback Priority…
It’s actually a great and useful piece of info. I am happy that you shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing….
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Sites we Like……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
Want to be in the spotlight for once…
with people recognizing your talent whilst at the same time gaining exposure. Beat100 is the ultimate launch pad for unsigned talent to be seen, heard and rewarded….
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Informative and precise…
Its difficult to find informative and precise info but here I noted…
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
Bored at work…
I like to surf in various places on the internet, regularly I will go to Digg and follow thru…
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Links Trackback…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Superb website…
[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Sites we Like……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Tumblr article…
I saw someone talking about this on Tumblr and it linked to…
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article is some of the best available [...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Sites we Like……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Websites you should visit…
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Digg this…
While checking out DIGG yesterday I noticed this…
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Trackback Priority…
Someone essentially help to make critically posts I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this actual publish incredible. Magnificent activity!…
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Comment…
I want to make use of some of the content material on my blog. Naturally I’ll give you a hyperlink on my net blog. Thanks for sharing….
Dreary Day…
It was a dreary day here today, so I just took to piddeling around on the internet and realized…
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Sites we Like……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Its hard to find good help…
I am forever saying that its difficult to get quality help, but here is…
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
If you’re not able to cover the payments associated with your payday installment loans online then you are most likely going to be charged a late fee for each payment that you miss…
[...]Of course you are going to want to know what it is going to cost you to get the online cash advances[...]…
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Comment…
I am often blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information….
Comment…
very good post, i certainly love this website, keep on it…
Comment…
One of my favorite posts….
Comment…
I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!…
Comment…
I really like that. You touched my heart!…
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Yahoo results…
While browsing Yahoo I found this page in the results and I didn’t think it fit…
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Comment…
I was very pleased to find this website. I wanted to thank you for your time for this wonderful post!! I definitely enjoy reading it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post….
Comment…
Oh my goodness! an amazing article. Thank you!…
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Comment…
This really answered my problem, thank you!…
Comment…
I like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon….
Comment…
An fascinating dialogue is worth a comment. I feel that you must write extra on this topic, it may not be a taboo topic however generally individuals are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers…
Comment…
Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon….
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
Wikia…
Wika linked to this website…
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
[...]The amounts of money disbursed often range between one hundred to one thousand five hundred dollars[...]…
Defaulting on a payday loan will invite more undesirable consequences and financial difficulties for you…
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
Recommended websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Dreary Day…
It was a dreary day here yesterday, so I just took to piddeling around on the internet and realized…
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Whenever Going to Nanjing China……
Tips – Having outstanding Nanjing Massage treatment plans if you are travelling inside Nanjing China…
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
While you are Heading to Beijing China……
Tips – Choosing really good Beijing Massage treatment plans while you’re going inside Beijing China…
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Trackback Link…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
When ever Going to Shanghai China……
Helpful hints – Finding great Shanghai Massage solutions when you are travelling in Shanghai China…
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Gems from the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
The following is a message…
I savour, cause I found exactly what I used to be having a look forYou have ended my day long hunt! God Bless you manHave a great dayBye…
Sites we Like……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Digg this…
While checking out DIGG today I found this…
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Superb website…
[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……