More information
Description
The “Qualis - Quality Seal for NGOs” project aims to develop a quality seal for the management of non-governmental organizations (Qualis Seal), that can serve as an instrument of qualification and recognition/appreciation of awarded NGOs, train 10 NGOs in the themes of the Qualis Seal criteria and encourage the approximation of NGOs to donor companies so that they know and recognise the Qualis Seal as an instrument of partnership with NGOs.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to enhance the sustainability of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) by developing the Qualis Seal, a quality management certification. This seal served as both a capacity-building tool and a recognition instrument for participating NGOs. Over 14 months, the project sought to equip NGOs with skills aligned with the Qualis Seal criteria, including transparency, financial management, communication, human resources management, monitoring, and evaluation. Additionally, the initiative aimed to strengthen relationships between NGOs and funding companies, encouraging these entities to recognize the Qualis Seal as a valuable partnership tool.
The project''s activities encompassed four main phases: Review and Adaptation, Implementation, Dissemination, and Monitoring and Evaluation. It began with reviewing the methodology for awarding the Qualis Seal. Based on questionnaires, focus groups from the pilot project, document analysis, and meetings, the Qualis Seal criteria were redefined and sent for validation to participating organizations, project partners, and companies.
Dissemination efforts started early, ensuring the recruitment of 10 participating organizations, while the partner promoted the project to companies. Following the review phase, the implementation phase began with pre-registration, selection, and registration of participants, along with clarification sessions. Organizations were then analyzed against the Qualis Seal criteria using evaluation tools such as interviews, document analysis, and questionnaires for staff, recipients, and partners.
During the capacity-building phase, three workshops were conducted on Human Resources, Communication, and Monitoring and Evaluation, along with two additional workshops on Basic Documents and Basic Accounting for Associations. Individualized mentoring sessions were also initiated, creating document templates to assist in customizing their own procedures. Afterward, the documents were submitted for final analysis by the Evaluation Committee. The final event featured a roundtable discussion and the awarding of Qualis Seals or participation certificates.
Throughout the project, two networking events between organizations and companies were promoted. Continuous dissemination efforts included a communication plan, project branding, and regular updates via social media and a monthly newsletter. Participation in two special events allowed for presenting Qualis to various companies, and eight individual meetings with companies were held to further introduce the project. A final video was produced for project dissemination.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 18 professional staff trained;
- 2 partnerships between NGOs or with public/private entities supported;
- 4 initiatives implemented through partnerships between NGOs or with public/private entities;
- 9 NGOs with effective management procedures.