Description
The promoter works with paediatric services in several hospitals, bringing joy to hospitalized children. With this project, it will reshape its organizational structure and improve its financial sustainability. Another important capacity-building feature of the project shall be the sharing of international experiences, namely at the artistic level. The project’s activities include training for leaders and employees, implementation of best practices regarding governance, definition of a strategy for the organization, preparations for attaining a quality certification, implementation of practices regarding communication and fundraising campaigns, and the creation of new artistic products of excellence, through the exchange of experiences with other organizations. The promoter also intends to strengthen its financial sustainability through the diversification of its revenue sources.
Summary of project results
Nariz Vermelho is a NGO dealing with sick children (NGO doctor clowns visit annually 40 000 children in hospitals across Portugal) and is experiencing two major changes: new executive bodies and a sharp reduction of funding from donor companies. These changes obliged the institution to rethink its position in the social sphere, to search tools to ensure sustainability and to integrate new staff and leaders. There was a clear need to revise the vision and mission of the NGO, to strengthen the team cohesion and to seek new sources of funding. The project included a number of activities: training of 58 staff, leaders and volunteers, not only on communication and fundraising but also on arts (for new clowns). The NGO could make a strategic reflection internally and with stakeholders, analyse together new ways to raise funds and attract new donors, set a communication strategy (and prepare tools for that such as the production of a new book for higher visibility, online fundraising and direct marketing), create new artistic products, and enlarge its international network by becoming member of the European Federation of the Hospital Clown Organisations (EFHCO). The project has financed as well exchange of good practices and meetings with similar organisations in other countries, both in Europe and in America, as well as participation in thematic seminars like the International Fundraising Congress and the Exchange Meeting Fundraisers. By the end of the project the promoter NGO and its partner have diversified the services provided, report the implementation of good governance practices and consult regularly with their stakeholders and beneficiaries about their activities.
Summary of bilateral results